2016 Chevrolet Cruze: new edition offers plenty

Now eight years old, the Chevrolet Cruze has been redesigned for 2016 and further adds to the long list of competition in the compact sedan market. The new Cruze has a more masculine exterior appearance with a split front grille and it’s slightly longer than its predecessor.

The Weekly Driver Test Drive

With the market full of standard bearers like the Honda Civic, Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla, the 2016 Chevrolet moves toward to the top of the list with its debuting second edition.

Like others in the compact sedan group, the Chevrolet Cruze is offered in several trims, including the top-line Premier, my weekly driver. It replaces the LTZ trim. The 1.4-liter turbo-charged 4-cylinder engine produces 153 horsepower and is operated with a six-speed automatic transmission.

With keen competition in the segment, the standard equipment lists are expanding, including the collection offered in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze: all new edition

All trim levels feature a seven-inch MyLink touch-screen infotainment system with A/M-F/M radio, USB integration, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, optional SiriusXM satellite radio, voice control, and CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, keyless entry, power windows, power door locks and air conditioning.

The LT and Premier trim also feature several added feature package. My test vehicle included more $5,000 in options RS Sport Package and Sun and Sound Package. Combined, more than a dozen items are listed int he packages, mostly importantly:alloy wheels, remote start, keyless access with push-button ignition, a premium sound system by Bose with external amplifier and subwoofer, an eight-inch MyLink infotainment system with GPS navigation, a power tilt-and-sliding sunroof, and power seats.

The Premier trim is offered only with a six-speed automatic transmission and it also includes: heated leather seating surfaces and upgraded alloy wheels, among other luxury features.

Driving the new Chevrolet Cruze is surprising. It’s a compact sedan with a midsize sedan feel. It’s comfortable for front-seat and rear-seat passengers, although head room from taller back seat occupants is snug. The ride is quiet and composed, particularly at freeway speeds where the Cruze’s name is appropriate.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze: New Technology

The new Chevrolet Cruze has also kept up with the technology enhancements offered my other manufacturers. In the LT and Cruze trims, 24 months/24 gigs of 4G LTE Wi-Fi, 24 months of SiriusXM satellite radio and 24 months of OnStar guidance are included.

Likes:

Overall spaciousness. Cavernous trunk. Intuitive infotainment system. Confident ride. Superior gas mileage.

Dislikes:

Tight back seat headroom. Exterior color (Kinetic Blue Metallic) is too bright.

Facts & Figures: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Specification	Details
Engine	1.4L Turbo 4-cylinder
Horsepower	153
Transmission	Automatic (S6)
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy	30 city / 40 hwy / 34 combined mpg
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Airbags	6
Warranty	Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 5 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/100,000 miles; Roadside Assistance, 5 years/60,000 miles; Scheduled maintenance, 2 years/24,000 miles
Acceleration	0-60 mph, unavailable
Fuel economy	30 mpg (city), 40 mpg (highway), 34 mpg (combined), six-speed automatic transmission
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price	$23,120.00
Price As Tested	$29,035.00