Cruze with some improved turbo power
The Chevrolet Cruze hatch and sedan ranges in South Africa have been given new life with the addition of turbo charged derivatives of both body styles.
POLOKWANE – The Chevrolet Cruze hatch and sedan ranges in South Africa have been given new life with the addition of turbo charged derivatives of both body styles.
Marking the first time turbo charged Chevrolets have been available in South Africa, the new turbo models also usher in minor detail upgrades and a refreshed model line-up.
Forming part of General Motors’ (GM) global powertrain portfolio, the 1.4-litre turbo charged Ecotec petrol engine now makes its way into Cruze models after proven use in other GM products the world over.
Producing 103kW between 4 900 and 6 000rpm along with 200Nm of torque between 1 850 and 4 900rpm, the smooth engine not only provides for an enhanced driving experience in both Cruze body styles, but also benefits in the fuel efficiency and carbon emissions stakes.
Featuring standard start/stop technology, the four-cylinder unit has a dual overhead camshaft with variable valve timing and a multi-point injection fuel system.
Featured in the new Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T LS Sedan and Cruze 1.4T LS Hatch models, the new powertrain returns average combined fuel economy of 5,8-litres per 100km, with corresponding CO² emissions of 135g/km each.
Both models also come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox with gear ratios perfectly matched to the turbo charged engine, further ensuring optimal efficiency. This engine delivers performance comparable to units of a larger displacement while requiring less fuel and producing a smaller carbon footprint.
Safety systems
The safety architecture of the local Cruze sedan and hatch models is based on the original design which has earned top five-star safety ratings from both Euro NCAP and the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
To help the driver avoid accidents, the Cruze comes packed with advanced active safety systems which include:
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps the driver maintain control in challenging driving situations and keeps the vehicle heading in the intended direction.
• Traction control which limits wheel spin when one or both of the front drive wheels begin to lose traction.
• Four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The latter proportions brake pressure during braking.
In the case of an accident occurring, the Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T has front and rear crush zones engineered to collapse in a controlled fashion and maintain the integrity of the cabin.
A collapsible pedal assembly also reduces the risk of injuries to the driver’s legs and feet during moderate to severe impacts.
All Cruze LS and LT models are equipped with five three-point seatbelts and six standard airbags for safety.
Safety seats for children can be secured using the ISOFIX anchoring system on the two rear outboard positions.
Along with the introduction of the new turbo charged powertrain, Chevrolet Cruze sedan and hatch models have both been given specification updates, further enhancing the value added by the new engine.



