A kit of alright

Chevy’s Cruze range of four petrol-powered four-door sedans in the “C” section of the South African passenger car market has just been swelled by the introduction of a fifth and top-of-the-line model, the 2,0-litre turbodiesel LT derivative.

This is a model that undoubtedly makes lots of sense to an awful lot of buyers — here and overseas — because as we all know diesel rules, OK! Seriously, the 110kW/320Nm motor fitted to the Cruze by General Motors* is a real beaut, it’s quiet, powerful and ultra-frugal, while making the planet a better place to be.

The Cruze, a medium-sized vehicle, seems to be attracting strong sales around the country — they can’t all be rentals that I see on the roads around Cape Town! Priced at R266 400 puts the car in a very competitive light, methinks. (Price of the Cruze range starts from R184 000 for the 1,6-litre — but is probably a little underpowered for such a big-bodied vehicle.)

Specification levels are particularly strong in this flagship model boasting luxury touches such as full leather upholstery, satellite controls on the steering wheel, cruise control, a front-loading CD sound system and really useful park sensors in the rear bumper.

The LT turbodiesel model comes with 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/50R V-rated tyres, rain-sensing wipers and an auto lights-on function. ABS brakes are of course standard fare, along with about six airbags that are evenly spread throughout the car.

Grumbles I can count on one hand – two fingers actually: the fan for the climate control is placed too close to the driver’s left knee, and possibly more annoyingly is why Chev have deemed it necessary to wire in the car’s hooter when you secure the car in the street (or in your garage) for the night.

That said, Chev have a winner on their hands … don’t believe me, well the Cruze made it to the finals of the South African Car of the Year competition last year – probably missing out on the ultimate crown by a single point or two …

• Servicing is only required every 15 000 km, while a three-year/60K service plan and a five-year/120K warranty remain part and parcel of joining the Chev family.

* General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908.  With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 205,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 157 countries.  GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 31 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands:  Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, Daewoo, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling.  GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy.  GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services.  General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation.  More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.