General Motors South Africa (GMSA) has included a stylish hatchback offering to its well established and revised five-model sedan Cruze Range in South Africa for the 2013 model year. The new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback is offered with either a 1.6-litre or 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Both models are offered in Chevrolet’s comprehensive LS trim level.

New Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback worth a look

Engine Capability

The new Chevrolet Cruze hatch range features all-aluminium engines and both are twin-cam 16-valve units with variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust systems.

The 1.6-litre engine offers 91kW at 6000rpm with a maximum torque figure of 155Nm at 4000rpm. The 1.6-litre Cruze will accelerate to 100km/h in 12.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 190km/h. Fuel consumption for this model is rated at 6.7-litres/100km with a corresponding CO2 emissions figure of 157g/km.

The 1.8-litre Cruze offers 104kW at 6200rpm with a maximum torque figure of 176Nm available at 3800rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h is achieved in 11.0 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h. Fuel consumption for the 1.8-litre Cruze hatchback is rated at 6.7-litres/100km with a CO2 emissions figure of 157g/km. Both variants are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

?Exterior Styling??

The new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback draws inspiration from the Cruze sedan and incorporates style and versatility. Like the sedan, the Cruze hatchback has an arching roofline that extends from a steeply raked windshield to the sloped rear-end. Short front and rear overhangs emphasise the Cruze’s solid appearance.

The front-end features Chevrolet’s signature dual-aperture grille which is accented by distinctive headlight clusters with ‘jewel-effect’ detailing. The flush mounted rear-light clusters are moulded into circular shapes that represent the traditional Chevrolet ‘twin-light’ styling motif.

Interior Styling

The new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback’s cabin is designed to seat five people with excellent leg, head and shoulder room. The Cruze hatch features greater rear headroom when compared to the sedan. The luggage compartment offers 413-litres of space which is extended to 883-litres when folding down the 60/40 split rear bench.

The ‘twin cockpit’ layout is designed to create a sense of unity between the driver and the car. Trim inserts on the dashboard are complemented by matching inserts in the seat trim and door panels. The Cruze hatchback features a neatly integrated centre console which incorporates the infotainment and air-conditioning controls as well as the displays. The analogue dials are backlit with white and ice blue LED’s for clarity.

The seats are constructed from wire mesh and are firm, offering deep bolstering both in the front and rear. The upholstery employs French seam stitching that offers durability and the seat adjustments offer the longest setting in the compact C segment. Manual air-conditioning is standard while dual-zone automatic climate control is available as an option.

A radio/CD with RDS is fitted as standard and the infotainment system is MP3 compatible with an auxiliary input for an iPod or MP3 player. An onboard computer is also included.

Safety Features

Like the sedan, the Cruze hatchback features a stiff body structure that provides safety for occupants in the event of a crash. More than this, the body structure reduces Noise and Vibration Harshness (NVH). Three point seat belts are provided for all five passengers with ISOFIX mountings offered on the outer two rear seats. Airbag protection includes front and seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. A collapsible pedal assembly further protects the driver’s feet in the event of a severe impact.

Active safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BAS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control.

New Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback – Price

The new Chevrolet Cruze hatch is covered by a 5 year/120 000 km warranty with Roadside Assistance for the full warranty period. Anti-corrosion warranty protection is for 5 years/unlimited kilometres. Service intervals are 12 months/15 000 kilometres. A 3 year/60 000 km Service Plan is included in the price.