For many, a car is just a tool, a means of transportation. Typically, such people choose cars according to two criteria: low price and high reliability. For them, design and specifications are not particularly important. Under these criteria, the Chevrolet Lacetti is perfect. This is a simple and reliable "horse". But it is no longer produced in series. However, the concern released in 2008 a good successor. This is a Chevrolet Cruze. Owner reviews, the disadvantages and advantages of a car - further in our article.
Appearance
Everyone remembers what the Lacetti looked like. This car before restyling and after looked extremely dull. Cruise is the exact opposite. The car is endowed with a bright and dynamic design. According to the reviews of the owners, the Chevrolet Cruze of the first years of production still looks fresh and bright. What is noteworthy, for all the years of release, the model experienced only one restyling, and even that is insignificant. After 2012, a slightly different bumper was installed on the car, where only fog lights became the main difference. The appearance of the Chevrolet evokes extremely positive emotions. This car can be recommended to young people. It looks especially interesting in bright red.
Depending on the configuration, the car comes with 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels. The regular wheels fit tightly in the arches, so there is no need to do any tuning to the car.
What do owners reviews say about Chevrolet Cruze? As for optics, it is pretty high quality, unlike the one installed on the Lacetti. So, the headlights do not cloud with time and moisture does not accumulate inside. We also note that the “Cruz” light bulbs last longer (they are also halogen here). But the quality of the paintwork leaves much to be desired. As noted by the owners, Chevrolet Cruze for three years of operation or 100 thousand kilometers is plentifully covered with chips and microdamages. But even on bare metal rust does not form, which is very good. The metal is galvanized with high quality and is not afraid of corrosion. This is a big plus.
Sizes, clearance
Judging by the dimensions, the car belongs to the C-class. In the city of "Cruz" is quite maneuverable, parking problems do not arise. The total length of the body is 4.6 meters, width, -1.48, height - 1.79 meters.
But the clearance is not impressive. On standard alloy wheels, its size is only 14 centimeters. According to the reviews of the owners, Chevrolet Cruz is very afraid of the mounds and deep holes. The reason for this is not only clearance, but also low overhangs - the bumper is simply huge in size. In addition, it is very flimsy and can fall off if you rest inadvertently in a snowdrift. Yes, the plastic does not crack, but the element will move away from the fixation points.
Salon
Inside, the car looks more presentable than the Lacetti, and that's a plus. Looks nice V-shaped puffy front panel with aluminum inserts. Ergonomics in the car thought out. However, the quality of the finishing materials themselves is not up to par, as the owners say.
Chevrolet Cruze (1.6 including) has hard plastic, which begins to creak over time. But the interior is assembled pretty well - all joints are even, and the line on the seats is of high quality. A lot of space inside. It is enough both in front and behind for three passengers. The luggage compartment is 450 liters. But over time, the button for opening the lid begins to “glitch”. This usually happens on models older than four years.
Power part
Depending on the configuration, this car is equipped with engines of 1.6-1.8 liters of Ecotech series, or a two-liter VCDi engine. All power plants are gasoline and have a 16-valve timing mechanism.
As noted by the owners, Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 is the most balanced option for power and fuel consumption. But even with the base engine, the car is quite dynamic. Up to a hundred, the car accelerates in 12.5 seconds. But with a two-liter - in 10.3 seconds. As for fuel consumption, this indicator is from 7.3 to 8.3 liters of the 95th in the combined cycle. The maximum speed is 175-180 kilometers per hour. In general, reviews about these engines are positive. There are no shortcomings in a particular model. Units require only the replacement of consumables, as well as a belt that wears out after 60 thousand kilometers (it is desirable to change it with a roller).
Transmission
Depending on the configuration, the Chevrolet Cruze can be equipped with a five-speed manual or automatic transmission in six gears. First, consider the manual transmission. What do owners say about the Chevrolet Cruze on the mechanics? Among the problems of this transmission it is worth noting the seals of the drives.
They often flow and leak oil. They have to be changed once a year or every 30 thousand kilometers. Also, at minus temperatures, the first gear is poorly engaged. In terms of service, this box is unpretentious. Once every 100 thousand, it requires an oil change. In general, the feedback from the owners about the Chevrolet Cruze on the mechanics is positive. What can not be said about the machine. He is rather moody. The first problems appear after 30 thousand kilometers. These are jerks when shifting gears and vibration. A small resource have solenoids and a valve body. The retaining ring of the drum falls apart after 100 thousand kilometers. If the problem is not resolved in time, the remnants of the ring fall into the planetary gears and finally destroy the box. Automatic transmission is also prone to leaks. The oil comes from the cooling pipes, as well as at the installation location of the gasket between the half-cases of the box.
As noted by the reviews of the owners, Chevrolet Cruze on the machine should not be taken. More reliable is a five-speed manual transmission. But, as statistics show, models after 2012 with automatic transmission break down less frequently. Apparently, the manufacturer not only tweaked the design, but also eliminated some “jambs” with an automatic transmission.
Chassis
The car is built on the same base as the "Opel Astra J". In front is an independent suspension with MacPherson struts. But instead of a mnogoryichichazhka (as on "Opel"), an H-shaped beam is installed at the back. The design is pretty solid. Basically, according to reviews, the front suspension raises complaints. So, after 100 thousand kilometers the silent blocks of levers fail.
Brakes on the “Cruz” - disc. The car responds well to the pedal. The resource of the front pads is about 35 thousand kilometers. The rear ones serve twice as much.
Steering - a rack with the hydraulic booster. In general, the mechanism is reliable, but reviews note an increased noise of the pump. To reduce its noisiness, experts recommend replacing the power steering fluid.
Conclusion
So, we found out what a Chevrolet Cruze is. The car is quite reliable and unpretentious in maintenance. However, it is not devoid of "childhood diseases." This is a weak paintwork, hard plastic in the cabin and a problematic automatic transmission. If you consider the purchase of a Chevrolet Cruze sedan, you should pay attention to the versions with manual transmission or choose options younger than 2012 on the machine.