Chevrolet’s Cruze is one truly good looking car and I was really looking forward to driving this particular vehicle, especially in light of General Motor’s decision to cut down on the popular Opel models and promote the Chevrolet brand further.
The Cruze has been my long-termer for the past few weeks and, being the magazine’s photojournalist, I have found it rather practical. Since its trip up to the Reef from the coast, the 1.8 Cruze has served the Cars in Action offices well by providing comfortable transport for staff members.
It has not disappointed in the least and I have found it very smooth on the open road. Inside there is a general solid feel about the car and the centre column certainly looks fresh and modern. The heater system, in particular, has proven very effective – and a certain lifesaver on cold wintery mornings on the way to the office and to shoots.
Despite the numerous drivers that have passed through this car, the cabin still looks fresh and appealing. The centre screen does look very ‘80s though and one does wonder why GM couldn’t fork out a bit more for something with more pixels.
Another useful feature on the Cruze is the steering wheel-mounted radio controls which, with enough practice, allow you to change radio stations or adjust the volume without your eyes leaving the road.
Photographers usually have silly amounts of gear like tripods and bags to carry about and the boot of the Cruze swallows up everything with ample room to spare.
On countless occasions, I have been forced to fold seats down in other cars thanks to pathetically-sized boots, which puts expensive camera equipment at risk from opportunistic thieves.
-David Taylor
Long-term logbook
Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LS
Test commenced: October 2009
List Price New: R204 133
List Price Now: R204 133
Odo on Arrival: 1835km
Odo Now: 13 005km
We Like: Styling, ride, cabin & price
We Don't: Performance and steering
Summary: A comfortable cruzer
CiA Rating: 7
Claimed Fuel Use: 6.8 l/100km
Actual fuel use: 8.8 l/100km
fuel capacity: 60 litres
tank range: 882km
Claimed CO2: 159g/km
Actual CO2: 211g/km
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