“…the car has to have the power to get out of it’s own way”
Having owned a 2011 Cruze 2LT (with the 1.4L Tubo and 6-speed auto), I can definitively say that it can do just that. I never had trouble passing or “being stuck behind a mini van for 7 miles hoping for the room to make a move”. The fact that the engine makes peak power at lower RPM than a N/A unit was nice, as well.
So, it seems like your definition of being able to “get out of its own way” differs from mine, but over 23,000 buyers in May 2013 alone (in the U.S.) seem to agree with me:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/06/general-motors-u-s-sales-up-3-percent-to-252984-units-in-may-2013-by-the-numbers/
On a slightly different note, the all-new Forte has substantially inferior ride & handling characteristics than the Cruze, despite its lighter weight and superior (on paper) power-to-weight ratio.
Here’s what it all comes down to: the Cruze launched in 2008 and is on the older side of the compact segment when compared to the competition. Even so, it still delivers best-in-class fuel economy, handling, safety ratings, and NVH levels, even though the engine range leaves something to be desired for the enthusiast (someone who considers P-W is an enthusiast). The all-new 2015/16 Cruze should bring an all-new, more powerful, and even more efficient engine range, while lowering the car’s curb weight.
As for your assessment on the GM Authority’s recent redesign, here’s a more appropriate and on-topic avenue to discuss that:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/forum/feedback-forum/
