ഷെവർലെറ്റ് ക്രൂയിസ് LTZ AT

Overview:

Chevrolet, the American auto maker has been trying to get the ball rolling for quite some time now, and to keep up with the ever changing market it has come up with its popular sedan Cruze's face lifted version. This flagship model has been critical to the success of the company for a long time. To dominate the luxury sedan market, this trim has been given a proper upgrade with several changes compared to its predecessor. So with all the exciting changes does this modern beast has what it takes to put Chevrolet on leader board again? We find out.

Pros:

1. Great Pick up and solid power.

2. Striking exteriors makes it a head turner.

Cons:

1. Mileage could have been better.

Stand Out Features:

1. Safety features are appreciable.

2. Houses powerful engine.

Overview:

Launched in 2009, Chevrolet Cruze has been doing great in the luxury car market. The firm has entered the market this year with face-lifted version of this model. The refreshed version of Cruze is dynamic to say the least. Assisted by a 2.0 liter VCDi (Variable geometry Common Rail Diesel Injection) engine, the machine is coupled with 6 speed automatic transmission mechanism. Design for new model is more emphasized on aerodynamic sculpture. It hosts features that make it unmatched with competitors and may turn leader among the segment models. With luxurious interiors, stylish design this machine stands as an exemplary example of extravagance. The revised version is incorporated with aspects like MyLink infotainment system, text to speech, automatic transmission, chrome radiator front grille, turn indicators on ORVMs, alloy wheels, improved safety, and others. It is further accompanied by technical aspects such as passive entry passive start, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and smart screen. With the face lifted trim, available at 17.81 lac price range, the firm is expecting to improve its market share.

Exterior:

In the latest version, exteriors witness major changes with trendy front fascia. The dual port front grille with horizontal chrome slats and golden Chevrolet badge in center is stunning. Dual bezel head designed projector beam head lamps and LED day time running lights are attached to produce a bold and sporty stance. The redesigned front rear bumpers are crash proof and come with honeycomb structured air ventilation structure. Fog lamps with C-shaped chrome surroundings are reworked. Covering the engine is a bonnet with sharp lines. The side profile is magnificent with chrome door handles, chrome garnish on window sill, character lines and alloy wheels. Rear profile hosts the aspects like body colored bumpers, split-tail lights, fog lamps, chrome trunk-lid garnish, chrome exhaust pipe finisher and others. Modified bumper covers the exhaust pipe to add refined looks. The top is decorated with new rear roof short antenna and tinted sun roof. Available in 6 color variables, its bumpers and OVRMs are finished in body color. Those tinted wind screens and mirrors all aid in enhancing the looks of the machine.

Interior:

This compact sedan hosts premium features to give a rich and lavish feel to the passangers. The premium black and titanium wrap around theme for interiors is mood lightning and looks cool. In the revised edition, it is incorporated with Chevrolet's MyLink infotainment system with 7.0 inch touch screen, blue-tooth streaming, stitcher Internet radio application, text to speech feature and SIRI Eyes Free compatibility and voice command recolonization. Dashboard is trendy and stylish with digital instrument cluster with illumination control and multiple controls. Three spoke leather steering with calling other multiple controls aid the driver to feel at utmost ease. To promote extra convenience, it houses front center arm rest with storage and sliding lid, rear seat arm rest with cup holders, front rear reading lamps, tropicalized electronic auto air conditioning system, integrated audio system with AUX USB ports, speakers, follow me head lamps, all power windows with express down function, dead pedal, adjustable head rests (front rear), sunglass holder, cigarette lighter, auto dimming rear view mirror and others. They are augmented by 6 way power adjustable driver seat, electronic trip computer, monotone jet black seats with titanium stitch highlights on leather upholstery, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) controls on dash board, rear view camera and electric sunroof.

Performance:

Chevrolet designs its engines with precision stiff body structure and advanced aerodynamics. The renowned machine is powered with the same old powerful turbo charged 2.0 liter VCDi Z-Family diesel engine with 1998 cc displacement capacity. The diesel mill can generate 166 bhp power at 3800 rpm and 360 Nm torque at 200 rpm. Cruze has been known to give high performance and it did not disappoint us again with this updated version as well. It comes with 4 cylinders and 16 valves, this motor works on DOHC (Dual Over-Head Camshaft) automation. Coupled with a 6 speed automatic gear transmission, this trim returns a mileage of 14.81 kmpl which could have been better in our opinion, nevertheless it makes up for this with its superior performance.

Ride Handling:

To promote enriched riding experience and optimal balance of comfort, it employs McPherson strut with linear cylindrical coil spring and tubular stabilizer suspension and Compound crack type with non linear, mini block coil spring twin tube gas filled type suspension system on front and rear axles respectively. Additionally, they are dressed with twin tube gas filled type shock absorbers to diminish irregularities. All this together make the ride stable and we felt that the machine is capable to handle all type of road anomalies thrown in its way. Alloy wheels with 205/60R16 size and disc brakes on both front and rear wheels are available. With improved aerodynamic performance, great sensitivity, superior handling, sharp steering and braking systems, the ride has just gone a level up.

Safety:

In terms of safety, the automatic luxury car is incorporated with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD, dual airbags, advanced security systems like anti theft alarm, engine immobilizer to avoid vehicle theft, programmable auto door locking, auto door unlock on crashes, impact proof bumpers, child seat provisions for child safety, rear glass defogger and others. In the reworked model, side airbags, front fog lamps with chrome surrounds, rear parking camera, 4 channel rear parking assist, electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirror), safety cage with reinforced tubular bars, front rear crumple zone are added to ensure maximum passenger protection.

Verdict:

Assisted by powerful engine in its range, the machine has just become that much better. Luxurious interiors, sporty design all aid in its richness and cool looks. Apart from the mileage part this machine doesn't have major cons. This trim with high safety and comforts features will be a force to reckon with for its competitors. If you are one of those who is looking for a luxury sedan with top class performance, rich interiors and prepared to shell out huge moolah then this is the car for you. But if you are one of those who would want to have a car at a decent price with superior mileage then its best to give this model a pass.