General Motors Thailand and Chevrolet Sales Thailand have officially launched the Chevrolet Cruze. The Cruze is designed to address today’s driving requirements, with three choices of powertrains plus other optional features.
Martin Apfel, President of GM Thailand/South East Asia and Chevrolet Sales Thailand, said: “Today’s introduction of the Cruze is a step forward for Chevrolet in Thailand. It is an all-new world-class sedan that offers superior design, technology, performance and safety. It looks great, is fun to drive and is responsive in every respect.”
The Cruze is a global compact car that has been adapted to meet the differing needs of local consumers. It is currently available in more than 75 countries across five continents and has received numerous recognitions and awards. More than 350,000 have been sold around the world.
The Chevrolet Cruze stands out from the crowd with its revolutionary design and build quality. Its signature large two-tiered grille complements its bold headlamp housings. A distinctive concave shoulder line flows uninterrupted from the headlamps to the rear lights, punctuated by chromed door handles. With a wheelbase of 2,685 mm, the Cruze measures 4,600 mm x 1,790 mm x 1,475 mm – which is comparatively larger than competing models.
Inside, the Cruze’s “dual cockpit” theme takes precedence. It features Chevrolet’s new global design language inspired by the Corvette, bringing the driver and passengers closer to a “shared” driving experience. The well-balanced layout and design of the center console in the Cruze is neat and futuristic, with a two-tone finish of black and brick (in the 1.8 and 2.0 LTZ versions) in addition to neat touches of brushed aluminum mixed with leather-upholstered door panels. The clear-view display dashboard brings to the Cruze a distinct sense of quality.
Advanced technologies and amenities abound in the Cruze. They include a quick start button, remote keyless entry system, and steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio controls. For enhanced audio performance and connectivity, the console supports almost all auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth devices. The Cruze also features windshield wipers with automatic control, auto headlamps and a navigating light system.
The top-of-the-range Cruze is powered by an electronically controlled 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged diesel engine with VCDi to improve fuel injection efficiency. This increases power output while lowering carbon emissions. The engine is rated to deliver 150 hp and a class-leading 320 Nm of torque.
Another powertrain offered in the Cruze is a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve gasoline engine featuring Double Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (Double CVC). This improves intake and exhaust efficiency over the whole rpm range. Power for this unit is rated at 141 hp, the highest in its class, with 177 Nm of torque.
The Cruze also comes with a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine that incorporates the Variable Geometry Intake System (VGIS). VGIS provides smooth power delivery and torque across all engine speeds. The energy-efficient and environmentally friendly engine delivers 109 hp and 150 Nm of torque.
Transmitting the Cruze’s power to the front wheels is Chevrolet’s innovative six-speed automatic transmission with Driver Shift Control (DSC). It is matched to the latest electronic control module and is designed to meet all driving requirements. The result is a smooth ride at low speeds, with exhilarating acceleration when the accelerator is floored. The intelligent six-speed application also helps control engine speed to maximize fuel consumption and emissions control. The 1.6- and 1.8-liter models are also available with a five-speed manual transmission.
For a smoother ride, the front suspension uses McPherson struts, gas-filled shock absorbers and coil springs with torsion bars, while the rear suspension incorporates torsion beams and gas-filled shock absorbers for better handling and lower maintenance costs. Four-wheel disc brakes, which are ventilated in front, enhance braking efficiency and in tandem with the Cruze’s ABS and traction control system, accord more control to the driver. Polished 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/50 R17 tires help transfer the diesel powertrain’s might to the road. The 1.6- and 1.8-liter models come with 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/60 R16 tires.
The Chevrolet Cruze isn’t just about looks and performance. It also comes with a myriad of active and passive safety features including front and side air bags, anti-lock brakes and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), traction control and a safety key immobilizer. Passive safety comes in the form of steel panels and side beams designed to resist high-speed impacts.
The Chevrolet Cruze sets a new maintenance benchmark for its class with a 15,000-km service interval.
“The Cruze’s sales growth in every market in which it has been launched is phenomenal. We have a strong network of 93 dealers nationwide that are well-prepared to deliver best-in-class service to customers. That is why I am confident that the Cruze has the potential to attract more than 10,000 customers in Thailand in its first full year of sales,” said Apfel.
The Chevrolet Cruze will be available for test drives at Motor Expo from December 1-12. For additional information about the Chevrolet Cruze and Motor Expo, visit www.cruze.in.th or www.facebook.com/generalmotorsthailand or dial 1734.
