The Chevrolet Cruze on sale in the Philippines has elevated Chevy to segment competitiveness alongside the likes of the Honda Civic and Mazda3. The chassis is particularly good; the 1.8-liter engine is adequate. What we are really missing is the 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four option engine.
The 1.4-liter turbo delivers 138 hp and 200 Nm, available from a low 1850 rpm. That small but powerful engine will be available in January 2011 (in the USA at least), helping to deliver 11.9 km/liter city and 17.85 km/liter (EPA rating) mileage figures in the manual-transmission Cruze Eco. Chevy is crowing that the highway figure beats the likes of the Honda Civic, and beats hybrid versions of larger cars like the Toyota Camry. Of course, hybrids deliver their best mileage not on the highway but in the city.
Aside from the engine, the key is the active aero bits, similar to the systems available from BMW. Louvers shut the grille at higher speeds, and open it at low speeds to optimize engine-cooling airflow. A lower front air dam extension, rear spoiler, lowered ride height and underbody panels help to efficiently direct airflow. Drag coefficient drops to a best-in-class 0.298. Goodyear tires with ultra-low rolling resistance mounted on lightweight wheels are pinched from the Chevy Volt.
Indeed, much of the technology comes from the development of the Volt, which shares the Cruze platform. The Cruze Eco also went on a “Biggest Loser” program, shedding 97 kg of mass. Wheels and tires, sheet metal, and even the welding were reengineered.
The best part is the non-hybrid like price, at $18,895 (about P830,000). The car goes on sale in the USA in January. With any luck, the Cruze Eco may also find its way here. It could be the breakout car that Chevrolet Philippines has been looking for.
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