For the 2013 model year, General Motors is giving the Chevy Cruze several welcome updates. Those hoping for a performance variant will be disappointed to find out that one is not in the cards this time around. But that doesn’t mean it can’t show up sometime in the future. Now for the changes.
Gone are Blue Granite Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, and Ice Blue Metallic exterior colors, replaced by Cyber Gray Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic, and Atlantis Blue Metallic. Also gone are the chrome belt moldings on the LS trim along with the audio system with SD card-based navigation. Instead, new features include the addition of an audio system with a 7 inch touchscreen (with or without navigation), Chevy MyLink infotainment, and three new colors. The 2013 Cruze also gets three new safety features, including Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Vision Camera, and Side Blind Zone Alert; a back-up camera is also available. In addition, the current 3.87 final drive axle ratio is replaced by the 3.72 ratio and Cruzen can now be equipped with an oil pan heater, chrome appearance package, and a flush rear spoiler.
Here are all the official changes for the 2013 model:
Deletions
- (G56) Blue Granite Metallic exterior color
- (GAO) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color
- (GLF) Ice Blue Metallic exterior color
- (UEW) Audio system with SD card navigation
- (PCP) Connectivity Package (content now standard on LS 1SA and 1SB)
- Chrome belt moldings on LS models
- (FX6) 3.87 final drive axle ratio
New Features
- (GBV) Cyber Gray Metallic exterior color
- (GWT) Champagne Silver Metallic exterior color
- (GWY) Atlantis Blue Metallic exterior color
- (UP9) Chevrolet MyLink, includes Bluetooth streaming audio for music and select phones; voice recognition for phone, music and radio; Pandora and Stitcher smartphone compatible; Gracenote (Playlist+, Album Art); software updatable for radio software and Gracenote database
- (UFU) Audio system, Color Touch AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback capability, includes 7″ diagonal color touch-screen display
- (UHQ) Audio system with navigation, Color Touch AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback capability and navigation, 7″ diagonal touch-screen display, GPS navigation system and Radio Data System (RDS)
- (UFG) Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- (UVC) Rear Vision Camera
- (UFT) Side Blind Zone Alert
- (PCR) Technology Package, includes (UP9) Chevrolet MyLink and (UVC) Rear Vision Camera
- (PCW) Enhanced Safety Package, includes (UD7) Rear Park Assist, (UFG) Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and (UFT) Side Blind Zone Alert
- (PDB) 1LT Driver Convenience Package, includes (ADS) driver 6-way power seat adjuster with manual recliner, (D6I) driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, (DD8) auto-dimming inside rearview mirror and (DWE) outside heated, power-adjustable mirrors; Also includes (BTV) remote vehicle starter system on 1LT automatic 1SD
- (PDD) 2LT Driver Convenience Package, includes (D6I) driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, (DD8) auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, (UVC) Rear Vision Camera and (DWE) outside heated, power-adjustable mirrors
- (LWE) ECOTEC 1.8L engine Variable Valve Timing DOHC 4-cylinder sequential MFI (AT-PZEV enhanced emissions)
- (MH9) 6-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled with overdrive on the LS automatic 1SB
- (FV1) 3.72 final drive axle ratio
- (KPK) Oil pan heater
- (RXZ) Cruise control accessory kit, LPO
- (RWI) Chrome Appearance Package, lower bodyside, LPO
- (SB2) Rear spoiler, flushmount, LPO
Changes
- Packaging revised to create equipment groups based on trim and manual or automatic transmission
- (K34) Cruise control now standard on Fleet model
- (B34) Front and rear floor mats now standard on Fleet model
- (PDC) 1LT/1XF Driver Convenience Package now called ECO Driver Convenience Package and now includes (ADS) driver 6-way power seat adjuster with manual recliner, (D6I) driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors, (DD8) auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, (UVC) Rear Vision Camera and (DWE) outside heated, power-adjustable mirrors; Also includes (EN4) cargo cover compartment on ECO manual 1SE; Also includes (BTV) remote vehicle starter system on ECO automatic 1SF
- ECOTEC Turbo 1.4L engine RPO code changed to (LUV)
- LS, 1LT and Eco 1SF models now have (GNF) rear compound crank suspension
- (PDZ) RS Package now includes (GNG) rear compound crank suspension with Z-link on 1LT 1SC and 1SD
The GM Authority Take
These are all welcome additions, especially the new technology options such as the safety and infotainment features, which finally allow the Cruze to more or less compete with the tech wizardry of Ford’s Focus. But this doesn’t help the fact that Chevy still does not offer any body style variants of its compact vehicle or a high-performance version for enthusiasts. At least a hatch, coupe, and at least the all-new 1.6 turbo-charged Ecotec can’t come soon enough. Until that happens we suspect the Cruze will keep losing share in the U.S.
Comments
lets add some 1.6T and 2.0T from the verano please Chevrolet!!! Get more cajones on the Cruze and quit being a wimp!!
Agree Vic. And while they’re at it, they can put all of those 1.4Ts into the Sonic. Every Sonic I’ve seen listed has the 1.8, which did not get good reviews. GM does not seem to be catering to the more discerning customer, at least not within the Chevrolet brand. If globally the C-class is the most popular size, then it’s truly incredible that GM offers us so little in terms of choice.
Or at least put 1.4T as a base and put 1.6T as an option on the Sonic??
The Sonic, like the Cruze, needs a high-performance variant as well. Ford understands this, hence the impending release of the Fiesta ST with 200 horsepower. But I’d still keep the base 1.8 and slightly up-level 1.4T in the Sonic until GM’s all-new Ecotec engine range (based on the 1.6 turbo announced by Opel) comes to market.
isn’t the 1.6T has higher hp than the Fiesta ST?
What else is missing is a Light Titanium leather option for the LTZ. 2 choices, all black or brown and tan just sucks. Black gets too hot and brown and tan is just ugly. The titanium Ultralux interior of the 08-12 Malibu 2lt is awesome and should be available in the cruze.
What about the updated front end/grill and lights like the model made in Korea? Hopefully this version will look more updated outside too…
Good question. They changes may not be reflected on the RPO list because they’re not necessarily order-based, but I’m fairly sure we will see the slight body changes on the 2013s.
No hybrid and no diesel?
No coupe and no hatch?
No wagon and no increase in mileage?
Pffft. Come on, GM – give me some change. The Hope and Change dictum should include more CHANGE and a lot less HOPE.
I keep on saying, GM is its own worst enemy. Why the hell can’t this company increase its market share by improving on its pwertrains in amore tlmely manner. For goodness sake, the Focus and the Elantra are more desirable than the cruze because there have better engines. Reality! Adding cosmetic upgrades are nowhere near as significant as a powertrain upgrade. So GM just improve the blasted cars in this way, so more people will by them and feel satisfy. Hence the Cruze and the Sonic needs more powerful engines to better compete with Hyundai and Ford. Solution, put the 1.6 and 2.0 D.Is natural and turbo, in the cruze and the sonic for 2013. Now that would really be something. GM please, start listening to your customers and gain more in the process.
What do you drive? I have a Cruze eco, and it has plenty of torque for all driving. If you want a muscle car then buy one (camero, mustang, corvette and many others) Compare apples to apples and this is far better than any focus.
General Motors is missing the mark on performance and fuel economy in their car market, sports cars aside. Just to clarify hp is nice, but it is torque is what moves things. Diesel is more powerful than gas. New clean diesels should be in every stable at this point. The only car manufacturing companies that are getting this is the Germans. Why is a GM truck Diesel still only getting 17mpg at best and the Germans are puching 40s. Something is off and they are not geting it. They seem to be playing catch up. Lets be clear the reason they are pushing cars all over the world is money. It is always about money. They just need to find the line between customer satisfaction to shareholders satisfaction.
Drew, I don’t entirely agree. Performance market aside, GM leads each class it competes in with fuel economy with its new (non legacy) vehicles.
The Cruze Eco is the most fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle in the U.S. And a diesel variant is on its way that promises to be more efficient than the Golf/Jetta TDI. See:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2011/07/officially-official-chevrolet-cruze-diesel-confirmed/
and
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/04/gm-targeting-700-mile-range-for-chevy-cruze-eco-d-diesel/
Or consider the ATS Diesel that hasn’t yet been announced:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/05/2-8l-duramax-diesel-bound-for-cadillac-ats/
So diesels are coming… even though they are purchased by less than 10 percent of the U.S. car-buying population.
Lastly, why does the Silverado/Sierra heavy duty “only” get 19 MPG with the Duramax? Because it makes nearly 800 pound feet of torque and can pull down buildings. C’mon man, it’s a completely different use case!
Fair enough on the trucks. I was not thinking about the hauling capacity. The Q7 is getting 25mpg at aroud 400lb-ft. Chevy is still my primary truck! I have lways been a GM guy. I still believe that are playing catch up with their passenger cars. TDIs have been around a long time. Mind that fact the clean diesel is recent technology. Right now GM has a lot of promises. I love the new “Trailbalzer” and with a diesel would be ideal, but now word on getting in the US. Why is GM afraid to go to RWD also? I find it to be a much better balanced car. Huge disappointment on no AWD option announced for the new Impala. Maybe it would reduce the MPG with the extra weight. Specially since its the same platform as the Lacrosse. Why not use the resources they already have? Logistically is makes sense. They can not please everyone all the time and make a profit and I understand that, but sometimes…. ugh. I still give them first nod when considering a purchase.
Changes seem nice hope for a higher power variant though when does the 2013 model year come around and are they going to fix the stupid arm rest from sliding?!?!
As far as I know, the armrest saw a few small and non-noticeable improvements for 2012 MY, but I couldn’t tell a difference compared to a 2011 model.
Right there with you for a hi-po model.
when is this going to be at dealers?
Damian, most likely at the end of summer/beginning of fall.
The poor selection of interior colors cost GM a Cruze sale. We liked the car but the interior options were a turn off. Unfortunately, the bean counters at GM feel it’s better to limit interior options rather than increase sales by offering, for example the Titanium interior available in other Chevrolets. Lack of customer focus cost GM a lot of market share, a lesson they still have not fully learned. .
I JUST GOT A CRUZE WEEKS BACK, IT WAS A BITTER SWEET THING FOR ME,BECAUSE IN MY EXCITEMENT I FORGOT TO GET THE LT OR EVEN LTZ MODEL I ENDED WITH A LS MODEL, I FELT SAD FOR THE 1.8 ENGINE IT HAS YES TRUE IT SAVES US GAS,BUT SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO BRING OUT THE RACER IN OUR BODY. QUESTION CAN WE PUT A TURBO KIT IS OUR LS A/T,IF THE FACTORY SAYS YES HEN I WILL PUT THE KIT, BECAUSE SOMEBODY HERE TRIED TO PUT THE LTZ 1.8 DYNO READER AND IT DROP 27 PONIES,YOU READ IT RIGHT 27 SO THAT LEAVES US TO A 112 PONIES ONLY. CHEVY GUYS I USED TO BE A FORD MAN,BUT I HAD GONE TO THE JEDI’S SIDE KNOW PLEASE DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO REMEDY THE LACK OF PONIES IN THE LS A/T.
THANK YOU.
GM is ‘acting’ (stupidly) as if they had the NA automotive market sandbox all to themselves with absolutely no competition. And, the “new” GM continues to act just like the “old” GM, but with different tin-hats and even less “attention” to the customer.
The current Cruze is nothing more (or less) than an ‘Amercianized” Daewoo with Opel engine…so, one wonders HOW they can claim “…4 million miles of testing…” for a vehicle seemingly “thrown/cobbled” together: (a) customer tested (find your own problems) at 1,000 miles for 400,000 cars? (b) a million miles for the Opel engine, but never tested in the Cruze chassis? (c) Opel did a million, Daewoo did a million on their Korean chassis before it got its Opel 1.4L turbo engine? (d) GMNA did a million ‘simulated’ miles “…on their COMPUTERS…” and called it good?
A few examples: Erratic 6-speed automatic shifting in 2011 & 2012; Leaking water pumps and thermostat housings all years; Squeeking front struts in 2011 & 2012; coolant leaks & fumes inside passenger compartment all years; Erratic electronics and infotainment programming, etc., etc., etc.
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you