You may have already seen and heard about the mild refresh in store for the 2015 Chevy Cruze. No, we’re not talking about the all-new second-generation D2XX-based Cruze that will soon launch in Asia, but rather the last model year of the first-generation Cruze for the North American market. And recently, General Motors released individual option-level changes in store to the 2015 Cruze, with the revisions being somewhat peculiar.
For starters, the 2015 Cruze loses the manual transmission equipment group for the 2LT trim level as well as the Fleet equipment group. Also on the deletions list are two exterior colors, Crystal Red Tintcoat and Atlantis Blue Metallic, along with the Jet Black/Brick and Jet Black/Sport Red interior combinations. Rounding out the deletions is the auxiliary glove box (at the top of the dashboard).
New features on the 2015 Cruze aren’t as plentiful as the deletions. To start, Siren Red Tintcoat and Autumn Bronze Metallic join the color palette as extra-cost hues, and the Brownstone interior color combination gets added. In addition, the 2015 Cruze also gets OnStar 4G LTE, while the 18″ split 5-spoke flangeless silver-painted alloys (RPO code PZV) get replaced with a different pair (carrying RPO code REN).
Other RPO-level adjustments come in the form of equipment-level changes to various trim levels. For instance, the base Cruze LS will only be offered in five exterior colors and no longer include a rear armrest. Additionally, the leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob will no longer be included on the 1LT and ECO trim levels, while keyless access and keyless start will no longer be available on Cruze 2LT and Diesel. Rounding out the notable changes to the 2015 Cruze is the removal of the premium 9-speaker Pioneer system from the ECO trim level, as well as the newfound availability of the 6-way power driver’s seat with manual recliner as a free flow option for Fleet vehicles on the 1LT trim level.
Deletions
- 2LT manual transmission (1SG) equipment group
- Fleet (1FL) equipment group
- (GBE) Crystal Red Tintcoat exterior color
- (GWY) Atlantis Blue Metallic exterior color
- Jet Black/Brick interior
- Jet Black/Sport Red interior
- (VTW) Auxiliary glovebox
- (PZV) 18″ split 5-spoke flangeless silver-painted alloy wheels
New Features
- (G1E) Siren Red Tintcoat exterior color (extra cost)
- (G1F) Autumn Bronze Metallic exterior color (extra cost)
- Brownstone interior
- (VV4) OnStar with 4G LTE
- (REN) 18″ split 5-spoke flangeless Silver-painted alloy wheels
Changes
- Only 5 exterior colors available for LS
- Rear armrest no longer included on LS
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob no longer on 1LT and ECO
- (B34) Carpeted front and rear floor mats no longer on ECO manual
- (ATH) Keyless Access and (BTM) Keyless start no longer available on 2LT and Diesel
- (UQA) Pioneer premium 9-speaker system no longer available on ECO
- (D6I) Driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors visors are now standard on 2LT
- (ADS) Driver 6-way power seat adjuster with manual recliner is now available free flow for Fleet on 1LT
- LPO (SAO) Smoker’s Package replaces RPO (DT4) Smoker’s Package
- (PDU) All Star Edition is now called Style and Technology Package
- (T3Y) Front projection-type fog lamps replace (T3U) front fog lamps; T3Y is packaged in (PDZ) RS Package, no longer standard on LTZ
Comments
So they are taking more away from the car? How sad…
Yeah, it kinda looks that way doesn’t it. And in the meanwhile the prices get increased. I can’t help but think that some of these changes could be based on what was popular and moved and what didn’t. Then again this current round of bean counter de-contenting is sort of pathetic IMO. As far as interior colors and such go, I’ve never been fond of the cloth on the instrument panel thing in the rest of the colors that weren’t neutral or gray.
I am the owner of a 2012 LS for one one reason. In 2012 GM did not offer the 6-spd manual transmission on any of the other Cruze’s except for the ECO. I wanted the biggest engine I could get plus the 6-spd tranny. Now you’re taking away from the LS model and also the 2LT will no longer be available with a 6-spd tranny. Keep it up and and all of us old timers who want a stick shift to drive will drive somewhere else to get our vehicles. Have you not learned; don’t mess with a good thing? Obviously not…2012 Chevy Cruze LS owner.
I am really surprised they are deleting the sporty brick interior and replacing it with a dull brownstone interior. I think GM is trying to slightly down scale the current cruze so the next generation will look more appealing.
If I were considering a Cruze, this would definitely scotch the deal for me.
I would love to know why automakers are starting to do facelifts on popular vehicles for just the last model year. Hyundai just did that with the 2014 Sonata, for example…
yea, it seems like “MCE’ (Mid Cycle Enhancement) changed to “LYE” – last year enhancement. It must fool enough people into thinking it’s the new model to justify the expense. The average car buyer who has no clue about future cars would probably buy a Cruze if they like it whether it was changed or not – like they’ve been doing with the Equinox.
was looking at getting a diesel model but after seeing the changes…. Nissan here i come the altima is bigger and about the same price . and only gives up a couple miles per gallon.
Actually, real world mileage of the Cruze Diesel is around 35-40mpg City and 55-60mpg Highway. Good luck getting that with any Nishit (which, fyi, sends profits overseas). Also, have fun replacing the CVT after you get stranded in the middle of nowhere once the 5 Year / 60,000 Mile Warranty runs out.
For what it’s worth, keyless (push-button) start was never available on the Diesel model. We’ve had our Diesel Cruze since May, and other than the lack of push-button start, it’s been an absolutely great car.
Gobs of mid-range torque combined with easy-to-achieve 45 mpg with mixed driving – including use of AC or sunroof open and windows down? Love it.
On the contrary, you wont see this option much if you walk into a dealership and the salesman tells you that its not available. They will tell you that it only come on the LTZ. Very Wrong. The 2LT 2012-2014 was available with the keyless start and push button entry. You will rarely, if ever see it because the dealerships are scared that the $26,000 price tag of the base Diesel was too high. But rest assured (because I sold a few) they come optioned with both the door buttons and the keyless start (optional) now this has been deleted. The Diesel is simply a 2LT with the Diesel option.
Im definitely not happy with the deletions. I’ve owned 3 Cruzes, and loved them all. Current vehicle is a 2014 Blue Ray Metallic 6Manual Trans. Eco. Still love the cruze. Add a Trifecta tune, and the car is a total beast.
Huggin and lovin’ my green 2014 LTZ. The ’15 is dumbed down it seems to me. Less for more…
The more they take keep taking away from the Cruze the more attractive VW and Audi are beginning to look. I have the Cruze diesel and I feel it’s a great start, but to remain competitive the whole Cruze line-up is in dire need of relevant power-train upgrades, for one an 8 speed auto trans would be nice. Also better advertising, aftermarket support and listening to the needs of the consumer market.
The founder and CEO of the 501(c)3 mentioned in the website box is totally dedicated to G.M. products and is on his second Cruze LTZ. His salesman almost had him talked into a Diesel Cruze, but he loves all of the options on an LTZ, especially the RS package. I was pretty sure if he wanted those things in the diesel that he could just spend more money for an R.P.O. to get all of them. Is that strategy still able to get him what he wants? If the Camaro was more stable in snow he may’ve never get the Cruze and he’s looking forward to good weather again to look for another 2010 that’ll hopefully be cheaper as it gets older. He is not happy that he can’t get the MyLink radio from G.M. & aftermarket installs are problematic and VERY costly! Thanks! If you are interested in having him speak to an Autism support group in your area contact Eric Zimmerman at Desiretour.org in a presentation where he shares about his life and how much he has been affected by Autism. He’s not even charging a speaker’s fee as he feels that it’s important to give parents hope especially if they’ve just been informed that their child has Autism!