INTRODUCED in 2008, the Cruze range has become the best-selling Chevrolet in the company’s history, with global sales in excess of one million vehicles. Locally, the Cruze saloon has not only proven itself in one of the toughest “segments” in the market, namely the hire-car industry, but also features among the top-selling C-segment contenders in the monthly sales charts. Given this success (and the fact that such a large portion of sales in Europe are hatchback models), it was perhaps only a matter of time before the green light was given for the production of a five-door version.
The saloon range recently underwent a facelift, including a revision to the dual-port grille, a new headlamp design and revised bumpers; these changes also reflect on the Hatch. The latter is 83 mm shorter than the saloon (while sharing the same wheelbase). The more compact lines lend the new car an arguably sportier stance than the saloon; the standard fitment of 16-inch alloy wheels and full colour-coding aid this perception.
The Chevrolet Cruze Hatch is available with a choice of two 16-valve petrol engines (1,6- and 1,8-litres), both featuring variable valve timing and mated exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. The smaller of the two options, as featured here, offers 91 kW at 6 200 r/min and 154 N.m of torque at 4 200 r/min. While these figures compare favourably on paper with some of the best-selling rivals in this segment, it’s somewhat disappointing that they don’t translate into good performance. Although a somewhat leisurely 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12,7 seconds will be of little relevance to buyers in this class, the fact that the engine needs regular encouragement via the gearlever does become tiresome on longer urban commutes.
It’s fortunate then that the gearshift action is a lightweight and positive one. A sixth ratio was missed only at cruising speeds, as the resultant high revs from this hard-working engine challenge otherwise excellent NVH levels. Despite the lack of a cruising gear, we calculated a relatively impressive fuel-consumption index of 8,04 litres/100 km.
Generously bolstered and extremely comfortable height-adjustable front seats are among the highlights of a well-appointed and solid cabin. Complemented by a rake-and-reach-adjustable steering column, the Cruze’s driving position was given the universal thumbs up by all who drove it. Although the same positive reaction wasn’t granted to the soft-touch cloth panels on the doors and facia, we’ll concede that they do add a touch of sophistication to the overall package (and are a welcome substitution for hard plastics).
Where the Chevrolet Cruze Hatch has the measure of many of its rivals is in rear-passenger comfort. Owing to the five-door’s elongated roofline, the engineers have managed to free up a welcome amount of headroom to complement the already impressive rear legroom. Customer needs will dictate whether the trade-off in luggage space in favour of rear-passenger comfort is a worthwhile one, but that said, a luggage capacity of 288 dm3 is still relatively impressive in this segment.
Built on the same GM Delta II platform as the current-gene-ration Opel Astra, the Hatch offers a very refined and compliant ride, even on some of the more pockmarked surfaces around our test area. Traction and stability control are standard fitment across the range and, although the performance figures might suggest this to be slightly excessive in the 1,6 LS, their presence nevertheless adds peace of mind.
The lightweight, somewhat vague electric power steering can take some getting used to (especially at cruising speeds), but nevertheless does a satisfactory job of making the Cruze feel more agile than its 1 398 kg bulk suggests.
Standard ABS braking also performs its task in bringing the Hatch to a quick stop; we averaged 3,15 seconds for our emergency-braking test routine. A total of six airbags, as well as Isofix anchorage points on the outer rear seats, serve as additional protection.
Test Summary
Based on the popularity of the Cruze saloon, Chevrolet will be optimistic that the new Hatch range will further bolster its standing on the local monthly sales chart.
The newest member of the Bowtie brigade does however find itself listed among some very competent and popular hatch rivals in our market. And most of them have the edge in terms of performance.
But, the Hatch asserts itself with competitive pricing, a comprehensive standard specification and respectable levels of trim, fit and finish. Ultimately, it’s a welcome addition to the more-than-competent Cruze family.
