Chevrolet Cruze (2011 - 2015) 1.6 LT 5d (2011/11) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Chevrolet is a brand with global recognition, but those in the know recognise that it is pulling out of Europe in 2015, and that the Cruze still has some Daewoo DNA, which does mar the image somewhat.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They think it is classy, understated and slightly premium, which considering it is a cheaper version of the current Vauxhall Astra with different engines and styling is quite a compliment.

Would you buy this car again and why?

With a more economical engine, a left footrest and a proper spare wheel, the car would be absolutely excellent.

What are you likely to buy next?

Possibly considering an estate version of the 1.4 litre turbocharged Cruze when they become a little bit cheaper.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£9,100

When did you buy the car?

July 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

It was a reasonably good deal, but the car suffers from savage depreciation in the first year in any case.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Design and value for money.

What was the dealer like?

The dealership was fine, but like virtually all former Chevrolet showrooms in this country, it no longer carries the franchise.

What's it like to drive?

The steering is extremely light, which certainly helps around town, and especially at parking speeds, but at medium speeds it is frustratingly lacking in any kind of feedback. It does weight up a little on the motorway, however. Although there is plenty of grip, and the suspension is set up to be quite firm so body roll is well contained, the car does tend to understeer when pushed hard. Performance from the slightly old fashioned 1.6 litre ex-Daewoo unit (albeit modified with twin overhead cams and variable valve timing) is reasonable, and it is refined enough, but the power delivery is nothing like the modern generation of small turbocharged units such as Volkswagen's TSI range, Fiat's TwinAir models or Ford's 1.0 litre Ecoboost in the Focus.

What's it like to park?

Parking sensors are absolutely essential, since the rear visibility, although better than on some supercars, is much worse than the average hatchback. It is also wider than many older cars, which is good for interior space, but not so good in multi-storey car parks.

Have you had any problems with the car?

The handbrake is not the best (this was checked and slightly adjusted free of charge), and so I tend to park the car in gear. There has also been discolouration of the black plastic around the mirrors.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot is a large size, and it is easy to get a good driving position due to the massive range of adjustment in the front seats and steering wheel. There is, however, no spare wheel, which is a common thing on cars built after 2010.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The cruise control and multi-function steering wheel are absolutely excellent.