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 features two new small-displacement four-cylinder engines; a
140-hp 1.4-liter turbo, or a 138-hp naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter.
Depending on trim, a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed
automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. Available safety
features include ten airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control,
traction control and anti-theft alarm with engine immobilizer. The Cruze
can be equipped with features such as heated leather power seating,
sunroof, remote start, satellite radio, navigation system and automatic
climate control.
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
