Buyers have known the Chevrolet Cruze for some time, but the Cruze hatchback is a newcomer to the segment. Like its sedan counterpart, it packs technology and comfort, but more cargo space into its package.
But, how does the Cruze hatch stack up against two favorites in the segment? The Honda Civic and Mazda 3 remain formidable opponents and both boasted hatchback variants when the Cruze was just the Cobalt or Cavalier. Roadshow took all three for a lengthy comparison test to understand which offers the best overall package: technology, comfort, fun-to-drive characteristics and fuel economy.
The Cruze hatchback ticks two of the descriptors with ease. Judges found Chevy’s hatchback competent with its fuel economy rating and its bundle of technology shamed the Honda and Mazda. But, it was clear the Cruze did not like the autocross track where it suffered in performance and fun-to-drive appeal.
Was the Cruze’s technology enough to scoop on a win? Press play and find out.
Sales decreased 5.6 percent to 16,670 units during the first ten months of 2024.
Specifically critical minerals supply chain development.
Scheduled for a Spring 2025 launch.
Horsepower and grip take the win.
View Comments
I’m just gonna guess the cruze came in third
Having compared all of the small cars, I went for the 3. Best package of the whole bunch. Sorry GM no business from me this time!
I had a 2014 Mazda 3 Grand Touring. Loved it. Now I have a 2017 Cruze Premier RS Hatch. The Cruze is easier to live with. It's much quieter, the ride is smoother and it feels far solid. The tradeoff is that it isn't quite as much fun to toss around and I don't think the interior matches the Audi-like look and feel of the 3.
I wish GM would offer an SS version of the Cruze-a 2.0 l turbo and some handling goodies. I wonder what they would have thought of the Cruze Hatch Back diesel? Having said that, I love the new Cruze. its comfortable, filled with better tech than the other two, decent power and excellent fuel economy and in Canada a better warranty and a larger dealer network. Add in Onstar which the other two don't offer and i think its better overall value. To me the Mazda's centre screen looks like an after thought and isn't anywhere near as easy to use as the Cruze system. I think the Cruze also looks sharp without the "Japanese Anime" look of the Civic or the long snouted look of the Mazda.
Chevrolet's Cruze lack of fun-to drive could be solved with an additional 100cc of displacement.. the LWC 1.6L DOHC-4v 4-cyl turbo making 200 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque or a mild-hybrid as an additional 45-55 hp from an electric motor would be transformative.
Trifecta tune on my '14 RS really woke the car up. Went from `138hp to `185hp and shifts much better.
I own a 2017 Cruze Premier Hatch and I love it...but I agree...a 2.0 Turbo and I would REALLY Love it!
Sorry chevy the hatch opening is the smallest, the liftover height is the highest and the power is the worst. So I leased a Civic Hatchback Sport. Maybe next time.
If Trump met you you will be fired for buying an import.
I get that Cadillac has rumored plans to build a car based on this platform, which I hope will see a "V" variant. I hope it will be a 2.0t with AWD.
There will still be room to make a hot hatch Cruze. Stuff the 2.0t in there, give it a manual gearbox, lower it some, give it a unique styling treatment, and leave it FWD. People are snatching up GTI's, ST's, and WRX's left and right. There is market for a car of this nature.
The first gen Cruze was a fairly competent handling vehicle and sold extremely well, better than the second gen. I had one and with a stick, it was fun to drive.
If they didn't build a Cruze SS for gen 1, hot off the heels of the Cobalt SS/TC's critical success (Nurburgring as well as C&D's LL, etc) then I think the bean counters have told the engineers there isn't enough money in it. Which is a shame.
I like the Focus ST, just wish it was a bit roomier, so the Cruze fits the bill.
The Cruze hatch looks good in a lot of ways but when it comes down to the details like the hatch part and a few other things like power etc. it just doesn't cut the mustard.
I am getting more and more disgusted with GM. Seems like they couldn’t give a crap about you if you want anything fun. They push you into a $40k Camaro or $50k Vette. If you want a fun Malibu you have plunk down $4-5k to get the 2.0 L engine which comes with a bunch of nanny crap. I would really like the Cruze hatch but not with that pop gun motor or the oil burner. Dammit give me the option of an LTG 2.0!