2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze: What You Should Know Before Buying
More and more consumers are turning to SUVs, but there will always be people looking for a compact car, if only because of the more affordable price. Did General Motors make a mistake by axing the Chevrolet Cruze after the 2019 model year? Many think so.
Now relegated to used car lots, the Cruze is generally intended to be a more affordable alternative to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla of the same year. Here's what you basically need to know about the Cruze.
A Promising Start
After a first generation with its fair share of problems (it meant to replace the Cobalt, let's never forget), the automaker completely redesigned the Cruze for the 2016 model year, and made it wider and roomier, as well as lighter and more efficient.
A good 1.4-litre turbocharged engine with 153 horsepower was standard. It was mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and had a fuel consumption around 7 L/100 km. The engine was very fuel-efficient, but very noisy at times.
Available equipment included the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, a rearview camera, heated front and rear seats, forward collision warning, and integrated Wi-Fi. The more luxurious Premier trim included a sportier rear suspension, 17-inch wheels, leather-trimmed seats, remote start, and a few other gizmos. The trunk had a volume of 419 litres.
The Hatchback Model
From 2017 on, a more versatile hatchback version was added to the lineup, with an increased cargo capacity of 699 litres. That's not all: a 1.6-litre diesel engine came along to compete with the Volkswagen Golf TDI. Even though this powertrain gave the compact Chevrolet an impressive 240 lb-ft of torque, it cost Cruze owners a lot in expensive maintenance. So let's forget about this one on the long term.
In fact, even the turbocharged gasoline engine requires careful maintenance of its mechanical components, especially to keep the turbocharger in shape. It can easily fail if not properly lubricated. It is also recommended to use cleaner, high-octane gasoline that will contribute to better consumption and optimize performance on the long run, thus avoiding an expensive injection system cleaning job.
Finally, the Cruze's interior is comfortable, but not as well finished as many of its competitors, which explains another aspect of its lower value. In addition, six recalls have been issued for this generation of the Cruze - nothing major, but make sure all recommended fixes have been conducted. Look for a certified pre-owned model and, if your budget allows, an extended warranty may be a good option here.
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