The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze- 1.4L Turbo Standard And Diesel In 2017

GM has recognized the second generation Chevrolet Cruze as a big part of its global market. This new Cruze offers a 1.4L turbo four-cylinder that achieves 40 MPG. It’s lighter, stiffer and stronger all around. It sounds like the chorus line to a Daft Punk song.

Earlier today (June. 24, 2015) GM unveiled its all new second generation 2016 Chevrolet Cruze to a jam-packed room in Detroit. Big news for the Cruze is that it’s lighter, includes a wider range of fuel-sipping engines, is more aerodynamic (and subsequently better on gas) and packed with entertainment, technology and safety features. Mary Barra emphasized that this was a mid-sized sedan made for the global market, and it truly shows. They labeled the press release, “Sophisticated Sophmore” and there couldn’t be a more apt phrase for the coming of age of the Chevrolet Cruze.

First, there’s the overall shape. It’s darn right slippery all thanks to hundreds of hours in the wind tunnel. The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze has a drag coefficient of .29 despite being wider by 2.7 inches and taller by an inch.

With the design, it’s all about refinement. For example, the center-rear stop lamp is mounted on top of the roof line and the rocker panels are seamlessly integrated into the doorline. If you opt for the RS package, you get a different grill, front and rear fascias, fog lamps, front and rear spoilers as well as different side skirts. The premier model adds 18-inch wheels.

Inside, there’s more rear legroom and knee room across the board. Well, it’s bigger. Many of the touchpoints have been wrapped in premium materials.

Unlike Toyota, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze offers Apple Carplay, so all the best apps for your phone are available on your infotainment screen. The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze also supports Android. And if you want, there are 4GLTE capabilities.

Thanks to hot stamped/ high strength steels and a stiffer body, according to Chevrolet, the ride is more nimble and driving confidence is enhanced. There’s a MacPherson strut setup up front and a twist beam torsion bar in the rear. Disc brakes are standard all-around.

The biggest news has to come from the 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine that comes standard. The tale of the tape is 40 MPG with 153 HP and 177lbs-ft of torque. Zero to 60 comes and goes in just eight seconds, which is pretty decent for such a small engine. What’s really cool is that the start/stop features comes standard which is great for stop and go driving.

Safety is no different as it’s been improved across the entire board. 10 airbags come standard and there’s high-strength steel in key areas (a.k.a. it’s gunning for excellent grades in NHTSA’s crash tests.) There’s a whole list of standard and available safety features, but you can read up on that on their official press release here.