Chevrolet’s 2019 Cruze is getting an update for the 2019 model year that introduces various enhancements to the compact car range, one of which is the newfound ability to disable the engine auto stop-start system with a simple button in the cabin. That sound you hear is the collective sigh of relief from those who aren’t fans of the auto stop-start feature.
The Override
Though not noted by Chevrolet as part of its initial announcement, the 2019 Cruze order guide shows a new feature labeled “engine auto stop/start system override.” It is assigned GM RPO code ENL and is standard across all 2019 Cruze models (equipment groups and trim levels) on both of the model’s engines, including the 1.4L Turbo I-4 LE2 gasoline engine as well as the 1.6L Turbo I-4 LH7 diesel motor.
Pressing a new button in the Cruze’s cabin will disable engine auto stop-start. However, it’s currently unclear whether pressing the button will disable the feature completely until it is re-enabled by the driver, or whether auto stop-start will automatically turn back on at the next ignition cycle (the next time the vehicle is started).
About Auto Stop-Start
Engine auto stop-start attempts to conserve fuel by shutting down the vehicle’s engine when the vehicle comes to a stop, such as at a stop sign or at a red light. While the engine is off, the vehicle’s various secondary systems – such as air conditioning – remain functional. The engine springs back to life when the driver their foot off the brake pedal.
The feature has received various criticisms from existing owners, with the biggest complaint being the inability to disable the system. Because of this, the newfound ability to disable automatic engine stop-start functionality in the 2019 Cruze is noteworthy, especially given that other Chevrolet and General Motors vehicles do not have such an option.
For instance, the Chevy Malibu (ninth generation) and Buick LaCrosse (third generation) and Cadillac XT5 (first generation) do not have a button to disable auto engine stop-start. A workaround involves shifting the vehicle into sport and/or manual modes. Meanwhile, vehicles with manual transmissions are not equipped with the auto stop-start feature.
About Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is a range of compact passenger cars currently consisting of a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. It slots above the Chevrolet Spark city car and subcompact Chevrolet Sonic and below the midsize Chevrolet Malibu and full-size Chevrolet Impala.
The current model was introduced for the 2016 model year and represents the second generation of the Cruze nameplate. It rides on the GM D2 platform shared with the second-generation Chevrolet Volt and Buick Verano (in China). The second-generation Cruze received a midcycle enhancement, otherwise known as a facelift, refresh or update, for the 2019 model year that consists of updated exterior styling, new wheel designs, a new Chevrolet infotainment system, and new interior colors.
See what’s new and different for the 2019 Cruze refresh.
Compared to its first-generation predecessor, the second-gen model is an all-new vehicle that is slightly larger, sleeker and more modern. The first-generation Cruze family was produced in sedan, hatchback, and wagon body styles, but only the sedan was available in North America. By comparison, the second-generation model is available as a sedan and hatchback. Though a wagon variant of the second-gen model was never produced, the hatchback model was made available in North America.
The Chevrolet Cruze is produced across the following GM plants globally:
- GM Lordstown plant in Lordstown, Ohio, USA assembling the Cruze sedan for North America
- GM Ramos plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico assembling the Cruze hatch for North America
- GM Rosario plant in Argentina assembling the Cruze sedan and Cruze hatch (called Cruze6) for Latin America
- GM Gunsan plant in South Korea for Eurasia (the facility has been shuttered)
- GM Norsom II plant in China assembling the Cruze sedan and Cruze hatchback for all markets
- GM Hanoi plant in Vietnam
Related News & Info
- GM news
- GMÂ forums
- Chevrolet Cruze information
Comments
Still not offering safety tech as standard like the Japanese competition.
Does the competition offer in car WiFi?
How about remote start? How about a 9 speed transmission?
Uhum…
Care to elaborate what safety tech you’re talking about?
Probably the HIDs and auto braking that the Corolla has
Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking system, road departure warning, stability control, traction control and ABS standard on the civic. The corolla has a lot of these features as well standard. We can act like this is not important, but it is, I personally prefer the Cruze hatch, but my second choice would be the Civic.
I have a ’17 Cruze Hatch. I can’t begin to explain how irritating Auto Stop is. It is only somewhat seamless at a traffic light for instance, where you will proceed straight ahead. If you are mid-turn and it turns off, the power steering also dies, so when the car restarts, there is a momentary “dead zone” where the steering is DOA. It then jerks back to life.
Its overall operation is also inconsistent. There seems to be little rhyme or reason to when it turns off or when it doesn’t. It sometimes sputters clumsily when it turns off and restarts.
Thank goodness the defeat function is here, though I’m sure it will be necessary each time you start the car. Better than nothing.
I’d guess that there are those that have passed on buying a Cruze because of the inability to disable the stop/start feature. I would have passed on buying my ATS had there not been a button to disable it. I find it annoying. GM should provide that choice on all models that have that feature.
Agreed. I will never buy another GM vehicle without an override selection button.
I wonder if this cost the 2019 model MPG by the EPA nuts? It’s now down to only 28/38. and 32 combined. When introduced in 2016 this same exact car with the same drive train rated 30/40/34 for all automatic sedans. They can’t seem to lower mileage ratings on many GM models fast enough. Meanwhile the 2019 Forte has miraculously jumped from 37 highway to 41 despite using the same old PFI 2.0 liter engine on the same basic car.
Will the update be able to apply to my 2016 Crue LT? Like can I go to the dealer and have them update the computer to locate it from the steering wheel function display? I would pay $100 for that easily! Please!