2018 Chevrolet Cruze and Malibu arrives in the Philippines

MANILA: Sometime around in last week of February, we heard about the expected arrival of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. Things were not clear back then as Chevrolet didn’t confirm the news nor it made any official announcement. However, if recent reports and Facebook posts from Chevrolet Greenhill's dealership are to be considered, it looks like Chevrolet Philippines has started receiving units of the new Cruze. The good news doesn't end here as accompanying it is the next-generation Malibu.

You can check it for yourself, the said facebook post welcomes the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Malibu saying that ‘The long wait is over’. Also, Chevrolet Greenhills EDSA, for now, is the only dealership where buyers can go and check out the new cars. And, as an added benefit, the dealership is running a Php 50,000 cash discount on both 2018 Cruze and Malibu reservation until 30th March.

The new Cruze is available in both hatchback and sedan body style globally. As for now, Chevrolet brings in the sedan form and maybe in near future we receive the hatch sibling as well. Talking about what we have at the moment, the Cruze sedan appears relatively new compared to the ongoing model.

Few noticeable design changes come in the form of a new dual-port grille design, redesigned headlamps with LED inclusions, stylish fog lamp casing, and bold character lines on the bonnet. The rear too benefits from the revised design language and features a sculpted trunk lid, new taillights, and an aggressive bumper.

On the inside, the 2018 Cruze looks somewhat similar to the D-segment sedan, the Malibu. Thanks to the improved dimensions, passengers will now be able to set more comfortably as the sedan now offers more leg and knee room. On the tech and connectivity front, Chevrolet has enabled the car with features like 3-spoke steering wheel with audio and utility controls, MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control system, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi navigation system.

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in two variants - the standard LT and loaded LTZ. Both the trims are powered by an all-new 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that’s developed in partnership with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation and MG. The said mill is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers a maximum power output of 154 PS along with a peak torque of 240 Nm.

All-new Chevrolet Malibu, on the other hand, is powered by a 251 PS producing 2.0-litre turbocharged mill. Though not much is know about this new Chevrolet D-segment inclusion, we are sure about its Camaro-inspired styling and attractive cabin options.

Below is the list of available 2018 Chevrolet Cruze and 2018 Malibu variants with respective prices -

Chevrolet Cruze LT - Php 1,135,888
Chevrolet Cruze LTZ - Php 1,443,888
Chevrolet Malibu - Php 2,131,888