Chevrolet Cruze: Shouldn’t the new model be already here?

There is a thing called flogging the dead horse. It means continuing with a product or relationship that is long past the expiry time. Chevrolet currently is doing the same with its Cruze. The C-segment entry sedan has been around for nearly 10 years without any major changes. Globally an all-new Cruze introduced a couple of years ago. Given the progress at which us Filipinos get new products, it is but fair that the new 2018 Chevrolet Cruze isn’t here yet. However, as they say, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. A few days ago, there were a couple of sightings of the new Cruze. These, they say, were heading to a dealership for display purpose. No smoke without fire, eh? The launch is supposed to be happening in a month or two.

Here are few reasons why we believe Chevrolet PH should have got the model already on sale than dilly-dallying.

Dynamic looks

The current Chevrolet Cruze is one good looking car. Even after 10 years, it does command attention. The good news is that the upcoming model is an even better looker. Starting with the face, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has a dual port grille flanked by sweptback headlamps. On top-spec models, there are LED projectors as well as LED elements along with LED DRLs. Needless to say, the design is inspired by other Chevys in the lineup. Overall, the car looks more sleek and aerodynamic. Speaking of which, Chevrolet says that the drag coefficient of the car is 0.29. If you look at the side profile, it will appear to be more coupe-like with aesthetically designed 17-inch alloy wheels. Adding to the overall aerodynamics is the boot lid integrated spoiler.

Compared to the outgoing car, the new Cruze is longer and at the same time, lower as well. While we understand that most of the new cars have actually become larger when a generation change happens, the ground-hugging tendency is to improve the aero. The cabin continues with the dual-cockpit theme. However, the plastics, as well as the overall upholstery, gets soft-touch surfaces. The 8.0-inch MyLink screen gets a color configuration and is Apple as well as Android compatible. Navigation, as well as 4G LTE, are part of the standard fare. Abroad, there is also the option for heated seats though we think it will be given a miss here. Chevrolet also has a powered seat option for the driver. Space all around has said to be improved, however, this is something we can verify once the car is here for a test.

We all know that the current generation car is a bit low on headroom at the back and for the taller people, even the leg room is insufficient. It is likely that with the introduction of the new car, more chauffeur driven customers would start buying the Cruze.

Revised internals

The big change is the downsized engine. There is a new 1.4-litre Ecotec petrol unit that pumps out 155 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. This engine is a turbo unit and is mated to a 6-speed automatic. The new Chevrolet Cruze has also shed weight, 113 kg to be exact. This and the faster spinning motor ensure that the Cruze posts times of 8 seconds to 100 kmph. It will be more fuel efficient than the older Cruze too.

Cruze competition

The Chevrolet Cruze 2018 will come in a segment which has got names like the Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, the Mazda 6 as well as the Toyota Corolla Altis. Currently, the Cruze is an affordable option over all these cars and hence sells in decent numbers. It is likely that the top-selling Corolla Altis may have some real competition now to deal with in the new Cruze. The Toyota Corolla Altis sells in huge numbers primarily due to the badge as well as its reliability quotient. If you look at the Elantra, it offers performance as well as class-leading features. Speaking of features, the Mazda 6 offers head-up display and more. Both the Germans, the Octavia and Jetta are performance oriented vehicles that also do the comfort part nicely.

Is Chevrolet late to the party?

Yes, indeed. They should have got the new Cruze here within a year of global launch. However, we understand that the company has been going through some tough times. It has had to shut shop in some parts of Asia and has had a turmoil with the emissions scam too. However, now that the new Cruze is almost here, we believe it should do decent numbers and in fact surpass the sales figures of the current car.