Chevrolet, a division of the American auto maker General Motors, pulled off the curtains from its all-new Chevrolet Cruze in New Delhi on 27 June 2012. The leading car maker has launched three variants of its new 2012 edition Cruze, namely LT, LTZ with GM’s new-generation six-speed manual gearbox and LTZ model with an automatic transmission. The new models are being offered in seven vibrant colours, adding to the appealing graphics of car.
The launch ceremony was attended by President and Managing Director of General Motors India, Lowell Paddock. 2012 edition Cruze holds a powerful diesel engine under its hood, which is acknowledged as the best in the executive sedan segment of Indian auto industry. In addition to an aggressive engine, the model boasts of fascinating coupe-like design and pleasing interior scheme with industry-leading advancements.
Speaking on the launch ceremony, Paddock quoted, “The Cruze has received an overwhelming response from consumers across India, since its launch in 2009. We expect the newest member of the Cruze family to continue to exceed the expectations of car buyers and stand out against the competition in its segment.”
The new FAM Z 2.0 litre diesel engine has enabled the sedan to glide even more swiftly with added thrust. Powertrain of the new model is assimilated with common rail fuel injection system and sophisticated electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with intercooler. The maximum power generated by its 16-valve DOHC engine is 164 bhp at 3,800 rpm while the highest torque generated is 380 Nm at 2,000 rpm.
With decent output, the powertrain of Cruze enables the car to smoothly glide from 0 to 100 kmph in a span of less than 9 seconds. The direct injection system of the engine of the new Cruze features a solenoid injector, which has the potential to inject relatively less quantity of fuel in exceptionally short intervals, at 1,800 bar pressure. The re-worked valvetrain and mechanically designed cylinder head delivers maximum in-cylinder pressure of 180 bar, which results in improved power and torque.
In order to maintain the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions devoid of giving-up the high power density, the engine is incorporated with a dynamic EGR cooler with controlled compression ratio of 16.3:1. The latest cylinder head port design provides a better air flow and changeable spin control with integrated Cobra-shaped ports for air intake. This feature further adds to the performance of the powertrain and reduces its emissions.
To reduce the noise, roughness and vibration of engine during functionality, a two-piece oil pan with an acoustic metal lower section and a Balance Shaft Module (BSM) with twin counter-rotating balance shafts are incorporated within the oil sump. Further, the assimilation of a chain drive camshaft with hydraulic chain tensioners makes sure that the operations are carried on in a maintenance-free manner.
Adding to the performance of 2.0 litre diesel engine of 2012 new Chevrolet Cruze, the new F-40 six speed manual transmission offers easy switching between transmissions. Besides, the gearbox features cable shift mechanism with hydraulic clutch manoeuvre to offer a hassle-free drive. The three-shaft design of GM’s new transmission system has gear ratios, which are optimised to match with the Indian driving conditions.
The new features packed within the latest model of Chevrolet Cruze include Passive Entry Passive Start (PEPS) with a push button for easy start/stop. The above-mentioned feature is a standard advancement in all the variants, making the car more user-friendly. Adding to the convenience of passengers, features like six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, power express driver up/down window with pinch protect, clutch footrest and premium speakers are provided within the new model.
In addition, features like front fog lamps, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, chrome polished door handles and up-level smart screen are also provided in the LT variant.
With its bestseller Cruze, Chevrolet registered global sales of over 180,000 units during the Q1 of 2012, which approximately marked a surge of 20 per cent against 2011. India is counted among the 140 auto markets, wherein the American auto maker has introduced its iconic sedan Cruze.
Paddock further added, “The Cruze is all about value, refinement and power-packed performance combined with an array of unique features. When you add it all up, it offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a sedan at a price point that represents uncontestable value for money. As a result, we expect the new Cruze to be a hit.”
According to Paddock, in the current scenario Chevrolet believes that the model is a decent model for the country, owing to its unmatched features and tempting advancements. Apart from this, the fine tuning of 2012 Cruze enables it to easily cope up with the demands of Indian buyers in all types of climate and driving conditions.
With the launch of a new edition of Cruze, the company will set benchmarks in industry for offering quality products in a competitive price range. In order to cater a large number of buyers, the company has also decided to expand its dealerships across the country. Currently, Chevrolet operates 279 sales points and 272 authorized service stations throughout the country. The potential buyers can approach any of the official dealership to grab their all-new Cruze.
