An automatic transmission is now an option on the Indian-market Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan. The triptronic-capable six-speed gearbox, available only on the Cruze LTZ, is mated to the VM Motori-sourced 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that’s good for 147 hp and 241 lb.-ft. of torque, all while achieving 33 mpg (14.12 km/l). By comparison, the 5-speed manual transmission 2.0-liter diesel Cruze, which launched in India back in October 2009, is capable of 43 mpg (18.3 km/l).
The automatic Cruze is available in a special three-coat White Diamond paint – in addition to the existing six colors offered on the Cruze (Atlantis Blue, Light Gold, Olympic White, Velvet Red, Misty Lake, Caviar Black). The Cruze AT – as the automatic Cruze is known internally – “uses premium fluids in the transmission that does not need replacement during normal use.”
On top of that, the Cruze has recently been awarded the maximum 5-star rating in European New Car Assessment Program (ENCAP), after winning 5 star ratings in Australian and China NCAP. The Indian-market Cruze, which differs from the upcoming U.S. version only by its (right-hand) placement of the steering wheel and the diesel powerplant, is manufactured in GM’s Halol, India plant and – according to GM India – is “a demonstration of [GM India’s] sustained commitment to making Chevrolet the most admired and preferred vehicle brand in this country.”
The GM Authority Take
Being GM’s first ever truly global vehicle, the Cruze is the first of its kind for GM. Even though its price is significantly higher than what the mainstream Indian car buyer would prefer, the Cruze is a world-class vehicle worthy of every Dollar (or Rupee). But this announcement adds insult to injury to North American GM fans, since the Cruze is not even available on this side of the pond (albeit the lackluster Cobalt is). But even when the Cruze does come to U.S. and Canadian markets later in 2010, it won’t be available with the super efficient (and tourqy) 2.0L diesel. So not only will North American Chevy buyers have access to the Cruze more than a full year after other worldwide markets, but that wait won’t have proven to be “worth it.”
We have the full press release from GM India after the jump!
[nggallery id=13]PRESS RELEASE
GM India Introduces Chevrolet Cruze Automatic
Diesel performance, refinement of 6 Speed Auto transmission redefines D- segment
2010-02-23
New Delhi – General Motors India today launched the Chevrolet Cruze AT in Bangalore at a ceremony presided over by its President & Managing Director Mr. Karl Slym. The manual version of Chevrolet Cruze launched in October has already redefined the D-segment with its coupe-like design proportions, comfortable interiors, class leading features and other exclusive product attributes.
The 6 Speed Automatic Transmission will be offered on the LTZ variant which also comes with a host of features like PEPS, Push Button Start, Cruise Control, Smart Screen and Electric Sunroof to name a few. The Automatic variant will also be available in a special 3 coat paint called White Diamond in addition to the exciting six colors already on offer.
The Chevrolet Cruze AT also has a triptronic mode which enables a sportier drive for the customer. Other highlights of this six-speed automatic transmission include Clutch-to-clutch shift operation for added precision and smoother shifts between gears. Also, it has a wide spread ratio with the first gear designed for a very high ratio to provide brisk acceleration from the top while the sixth gear has an overdrive ratio to keep the engine revolutions as low as possible for highway cruising and improved fuel economy. One of the key benefits of this model is that it uses premium fluids in the transmission that does not need replacement during normal use.
“Chevrolet has already become a driving force in India’s vehicle market,” said Karl Slym, President and Managing Director of GM India. “The Cruze has been receiving excellent market response since its launch in the last quarter of 2009. The auto Journalists in India who had test driven the vehicle have rated it as the best in its segment for its unique product attributes.
The Cruze has already won the following awards
- NDTV Car & Bike Viewers Choice Car of the Year
- Autocar Bloomberg UTV Best Saloon Car of the Year
- ET Zigwheels Midsize Sedan of the year
- Car & Bike NDTV Executive Car of the Year
- BS Motoring Best Value for Money Car of the Year
It builds on the reputation of the brand for attractive design, great performance and outstanding fuel economy in the D-segment.  The Chevrolet Cruze is also one of the key drivers of the global expansion of Chevrolet. It is backed by the highest scores in major crash safety ratings. The Chevrolet Cruze has also recently received the maximum five-star rating in European New Car Assessment Program (ENCAP) rating, after winning 5 star ratings in Australian and China NCAP. The latest feather in Chevrolet Cruze’s cap is its selection as a finalist in the reputed ‘World Car of the Year’ Award.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.P.Balendran, Vice President, General Motors India said ‘the Cruze is all about value, refinement and power-packed diesel performance combined with an array of unique features. And with the Automatic transmission option the Cruze offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a Sedan at a price point that represents uncontestable value for money’.
GM’s investment in manufacturing the Cruze in India is a demonstration of our sustained commitment to making Chevrolet the most admired and preferred vehicle brand in this country. We believe this vehicle is the right product for India because of the unique product features and fine tuning that were carried out to meet the requirements of our consumer, climatic and driving conditions.  As a result, we expect Cruze AT also to set new benchmarks in its segment. By introducing products like Cruze with class leading features, we look forward to continue building on the brand’s success nationwide, said Balendran.
Coinciding with the launch of Cruze AT , GM India also  inaugurated its 3rd dealership M/s. Trident Automobiles Pvt. Ltd in Bangalore today. This demonstrates our commitment to widening our dealership network to take care of our rapidly-expanding customer base in the city and  the state of Karnataka. The new dealership is equipped to provide unmatched services and ambience to its customers.  A wide range of exclusive accessories will also be on display for customers’ benefit. Additionally, a team of GM trained technicians will be available at the ultra modern workshop with latest garrage tools and tackles, diagnostic equipment, ultra modern body repair shop and computerized facilities for attending to every need of the GM customers in the region.
The company now has  11 dealerships and 12 service centres in the state of Karnataka alone taking the overall tally to  206 sales points and 200  authorised service outlets across the country. It intends to take the network to 300 sales points and an equal number of authorized service outlets by the end of this year. In addition, the company has also set up 4 parts distribution centres at Talegaon, Halol, Chennai and Delhi to ensure timely and easy availability of parts.
The unveiling of the Cruze AT follows GM India’s successful launches of Chevrolet Beat and Captiva Extreme last month.
General Motors India has completed over 13 years of operation in India. GM India started its journey in 1996 and now offers products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003. Chevrolet had already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive nameplates in India. GM India produces the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Tavera for sale in India and operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.
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