General Motors will be launching the updated Chevrolet Cruze in the month of June 2012. The American automaker was supposed to launch the facelift of the Chevrolet Cruze at the 2012 Auto Expo, but has delayed it by almost six months. The Cruze facelift will get minor updates to the exteriors, with a new fog light cluster, air dams, head lamps, alloy wheels and tail lamps. The changes to the interiors are minimal with changes of colours on the dashboard and instrument cluster. A new audio system with ‘MyLink’ smartphone pairing debuts as well.
While the changes to the exteriors and interiors might not sound exciting, the biggest change is to the engine of the Cruze. GM has given the Cruze an all new Z-Series engine, which is 7cc more in capacity than the old motor. The 2.0-litre, Z-series diesel engine produces a power output of 163 BHP and a torque output of 360 Nm. While the 15 BHP power bump might not sound very exciting, the real advantage of the Z-Series engine over the VM-Motori powerplant is the refinement and driveability it offers. The Cruze is expected to offer reduced turbo lag along with faster acceleration times. Fuel efficiency too is expected to improve marginally.
While the changes to the Chevrolet Cruze are welcome, what is unwelcome is the increase in price. GM will hike prices between 2.4-4% on the Cruze, making the vehicle costlier by Rs. 30,000-45,000/-. If you are on the fence waiting to decide between the old Cruze and the upcoming model, we would suggest waiting. Once the new model arrives, dealers will clear inventory with heavy discounts. But if you want the latest, you should opt for the Cruze with the Z-series engine. Not only is it faster and more frugal, it also complies with Euro V norms and is lower on maintenance as well.
Source – BSMotoring
