Chevrolet Cruze 5p 1.7 VCDI, test drive (Engine and performance)

It had been a while since we had tested a compact model at Highmotor, so these days we bring you the five-door version of the Chevrolet Cruze. Although it is true that, given its dimensions, around 4,510 mm long, it stands out as one of the largest in this segment.

Our test unit in particular had the smallest diesel engine, the 1.7 VCDI with 130 CV, which offers more than adequate performance and well-controlled consumption.

Engine and performance

As we mentioned before, our Cruze was equipped with the 1.7 VCDI engine which, unlike the brand’s other diesel powerplants, does not originate from VM Motori. Its output stands at 130 CV with a maximum torque of 300 Nm, which undoubtedly moves the Cruze with fair ease and presents itself as an alternative for drivers who do not need the extra power and response of the 2.0 VCDI with 163 CV and 360 Nm.

Now it’s time to start the engine and get behind the wheel. As a good diesel engine should, you notice that its full potential arrives from around 2,000 rpm, being quite progressive at all times. In addition, the 1.7 VCDI, which can also be found in the Astra, allows the Cruze to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in about 10.3 seconds, and the accelerator can be pressed until the speedometer approaches 200 km/h, figures that are more than respectable for its segment.

When driving on the road, its behaviour is quite correct, as it allows overtaking or manoeuvres without any difficulty, while on the motorway its recovery is quite acceptable. On the other hand, for the city it features the well-known Start/Stop system, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is stationary and reduces consumption figures.

As for the gearbox, it was fitted with a six-speed manual transmission with a pleasant feel and precise gear shifts. Furthermore, as we will see later, if we manage to “play” with it we can achieve even lower consumption. To close this section on the engine, Chevrolet completes its offer with two more petrol engines: a 1.6 with 124 CV and a 1.8 with 141 CV.

Handling

Given its dimensions, the Cruze is designed to have its natural habitat on country roads and motorways, so its handling is also oriented towards that. Thus we notice that it has suspension that seeks maximum ride comfort and that absorbs the imperfections we may find in the asphalt. All of this, combined with the engine running at 120 km/h sitting comfortably above 2,100 rpm, makes motorway driving pleasant. A well-insulated cabin also ensures that hardly any noise, whether aerodynamic or from the engine, gets into the interior.

If our destination is a winding road, we will not be disappointed by our Chevrolet Cruze, since although it is not a model aimed at maximum enjoyment on such roads, its rigid chassis prevents excessive body roll, facilitating exits from bends and allowing the Cruze to be driven more spiritedly. We can even deactivate the ESP from a button located near the gear lever. However, one factor we will miss is a slightly firmer steering, as this would give us greater precision.

On reaching the city, the Cruze proves acceptable, mainly thanks to a steering lock that offsets, to a certain extent, its greater height compared with the average compact, allowing it to be manoeuvred through streets without any problems. However, as we will see in the second part of the test, it has a significant handicap: its design makes rearward visibility through the interior mirror very limited, so a rear sensor system, which our unit was fitted with, is almost essential.

As for the brakes, they remain within the usual parameters, as they stop our Cruze without problems and do not show significant fatigue under normal driving conditions. Their travel is typical, with an initial, gentler phase of action that then, when necessary, bites directly.

Consumption

We come now to one of the sections that today are most significant, since high fuel prices lead us more and more to focus on consumption figures above other qualities any model may have.

In this case, the Chevrolet Cruze proves quite competitive, as it offers a good balance between performance and consumption. Thus, on our usual motorway test route, we managed to achieve consumption of around 5 litres per 100 km, since by maintaining economical driving the 1.7 VCDI diesel engine with 130 CV can be squeezed to the maximum.

On country roads the figure rises slightly compared with motorway driving, but it is always possible to keep quite respectable figures of around 5.8 litres per 100 km. Finally, city consumption, where the Start/Stop system helps considerably, allowed us to achieve 6.3 litres per 100 km.

Therefore, we are looking at a model that can compete with the compacts of other brands , since the Cruze offers great interior space with an engine that strikes a good balance between performance and consumption. In the second part of this test we will discuss both the exterior design of the five-door Cruze and also inform you about the prices and available equipment.

Photos | David Taboada