After showing off a not-so pretty version of the Cruze at Auto China in Beijing last year, Chevrolet showed off a proper all-new 2016 model of its compact Cruze that is marked for sale to more than 40 global markets (hopefully including the Philippines). It will be for sale first in North America in early 2016 before sales will follow in other markets.

The all-new Cruze rides on a new platform that’s bigger but leaner. Shedding some 113 kilograms in weight, Chevrolet says it can do a standing start to 100 km/h in just 8 seconds when equipped with the proper drivetrain combination. This drivetrain is a 1.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 153 horsepower and 240 Nm. Aside from providing ample thrust, this engine should enable the Cruze to achieve 17 km/L on the highway when equipped with a six-speed automatic. The Cruze also comes with an idle start/stop system.

Additional engine variants have yet to be revealed, although Chevrolet did confirm that a diesel-powered version will arrive in 2017.


Leveraging their experience in developing the Volt extended-range electric vehicle, the all-new Cruze sports a slippery body with 0.29 co-efficient of drag. Proportionally, it’s been stretched some 68 mm longer while having a 25-mm reduction in height. This gives the Cruze a longer but leaner appearance. The highest trim model, the RS, gets a unique treatment to its grille, fog lamps, front splitter, and of course, rocks 18-inch alloy wheels.

Underneath, the Cruze is constructed of about 8 percent in hot-stamped/high-strength steel which contributes to a 27-percent stiffer body structure but remains lighter than the current Cruze. It has a long 2,700-mm wheelbase with wide tracks. At the front, it has a proven MacPherson Strut suspension while at the back, it has a Torsion Beam axle on the L, LS, and LT models and an enhanced Z-link design on the Premier.


Inside, careful consideration has been made to improve perceived spaciousness. The resulting re-design also boosts the Cruze’s rear leg room space to 917 mm—larger than both the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra according to Chevrolet. Like all other Chevrolets, it has the dual cockpit design but thoroughly modernized with a mixture of piano black and matte black finishes. It also has available rear heated leather seating and wireless phone charging.

The Cruze also integrates Apple CarPlay in the MyLink audio system. CarPlay allows users to access various phone functions such as call and messaging, maps, music all via the touchscreen or via Siri voice command. In addition, it also provides Android Auto support and can access applications like Google Maps, Google Now, WhatsApp, Spotify, and more.


In terms of safety, it’s available with a wide array of safety features such as 10 airbags, Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and more.

Key Specification

• Engine: 1.4-liter DOHC 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder
• Power: 153 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
• Torque: 240 Nm @ 2,000 – 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
• Front Suspension: MacPherson Struts
• Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle (L, LS, LT), Z-Link (Premier)
• Front Brakes: 276-mm vented single-piston
• Rear Brakes: 264-mm solid single-piston
• Wheel Size: 195/65R15, 215/60R16, 225/45R17, 225/40R18
• Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
• Overall Length: 4,666 mm
• Overall Width: 1,795mm
• Overall Height: 1,458 mm
• Front Track: 1,544 mm
• Rear Track: 1,557 mm