And they make a diesel version as well.
The Chevy Cruze is a hatchback now. That means a potential improvement in practicality—though it was already a very practical vehicle. You can think of it as a new competitor to the Ford Focus. Our test car came with the "Premier 1SF" package. That made this a top-of-the-line example for the 2017 Cruze, adding features like a remote-start system, heated leather seats and a Bose audio system.
Chevy says they've trimmed its weight by about 200 pounds compared to the last generation, too. That should help with efficiency—Chevy lists the Cruze capable of achieving 37 mpg on the highway.
It's powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that can make 153 horsepower.
I didn't mind the Cruze at all–for a small, cheap car, it was well-appointed, drove quite nicely, and looked pretty nice. Then I looked at the window sticker–nearly $30k! Sorry, but that really isn't enough for a sedan that's had the roof massaged slightly to fit approximately one standing dog (seriously, the back wasn't that big). I shouldn't have to pay $30,000 for a decent radio and an interior that's acceptable, but somehow you will on the Chevy Cruze.
What would I buy instead? Easy: A normal Chevy Cruze. They depreciate quite quickly, and one a few years old can be had for about half of this one's $30,000 sticker price. If I had to buy a hatchback, I'd shop the Hyundai Elantra first, followed by the Golf if I had to have a nicer interior. If I really wanted to spend $30,000, I'd buy a Focus ST and not look back.
All in all, the Cruze seemed like a really nice $24,000 car.
We drove this car from our office in Daytona Beach, Florida, to Road Atlanta and back and had no complaints—except maybe that it could use a little more power. It drives well on the highway and in town while delivering good fuel economy.
The interior is nicely appointed and the stereo is good, but is it worth $30,000? Echoing Tom's sentiments, the Cruze does nothing wrong. In fact, it's exactly what Chevy bills it as: An alternative to their best selling car (the Cruze sedan) for those who need more cargo space.
The Cruze hatchback starts at around $24,000. So if you're willing to go without the numerous options, it actually looks like a pretty great value.
And they make a diesel version as well.
Drove the midrange trim of one just like that - it was even a similar color. Overall it seemed like a nice small-midsize car for somebody who needed something like that. It was certainly way nicer in all ways than a comparably-priced Toyota.
That looks nice. I'm amazed that GM is building something I might consider buying (besides the Corvette). Now if they just made a version comparable to the Focus ST.
They're supposed to be pretty decent cars, and my buddy says his handles. We test drove them and the LTZ was nice, but it did nothing for either of us. That, and it makes 138 hp. That's ridiculous for 2017.
I love my 2015 but I wish it came in the hatchback then.
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