For 2012, Chevrolet's Cruze gets only minor updates.
The Cruze shares its attractive styling cues with other Chevy offerings, notably the Malibu. The distinctive split front grille is found on other new cars in the company portfolio.
Available only as a 4-door sedan, the Cruze comes in four trim levels: LS, Eco, LT and LTZ. The LS is powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing, which produces 136 hp at 6,300 rpm. The unit is mated to standard 6-speed manual transmission, though a 6-speed automatic is available. Cars outfitted in LT, Eco or LTZ trim utilize a 138-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, paired with the 6-speed automatic. The direct-injection engine delivers 148 ft-lb of torque at 1,850 rpm, and Chevrolet says it can deliver 38 mpg on the highway. The Eco version is similar to the LT, but with more aerodynamic body panels to help increase fuel economy. It also features low rolling resistance tires, lightweight wheels, and a smaller fuel tank. It's rated at 42 mpg highway.
The LS is very much an economy model, and standard features include steel wheels, manual mirrors, an AM/FM/CD 6-speaker stereo with MP3 playback and an auxiliary jack, XM satellite radio, cloth seating and a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. Air conditioning, power locks and windows and remote keyless entry are all standard on the LS as well.
The LT is split into two sub-trims: 1LT and 2LT. In addition to the turbo engine and auto gearbox, 16-inch steel wheels come standard, as do silver interior accents, remote start, a leather-clad steering wheel and power mirrors.
Stepping up to the LTZ adds niceties like a rear parking aid, power-adjustable driver's seat, leather seating, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, electrochromic rearview mirror, heated side mirrors, climate control, a sport suspension, alloy wheels and performance tires.
Available options for the Cruze include touchscreen navigation with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, 9-speaker Pioneer stereo, heated leather seats, push-button start and fog lamps.
Standard safety items include stability control, antilock brakes, and a host of front, side, and knee airbags. Government crash test ratings have given the Cruze a 5-star rating for overall performance and for both front and side impact testing.
Attractive, Edgy Styling
Competent, Well-handling Chassis
Efficient Turbocharged Power
Quality Interior Materials
Quiet Cabin
Following its introduction in 2011, the Cruze continues largely unchanged for 2012. Several new colors are available, and a touchscreen navigation system has been added. In addition, push-button start with keyless entry is now available. Mileage ratings have been improved for 2012 as well, with the Cruze LT and LTZ now rated at 38 mpg highway.
The compact sedan segment is a crowded one, and Chevrolet is refining its game with the 2012 Cruze. Cabin noise is mostly absent, thanks to triple-seal doors, a laminated windshield, and hydraulic engine mounts. And with an available 138-hp turbocharged engine with direct injection, it's possible to achieve excellent fuel economy with a sporty feel. Riding on a proven global platform, the Cruze takes the fight directly to the competition-- the Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Sentra.
