| Manufacturer | General Motors |
|---|---|
| Also called | Daewoo Lacetti Premiere Holden Cruze |
| Production | 2008–present |
| Predecessor | Chevrolet Cobalt Daewoo Lacetti |
| Class | Compact |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
The Chevrolet Cruze is a General Motors (GM) automobile, spanning two unrelated models. The original iteration, a subcompact crossover SUV, was manufactured by Suzuki in Japan between 2001 and 2008 under joint venture with GM. Since 2008, the "Cruze" nameplate has referred to a globally developed, designed and manufactured four-door compact sedan, which was complemented by a five-door hatchback body variant in 2011.
Badged Holden Cruze in Australasia and Daewoo Lacetti Premiere (from 2008 to 2011) in South Korea, the new generation model does not serve as a replacement for its identically badged predecessor, but rather replaces the Chevrolet Cobalt and Daewoo Lacetti compact sedans. GM phased out production of the Chevrolet Cobalt and its badged engineered counterpart, the Pontiac G5 in 2010, on the introduction of the Chevrolet Cruze in North America.
Contents |
Announced as the Chevrolet YGM1 concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999, the original Cruze was derived from the subcompact Suzuki Ignis (known as the Suzuki Swift in Japan).[1][2] The development of the Cruze departed from the original five-door hatchback Suzuki as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), using either the front- or all-wheel drive layout.[3][4] Despite the Chevrolet branding, the YGM1, like the production car, was the work of GM's Australian arm, Holden.[5][6] Along with the styling, Holden also executed most of the engineering work and were responsible for devising the "Cruze" nameplate.[1]
GM revealed the production Chevrolet Cruze in October 2001, with Japanese sales commencing the following month.[4] Manufactured by Suzuki in Japan,[7] the Cruze was also sold in Australasia from 2002 through to 2006 as the Holden Cruze.[8] From 2003, Suzuki of Europe began manufacturing the Cruze as the Suzuki Ignis—representing a facelift of the original Ignis.[9]
| Also called | Daewoo Lacetti Premiere Holden Cruze |
|---|---|
| Production | 2008–present |
| Assembly | Australia: Elizabeth, South Australia Brazil: São Caetano do Sul, São Paulo China: Shenyang, Liaoning India: Halol, Gujarat Kazakhstan: Ust-Kamenogorsk Russia: Saint Petersburg Vietnam: Hanoi South Korea: Gunsan, Jeonbuk Thailand: Rayong United States: Lordstown, Ohio Venezuela: Valencia, Carabobo |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback |
| Platform | GM Delta II platform |
| Engine | 1.4 L Ecotec I4 (t/c gasoline) 1.6 L Ecotec I4 (gasoline) 1.8 L Ecotec I4 (gasoline) 2.0 L VCDi I4 (t/c diesel) |
| Wheelbase | 2,685 mm (105.7 in) |
| Length | 4,597 mm (181.0 in) |
| Width | 1,788 mm (70.4 in) |
| Height | 1,477 mm (58.1 in) |
GM in 2008 introduced the Cruze compact car, carrying the "J300" internal designation.[10] This J300 iteration serves as a replacement for the Chevrolet Cobalt and Daewoo Lacetti—both unrelated cars. The first renderings of the Cruze were revealed by GM at a press conference on July 15, 2008,[11] with the first official images released on August 21, 2008.[12]
Cruze production sites include Gunsan, Jeonbuk, South Korea;[13], Saint Petersburg, Russia;[14] Shenyang, China;[15] and Halol, India;[16] Hanoi, Vietnam since April 2010 in complete knock-down (CKD) form,[17][18] Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan from May 2010;[19] Rayong, Thailand after December 2010,[20], Valencia, Venezuela, and São Caetano do Sul, Brazil from 2011.[21] Holden's localized hatchback version of the Cruze to be built at the Elizabeth, South Australia factory from late 2011 will join the Cruze sedan manufactured there since March 2011.[22] GM in the United States has upgraded the existing plant in Lordstown, Ohio to manufacture the Cruze, investing more than US$350 million.[23] At the ceremony of the start of production of Cruze at Ohio, Mark Reuss, the president of GM’s North American operations said, "This is everything for us". It is described as GM’s most significant new vehicle introduction into North America since the Chapter 11 reorganization in 2009, and is GM's latest attempt to build a small size car that North American consumers would "buy because they like it — not simply because it is cheap".[24]
Underpinned by the front-wheel drive GM Delta II platform, GM has confirmed the Cruze development program occurred under a global design and engineering team.[25] Most of the design work was conducted by GM Daewoo (now GM Korea), with GM's Opel division responsible for most of the engineering.[25][26] This development program spanned over 27 months at a cost of US$4 billion. A total of 221 prototypes were tested in Australia, Canada, China, South Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.[27]
According to GM, the Cruze's body structure is 65 percent high-strength steel.[28] MacPherson struts are utilized in the front suspension with a solid torsion beam axle for the rear, avoiding the cost and complexity needed for a modern multi-link independent rear suspension used by some more expensive rivals.[27][29]
Hydraulically-assisted (electric for North American market) rack and pinion steering gives for a 10.9-meter (36 ft) turning circle. Braking-wise, ventilated front, and solid rear disc brakes are employed, both using piston steel calipers.[27] To counteract noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers have designed the Cruze with an isolated four-point engine mount and implemented sound damping material in areas including the front-of-dashboard panel, luggage compartment, decklid internals, doors, carpet and headlining. Further noise suppression through the use of a triple-layer sealing system in the doors has also been employed.[27]
A five-door Cruze hatchback was unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show on October 1, 2010. The Cruze hatchback is currently slated to be released for Europe in mid-2011.[30][31] Holden in Australia were responsible for the design and development of the hatchback body variant.[32]
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) announced in May 2009 that it has awarded the Cruze a full five stars in their independent crash safety test, with 35.04 out of a possible 37 points.[33] The following July, the China New Car Assessment Program (C-NCAP) awarded the Cruze a maximum five stars in their independent crash safety test. The Cruze SE 1.6-liter tested scored a maximum of 16 points in side-impact collision, 14.44 in front-end collision, and 15.73 in the 40 percent frontal offset collision.[34] Euro NCAP released its rating in November, with the Chevrolet Cruze again receiving the full five-star grading. While the Cruze scored 96 percent for adult protection, and 84 percent for child occupant protection, Euro NCAP's figure for pedestrian protection is quoted at significantly lower 34 percent.[35] In December 2009, the South Korean-specification Cruze—the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere—received the top rating of five stars from the Korean New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP). According to KNCAP, the Lacetti Premiere received the five-star rating in the frontal, offset frontal, side, and whiplash tests.[36]
In the United States, the Cruze received the highest possible ratings of "good" in front, side, rear and rollover crash protection tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which has recognized the Cruze as a 2011 Top Safety Pick.[37] Moreover, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Cruze its highest five-star rating for safety. The score is broken down into maximum five-star results for frontal impact (driver and passenger), side impact (driver and passenger), and for the side pole test (driver). The NHTSA certified the Cruze's rollover rating at four out of five stars.[38]
Engines fitted to the Cruze are the 1.6-liter Family 1 inline-four, a 1.8-liter version of the same, and a 2.0-liter VM Motori VCDi turbocharged common rail diesel.[39] All three engines are coupled to a five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission featuring Active Select.[40][41] When the Cruze launched in the United States in 2010, a new 1.4-liter Family 0 turbocharged gasoline engine was introduced.[42][43] North American models fitted with the 1.8-liter gasoline engine have also been upgraded to a standard six-speed manual.[42]
| Gasoline | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Years |
| 1.4 L (1,364 cc) Ecotec I4 (t/c) | 103 kW (138 hp) | 200 N·m (148 lb·ft) (AU/EU) | 2010– | |
| 201 N·m (148 lb·ft) (NA) | 2010– | |||
| 1.6 L (1,598 cc) Ecotec I4 | 83 kW (111 hp) | 153 N·m (113 lb·ft) | 2008– | |
| 1.8 L (1,796 cc) Ecotec I4 | 104 kW (139 hp) (AU/EU) | 176 N·m (130 lb·ft) (AU/EU) | 2008– | |
| 101 kW (136 hp) (NA) | 167 N·m (123 lb·ft) (NA) | 2010– | ||
| Diesel | ||||
| 2.0 L (1,991 cc) VCDi I4 (t/c) | 110 kW (148 hp) (2009) | 320 N·m (236 lb·ft) (2009) | 2008–2011 | |
| 120 kW (161 hp) (2011) | 360 N·m (266 lb·ft) (2011) | 2011– |
Africa: The Chevrolet Cruze was launched in the Egyptian market during mid-2009.[44] South African sales of the Cruze commenced in September 2009.[45]
Asia: The Chevrolet Cruze was launched in the Chinese market on April 18, 2009.[46] Manufactured at GM India's Halol factory,[16] the Chevrolet Cruze was released in India on 12 October 2009.[47] It is offered in only two versions: LT and LTZ in diesel form only (VCDi).[48] During the course of 2009, there were reports that the Cruze was to become available in Malaysia with the 1.6 and a 1.8-liter engines.[49] The Naza automotive group in Malaysia has announced that it's expecting to launch the Cruze in the Malaysian market for the first time in the second quarter of 2010 and they are expecting to sell 1,200 to 1,500 units in 2010.[50]
Europe: 1.6 and 1.8-liter petrol and 2.0-liter diesel engines are currently offered in the European-specification Cruzes. Exports from the South Korean factory began on February 24, 2009.[51]
North America: Mexico became the first North American country to receive the car, going on sale as a 2010 model in late 2009. Imported from South Korea, the Cruze in Mexico replaces both the Astra (last sold in 2008) and Optra as the compact offering there.[52][53]
The U.S. version of the Chevrolet Cruze entered limited production at Lordstown, Ohio, in July 2010 as a 2011 model, replacing the Chevrolet Cobalt.[54] Full production began September 8, 2010.[55] For the American and Canadian market, the Cruze utilizes a more advanced Watts Z-link rear suspension from the Opel Astra (J).[56] Offered in LS, LT, LTZ, and Eco trim lines,[57] both the 1.8-liter and the turbocharged 1.4-liter engines are offered, coupled with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.[57] With a starting price slightly higher than most compact competitors, the base model Cruze LS is equipped with the 1.8-liter gasoline engine and comes with air-conditioning and power locks, the higher-level LT and LTZ models is fitted with the 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine.[24][58] For the Eco model, aerodynamic improvements have been made such as an electronically controlled air shutter that adjusts air flow to the engine depending on the temperature, wind speed and tow weight.[59] To save weight, Chevrolet replaces the space saving spare tire and jack on the Eco model with a tire inflator kit, reducing weight by 12 kilograms (26 lb).[60] While the current Cruze is only available with gasoline-powered engines in North America, GM announced that the Cruze will be available with the 2.0-liter VCDi diesel engine for the 2013 or 2014 model year.[61]
Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability control and ten airbags, including side rear-seat and front knee airbags not fitted on models produced in the original South Korea facility.[62] The Cobalt's badge engineered twin, the Pontiac G5, has not been replaced by a Cruze-based equivalent, due to the Pontiac brand being phased out during 2010.[63] The Cruze is built on the production lines that were used to build the Cobalt and Pontiac G5 in Lordstown, Ohio.[64] Cobalt production ended in June 2010 and the Cruze started production in July 2010. GM has allocated three shifts to produce the Cruze and it arrived to dealers in September 2010, giving all dealers time to deplete their inventories of Cobalts.[65]
GM announced in April 2011 that 2,100 North American-market Cruze models will be recalled following a report of the steering wheel breaking away from the steering column during motion.[66] According to Consumer Reports, during its first year, the Cruze scored the lowest in reliability among compact sedans.[67]
South America: the Chevrolet Cruze was launched in the Brazilian market market in September 2011 using Holden-based components and engine. Also, the highest trim version of the Brazilian Cruze is manufactured in Australia.
South Korean-market versions of the Cruze entered production there in 2008 as the "Daewoo Lacetti Premiere".[10] The Lacetti debuted on October 30, 2008, featuring the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine.[68] On January 30, 2009, GM Daewoo introduced the turbodiesel engine variant.[69] Inline with the February 2011 renaming of "GM Daewoo" to "GM Korea", the Lacetti Premiere, adopted the international "Chevrolet Cruze" name from March 2, 2011.[70][71]
The Australian arm of GM, Holden, announced at the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 27, 2009 that sales of the South Korean-produced Cruze would begin under the Holden brand.[72] Replacing the Holden Viva, the Cruze reached dealerships on June 1.[73] The Cruze also became the replacement for the Holden Astra, dropped from the Holden lineup the following August.[74][75]
Given the model designation JG, the Holden Cruze was launched with the 1.8-liter petrol engine and optional 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Both engines are mated to the five-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Electronic stability control (ESC), seat belt pretensioners and six airbags were standard fitment across the range.[28] Specification-wise, the "CD" opened up the range, finished off with a more upmarket "CDX". The "CD" equipment list comprised 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, power windows and automatic headlamps.[76] "CDX" versions add 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and upholstery, heated front seats and rear parking sensors.[77] Initially a petrol-only model, diesel availability was expanded to the "CDX" trim in early 2010.[78][79]
On March 18, 2010, Holden issued a recall for 9,098 petrol-engined 2010 model year Cruzes in Australia and a further 485 in New Zealand over a faulty fuel hose. According to Holden, some hoses on 1.8-liter cars had developed a leakage, although no accidents or injuries had been reported prior to the recall.[80] The recall followed a stop-delivery notice issued by Holden to its dealers on March 3 while the automaker conducted an investigation into the matter.[81]
Holden announced on December 22, 2008 that its Elizabeth, South Australia production line would be split to commence local production of the Cruze sedan and the Australian-developed hatchback.[82] Production was originally scheduled to start by September 2010.[83] However, it was confirmed in January 2010 that production would in fact begin in March 2011.[84] The announcement to assemble the car came as a response to the slowing sales of the larger, locally produced Holden Commodore range.[82] The Australian Government committed A$149 million to the program from its $6.2 billion Green Car Innovation Fund, with a further $30 million given by the State Government of South Australia.[82] GM Holden matched both amounts, but the then chairman and managing director Mark Reuss would not reveal Holden's total investment.[82] Reuss announced his firm would be considering the utilization of liquid petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), ethanol (E85) flexible-fuel and petrol/electric hybrid start-stop system powertrain technologies.[82][85] These technologies, if materialized, would supplement the four-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrain offerings already confirmed by Holden at the time of the announcement.[86]
At a media event on February 28, 2011, Holden unveiled the Australian assembled Cruze sedan in facelifted "Series II" guise,[87] otherwise known as the JH series.[88] Prime Minister Julia Gillard attended the February launch to drive the first example off Holden's production line before full-scale production commenced in March.[22] Holden has confirmed an initial local content level of between 40 to 50 percent if assessed by retail value, with an aim of increasing Cruze localization over time.[89][90] Series II styling revisions to the grille, lower air intake, and bumper have softened the front-end to bear a closer resemblance to Holden's larger VE II Commodore.[87] Further differentiation from the original has been achieved via the fitment of amber front indicator lights, jewelled bezel headlamps, remodelled wheel trims, and through adjustments to the lower portion of the rear bumper.[87][91] Carrying over largely unchanged is the 1.8-liter petrol inline-four, tweaked to yield slight enhancements in drivability.[92] When automatic transmission is specified, the 1.8-liter is now teamed with GM's six-speed 6T30 unit, lighter and more compact than the previous 6T40.[88] Diesel remains optional for "CD" and "CDX" specifications over the standard 1.8-liter petrol.[92] Alterations to the 2.0-liter turbodiesel have resulted in an additional 10 kilowatts (13 hp) and 40 newton metres (30 lb·ft) and a slight reduction in fuel consumption for the manual variant, now a six-speed unit.[91] However, the headline change is the release of the turbocharged 1.4-liter engine, dubbed iTi by Holden for intelligent turbo induction.[91] The inclusion of the 1.4 also brings an upgrade to electric (as opposed to hydraulic) power steering and affixes a Watt's linkage to the torsion beam rear suspension.[22] Linked with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the 1.4 is fitted as standard to the new "SRi" and "SRi-V" sports-oriented trims, but is available at extra cost on the base "CD".[91] The new "SRi" and "SRi-V" models have their respective badges embossed onto the grille insert, are fitted with their own front bumper design, and feature side skirts, chrome exterior door handles, a rear lip spoiler, and five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels.[87][93] Over the "CD", "SRi" gains a leather-covered steering wheel rim and shift lever, with the "SRi-V" extending this upholstering to the seating.[93] A heat function for the front seats, keyless entry with push-button engine start, reversing sensors, and seven-inch LCD multimedia unit are also part of the "SRi-V" equipment list.[93] This multimedia system integrates satellite navigation, the CD and DVD players, and a 10 GB internal hard disk drive.[93] In mid-November 2011, Holden will release the MY12 update to the Series II Cruze. This update will coincide with the release of the hatchback body variant and see Bluetooth telephone connectivity standard across the range.[94]
| Year | AU | CN | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 12,590[95] | 92,190[96] | |
| 2010 | 28,334[97] | 187,737[98] | 24,495[99] |
| 2011 | 231,732[100] |
The Chevrolet Cruze entered the World Touring Car Championship in 2009.[101] The car has proved successful since its entry, winning the 2010 championship and dominating the 2011 series as well. The race version uses a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine developing 230 kilowatts (310 PS) and 335 newton metres (247 lb·ft) of torque.
The Cruze also entered the British Touring Car Championship beginning in 2010.[102] Contrasted to the car in WTCC trim, the BTCC Cruze has a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 210 kilowatts (280 hp) and 267 newton metres (197 lb·ft) of torque.[103]
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | |
| Subcompact | Sprint | Geo | Metro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chevette | Aveo | Sonic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spectrum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Monza | Nova | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Prizm | Volt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cavalier | Cavalier | Cavalier | HHR | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citation | Cobalt | Cruze | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Malibu | Corsica / Beretta | Malibu | Malibu | Malibu | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Celebrity | Lumina | Lumina | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Impala | Impala SS | Impala | Impala | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Caprice | Caprice | Caprice | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Personal | Monte Carlo | Monte Carlo | Monte Carlo | Monte Carlo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports | Camaro | Camaro | Camaro | Camaro | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corvette | Corvette | Corvette | Corvette | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | ||
| City | Tico | Matiz | Matiz Creative | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subcompact | Maepsy-Na | LeMans | Cielo | Lanos | Kalos | Gentra & GentraX | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact | Nubira | Lacetti | Lacetti Premiere | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mid-size | Espero | Leganza | Magnus | Tosca | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Royale Series | Prince & Brougham | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Imperial | Arcadia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full-size | Chairman | Statesman | Veritas | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roadster | G2X | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Microvan | Damas & Labo | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact MPV | Tacuma | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Compact SUV | Korando | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Crossover SUV | Winstorm / Winstorm MaXX | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Large SUV | Musso | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Van | Istana | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| List of Holden vehicles † HQ–WB Statesmans not marketed under the "Holden" brand, but rather the separate "Statesman" brand. |
