The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a four-door compact car that is stylish, economical, and packed with many useful features. Offered in four trim levels – LS, Eco, LT, and LTZ – it was built with an emphasis on fuel economy. Introduced in 2011, It is one of GM’s best-selling vehicles worldwide. During its first year, over 230,000 units were sold in the U.S alone, a definite successful entrance into the compact car market.
Drivers get the ultimate satisfaction of a pleasant experience behind the wheel, thanks to a wide array of convenience and high-tech features and an easy-to-use interface. Passengers will enjoy comfy seating, but may be disappointed by a lack of room to maneuver. Chevy’s reputation for churning out long-lasting, dependable cars, coupled with its top safety ratings and good drivability, make the Cruze a hot choice for consumers.
New For 2013
MyLink now includes Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition for the radio and select phones, and Pandora, Stitcher, and Gracenote capability. A seven-inch touchscreen display is standard. There are four new option packages, including the enhanced safety package with rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Exterior
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has approximately a 181-inch length, 71-inch width, 58-inch height, 106-inch wheelbase, and 3100-pound curb weight. Although it is defined as a compact car, it seems larger due to its wide stance and big wheels. It has a gorgeous appearance, expressed through an intricate design that easily stands out in a crowd. Wherever it travels, it is sure to turn heads and attract mass appeal.
From a frontal perspective, the Cruze has a sculpted hood that blends into a split grille with the Chevy logo in the center. On the side of the grille is a pair of neatly-shaped headlamps. Down below is a body-colored bumper, air intakes, and daytime running lights. It has a sharp look from the side, highlighted by an arc design above the windows and pretty 16-inch steel wheels. Some models have 17-inch alloy wheels. A rear view features a large fender, a set of taillights, and another cameo of the Chevy logo in the center of the trunk door. Optional features that add visual appeal and functionality are a power sunroof and fog lamps.
Interior & Cargo
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has an upscale interior, highlighted by its two-tone color scheme and high-quality materials. Seating comfort is adequate, but legroom may be lacking in comparison with other cars in the same class. In front, there are reclining cloth bucket seats with height-adjustable head restraints, divided by a large console that includes a sliding armrest, storage console, and a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet. In the rear, there is a 60/40-split folding bench seat with height-adjustable head restraints. Its trunk is rather large, measuring in at over 15 cubic feet of cargo space.
The Cruze has an updated electronic interface that gives it a futuristic look and feel. It features the Chevy MyLink system, which provides integration with smartphone apps like Pandora and Stitcher. It allows for easy streaming of audio onto Bluetooth-compatible devices. The system also has enhanced voice control for the music, radio, and phone. Additional available features that make travelling more efficient and enjoyable include a sophisticated navigation system, heated leather power seats, a remote starter, automatic climate control, and satellite radio.
Safety
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is packed with an array of nice safety features. It has anti-lock brakes on all four wheels, along with electronic brake force distribution. It is equipped with stability and traction control for improved handling on slippery road surfaces. A total of ten airbags are placed throughout the interior of the Cruze. Front and rear passengers receive protection from side-mounted airbags. Overhead airbags are also onboard to protect occupants during rollovers and side collisions. All seats have height-adjustable head restraints to help protect passengers against injury from whiplash. Rear seats have child seat anchors to assist people in carrying around little ones. Seatbelts have pre-tensioners that automatically tighten to help restrain passengers in the event of an accident. Rear doors are built with child safety locks to help prevent unwanted exit of the vehicle. The IIHS awards the Cruze good crash test ratings in all categories of protection.
Driving Experience
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze comes standard with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower (hp) and 125 lb-ft of torque. It is mated with a six-speed manual transmission. An Ecotec turbocharged, 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine that pumps out 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque is also available. It is combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. With the turbo engine under the hood, a zero-to-60 mph acceleration rate can be accomplished in about nine seconds, which is lower than that of its competition. Average fuel economy is 25/38 mpg city/highway.
On the road, the Cruze is fun to drive. Ride quality in the Cruz is relatively smooth and stable due to its independent strut front suspension with a stabilizer bar and coil springs, teamed with a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs. It provides agile handling, enabling drivers to take sharp corners with minimal to no body roll. Steering is effective, responding appropriately when asked. Brakes are very good, stopping from 60 mph in 122 feet – better than other cars in the same class.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
- Ford Focus
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Elantra
- Mazda 3