Launched in 2012, the Cruze is the Chevrolet brand's most successful nameplate globally and has sold over 1.3 million units worldwide up to the first quarter of 2012. With the arrival of the much anticipated station wagon variant at dealer showrooms across Europe, Chevrolet will be offering a car that will particularly appeal to families and individuals with an active lifestyle.
"We believe 'Cruze + wagon' is a winning formula for European drivers," said Susan Docherty, President and Managing Director of Chevrolet Europe. "The new Cruze station wagon offers space and versatility, fuel-efficient new engines and Chevrolet's cutting-edge MyLink infotainment technology," Docherty said.
Compact cars represent the largest segment in Europe, accounting for about 17 percent of all vehicles sold, of which station wagons in turn constitute a share of around 22 percent. Buyers of station wagons appreciate the extra amounts of space in their cars yet desire the vehicle's size, performance and overall feel to be comparable to that of a compact hatchback or sedan.
The Chevrolet Cruze station wagon has been designed with these needs and customers' diverse lifestyles in mind. Its particular blend of features make it an ideal family hauler and vehicle for sports excursions or extended holiday trips. The new station wagon is equally suited to the requirements of the suburban commuter who will enjoy the freedom and flexibility the stylish compact car will bring to his life. For outdoor enthusiasts, Chevrolet will be offering a range of useful accessories.
The Cruze otherwise feels more mature, more like a mid-sizer, and that's a good thing if this sedan is going to pinch-hit as a family vehicle. Its isolated cabin and absorbent ride will please most day-to-day users. It's one of the quietest vehicles in its class, damping out road and wind noise and soaking up major road shocks and potholes well—even if its ride is on the taut side. Seating is a strong point; you'll find more front headroom than most vehicles in its class, and it's a great pick for taller drivers as there's so much rearward seat travel. Look to the backseat, and it's what reveals the Cruze as a compact; it's just a little too tight to fit three across.
The Cruze has in past model years been both an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick, as well as a federal five-star performer. We expect those excellent showings to carry over for 2013; but to complement that Chevy is introducing even more available safety equipment. A rear-vision camera system is now available as part of a Technology Package, and a new Enhanced Safety Package includes Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and rear park assist—all features that were the exclusive domain of luxury brands up until a few model years ago.
Chevrolet MyLink, which gives you voice-command access and touch-screen control of connected smartphones—is now offered in the 2013 Cruze. In addition, Gracenote functionality grabs playlist and album-art information, and Pandora and Stitcher apps let you stream music while using your smartphone's data connection. MyLink is included on Cruze 2LT, Eco, and LTZ models, and optional on 1LT.source:autos.aol.com,netcarshow.com,thecarconnection.com
