While General Motors is still busy honing the North American-spec model, the all-new D2XX-based 2015 Chevrolet Cruze is launching in China as we speak. The vehicle has been officially priced between RMB 109,900 ($17,862 USD) and RMB 169,900 ($27,614 USD), and will launch in seven variants with a choice of segment-first 1.4L direct-injection turbo or a 1.5L naturally aspirated four cylinder.
Compared to the outgoing model, the wheels of the new Cruze have been pushed out to the corners of the car and the roofline stretched closer to the end of the decklid, while the center point of the lower edge of the windshield was moved forward. This helps the new Cruze grace its occupants with a more spacious interior. The rear seat knee room for example, grows 22 mm (0.86 inches). Also, the vehicle’s drag coefficient is a low .28, matching that of a Chevrolet Volt.
The 1.4T SIDI engine generates maximum output of 110 kW (147.5 hp) and peak torque of 235 Nm (173 pound-feet). The turbocharged engine is offered with a choice of a new seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DCG) transmission or a six-speed manual transmission.
The 1.5 SIDI engine, meanwhile, represents the segment’s only naturally-aspirated engine with direct injection. It generates maximum output of 84 kW (112 hp) and peak torque of 146 Nm (107 pound-feet). It is paired with a new six-speed automatic transmission with Dynamic Start/Stop Shift (DSS). Hopefully it’s not too annoying.
Chevrolet says that these new powertrains and their fuel-saving features such as start/stop technology and ultra-low rolling resistance tires make the new Cruze up to 24 percent more fuel efficient than the first-generation model. One of the numbers touted was a frugal 5.9L/ 100 km (39.8 mpg using a rough conversion), though it wasn’t specified as to whether that mileage figure is city, highway or combined. The engines are also up to 50 percent quieter than the motors found in the segment competitors of some rivals, such as Volkwagen’s small four cylinder engines.
On the infotainment side, the 2015 China-spec Cruze will integrate an eight-inch multi-point touchscreen running MyLink 2.0, a navigation system, Siri Eyes Free, and personalized built-in apps, including My Chevrolet, Driving Assist, Cloud Radio, and Cloud Phone. We expect most of these features to appear in the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze here in North America.
Comments
This is looking more promising all the time. 2016 and it’s intro here cant come soon enough.
It’s a Focus-Elantra-Civic thingy.
Maybe so, but it just does it a little classier IMO. And then there’s what we’ve seen of the interior, it looks much richer than the competition. I hope that aspect translates just as well in other hues too.