Chevrolet Cruze 5 Sportback 1.6 LS (A) Review
12 Jan 2012|31,368 views
If there's one thing Chevrolet cars pull off, it's the sense of style and sturdiness that the brand has incorporated lately. The designers have cranked up the distortion of Chevy's old design language and took it to the next level of "screw it, let's hit the roads and do what we want fun and exuberance" blueprint. And one such example is the South Korean made car - the Chevrolet Cruze.
Since the facelifted model saw daylight in 2009, the Cruze, like the rest of the current models, has instilled its positive vibes of cheerfully muscular design that matched even its European competitors. Not only did it represent an affordable alternative to sedan-lover Singaporeans, the Chevy Cruze did not fall short of enjoying success when it came to attracting buyers.
Just late last year, the smart-looking four-door was joined by a hatchback version, showing proof that Chevrolet has decided to embrace the next logical step by keeping up with its peers. Dubbed the Cruze 5 Sportback, the hatchback version of the Cruze you see here pitches against the Koreans such as Kia Forte Hatchback as well as the Hyundai i30.
Exterior
Styling wise, Chevrolet has cleared some of the vintage dust off its earlier work, turning its latest hatchback into a car that's filled with crisp, angular lines and bolstered by bold layers of sheet metal that can sweep competitors off their feet. This can be seen from the clean, taut lines on the bonnet that draw your eyes from the A-pillars to the sharp headlamps and the flared arches that accommodate the 17 inch tyres. The result feels big, but totally approachable and easy going at the same time.
Since the facelifted model saw daylight in 2009, the Cruze, like the rest of the current models, has instilled its positive vibes of cheerfully muscular design that matched even its European competitors. Not only did it represent an affordable alternative to sedan-lover Singaporeans, the Chevy Cruze did not fall short of enjoying success when it came to attracting buyers.
Just late last year, the smart-looking four-door was joined by a hatchback version, showing proof that Chevrolet has decided to embrace the next logical step by keeping up with its peers. Dubbed the Cruze 5 Sportback, the hatchback version of the Cruze you see here pitches against the Koreans such as Kia Forte Hatchback as well as the Hyundai i30.
Exterior
Styling wise, Chevrolet has cleared some of the vintage dust off its earlier work, turning its latest hatchback into a car that's filled with crisp, angular lines and bolstered by bold layers of sheet metal that can sweep competitors off their feet. This can be seen from the clean, taut lines on the bonnet that draw your eyes from the A-pillars to the sharp headlamps and the flared arches that accommodate the 17 inch tyres. The result feels big, but totally approachable and easy going at the same time.
While the Cruze 5 Sportback shares the same face as its sedan brethren, things get a little too "flat" round the back. Lines, although sharp, doesn't appear to be "natural". Instead the butt literally gets chopped off, leaving the rear of the car short-changed. Perhaps the tail lamps have a part to play in this, with a rather dull and "unstretched" appearance that lacks a sense of dynamism.
Even through Chevy's deliberately unpolished production of the hatch, the carmaker proves that it knows a thing or two about creating cars that are soothing to the eyes. Standing at 4543mm x 1797mm x 1477mm (L x W x H), the Cruze 5 Sportback is not only longer but also wider and taller than the Forte Hatchback, resulting in an outward appearance that has a sloped roofline that gives off as much European vibe as the Opel Astra.
Interior
Good vibe mentioned, the interior will not fail occupants on board too. Despite its plasticky bits, you'll feel that you're in a car that will last longer than its mechanics. The cabin is decidedly rock solid and refreshingly young at heart, thanks to the glowing blue instrument dials and two-toned leather upholstered benches which are surprisingly comfortable and supportive.
Like the sedan, drivers will be faced with a steering wheel that's tripped out with audio controls and a multi-functional touch screen that allows drivers to utilise the NAVTRAK GPS guided navigation and infotainment system. The NAVTRAK system also includes "tech-savvy" features such as Bluetooth support, iPod music connectivity, photo browser and even a reverse parking sensor that's missing in some of the other cars in its segment. Being user-friendly and up-to-date are but mere delights for drivers to behold.
Good vibe mentioned, the interior will not fail occupants on board too. Despite its plasticky bits, you'll feel that you're in a car that will last longer than its mechanics. The cabin is decidedly rock solid and refreshingly young at heart, thanks to the glowing blue instrument dials and two-toned leather upholstered benches which are surprisingly comfortable and supportive.
Like the sedan, drivers will be faced with a steering wheel that's tripped out with audio controls and a multi-functional touch screen that allows drivers to utilise the NAVTRAK GPS guided navigation and infotainment system. The NAVTRAK system also includes "tech-savvy" features such as Bluetooth support, iPod music connectivity, photo browser and even a reverse parking sensor that's missing in some of the other cars in its segment. Being user-friendly and up-to-date are but mere delights for drivers to behold.
In the space department, the Cruze hatch is well-proportioned and provides sufficient head and legroom for four full-sized adults. You could squeeze in the fifth, with shoulder space being the only compromise - a touch that's certainly better than the BMW 1 Series Hatchback. On par with many in its segment is also the boot space. While the sedan sibling has a generous 450 litres of trunk space, the hatch offers a decent 413 litres, giving drivers sufficient space to haul a couple of luggage and grocery bags.
There's no doubt that the Cruze hatch is a big step forward in the terms of quality and styling pace for Chevrolet. Available with a sunroof as standard, the hatch also offers a smart-looking interior that makes for an airy drive on an idle sunny afternoon.
There's no doubt that the Cruze hatch is a big step forward in the terms of quality and styling pace for Chevrolet. Available with a sunroof as standard, the hatch also offers a smart-looking interior that makes for an airy drive on an idle sunny afternoon.
The Drive
So perhaps that's when the car makes you feel that it's not so much of the acceleration or the adrenaline pumping speeds the car provides. Equipped with an in-line 4, the car strolls from 0-100km/h in 12.7 seconds and it won't stop until in hits the maximum speed of 185km. Made to churn out 122 horses at 6,200rpm and 155Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, lusty low speed pull isn't the buttless Cruze's forte, but when married to its competent six-speed automatic gearbox, it will transport you to your destination in a fuss-free and wholehearted manner.
Moreover, with cruise control at your fingertips, piloting this 1.3 tonne hatch on the highway is a point-and-steer affair. But it's around city roads where the car is best suited, when short sprints are frequently required. Its 1.6-litre powerplant may not be as pronto as compared to the 1 Series or even the Hyundai i30, but delivery is linear, making it seem a little quicker than what the paper suggests.
Although the Cruze 5 isn't made to be thrown round bends, directional changes are unproblematic. No doubt that there's a fair amount of roll and little feedback from the numb steering when going round tighter bends at higher speeds, the car hides its "understeering" nature well. Once back on the straights though, it maintains its composure in good form with its short bursts of energy.
So perhaps that's when the car makes you feel that it's not so much of the acceleration or the adrenaline pumping speeds the car provides. Equipped with an in-line 4, the car strolls from 0-100km/h in 12.7 seconds and it won't stop until in hits the maximum speed of 185km. Made to churn out 122 horses at 6,200rpm and 155Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, lusty low speed pull isn't the buttless Cruze's forte, but when married to its competent six-speed automatic gearbox, it will transport you to your destination in a fuss-free and wholehearted manner.
Moreover, with cruise control at your fingertips, piloting this 1.3 tonne hatch on the highway is a point-and-steer affair. But it's around city roads where the car is best suited, when short sprints are frequently required. Its 1.6-litre powerplant may not be as pronto as compared to the 1 Series or even the Hyundai i30, but delivery is linear, making it seem a little quicker than what the paper suggests.
Although the Cruze 5 isn't made to be thrown round bends, directional changes are unproblematic. No doubt that there's a fair amount of roll and little feedback from the numb steering when going round tighter bends at higher speeds, the car hides its "understeering" nature well. Once back on the straights though, it maintains its composure in good form with its short bursts of energy.
The ride is a bit of a mixture, largely smooth but lacking the ability to eliminate the harshest ruts and bumps. But comparing it to up and coming cars such as the Forte Hatch, Astra as well as the i30, having difficulties rising to the top should be the least of the Cruze 5 Sportback's problems.
Conclusion
With the combination of a spacious cabin, decent-sized boot and eager powerplant, the Chevrolet Cruze 5 Sportback makes for a very appealing consideration in the hatchback segment.
Although Chevrolet hasn't been one of the favourite brands (thanks to our current COE and tough competitors), the Cruze 5 Sportback is definitely worth paying attention to - whether you're rediscovering a sweet spot for a hatchback or driving it for the first time.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
With the combination of a spacious cabin, decent-sized boot and eager powerplant, the Chevrolet Cruze 5 Sportback makes for a very appealing consideration in the hatchback segment.
Although Chevrolet hasn't been one of the favourite brands (thanks to our current COE and tough competitors), the Cruze 5 Sportback is definitely worth paying attention to - whether you're rediscovering a sweet spot for a hatchback or driving it for the first time.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
If there's one thing Chevrolet cars pull off, it's the sense of style and sturdiness that the brand has incorporated lately. The designers have cranked up the distortion of Chevy's old design language and took it to the next level of "screw it, let's hit the roads and do what we want fun and exuberance" blueprint. And one such example is the South Korean made car - the Chevrolet Cruze.
Since the facelifted model saw daylight in 2009, the Cruze, like the rest of the current models, has instilled its positive vibes of cheerfully muscular design that matched even its European competitors. Not only did it represent an affordable alternative to sedan-lover Singaporeans, the Chevy Cruze did not fall short of enjoying success when it came to attracting buyers.
Just late last year, the smart-looking four-door was joined by a hatchback version, showing proof that Chevrolet has decided to embrace the next logical step by keeping up with its peers. Dubbed the Cruze 5 Sportback, the hatchback version of the Cruze you see here pitches against the Koreans such as Kia Forte Hatchback as well as the Hyundai i30.
Exterior
Styling wise, Chevrolet has cleared some of the vintage dust off its earlier work, turning its latest hatchback into a car that's filled with crisp, angular lines and bolstered by bold layers of sheet metal that can sweep competitors off their feet. This can be seen from the clean, taut lines on the bonnet that draw your eyes from the A-pillars to the sharp headlamps and the flared arches that accommodate the 17 inch tyres. The result feels big, but totally approachable and easy going at the same time.
Since the facelifted model saw daylight in 2009, the Cruze, like the rest of the current models, has instilled its positive vibes of cheerfully muscular design that matched even its European competitors. Not only did it represent an affordable alternative to sedan-lover Singaporeans, the Chevy Cruze did not fall short of enjoying success when it came to attracting buyers.
Just late last year, the smart-looking four-door was joined by a hatchback version, showing proof that Chevrolet has decided to embrace the next logical step by keeping up with its peers. Dubbed the Cruze 5 Sportback, the hatchback version of the Cruze you see here pitches against the Koreans such as Kia Forte Hatchback as well as the Hyundai i30.
Exterior
Styling wise, Chevrolet has cleared some of the vintage dust off its earlier work, turning its latest hatchback into a car that's filled with crisp, angular lines and bolstered by bold layers of sheet metal that can sweep competitors off their feet. This can be seen from the clean, taut lines on the bonnet that draw your eyes from the A-pillars to the sharp headlamps and the flared arches that accommodate the 17 inch tyres. The result feels big, but totally approachable and easy going at the same time.
While the Cruze 5 Sportback shares the same face as its sedan brethren, things get a little too "flat" round the back. Lines, although sharp, doesn't appear to be "natural". Instead the butt literally gets chopped off, leaving the rear of the car short-changed. Perhaps the tail lamps have a part to play in this, with a rather dull and "unstretched" appearance that lacks a sense of dynamism.
Even through Chevy's deliberately unpolished production of the hatch, the carmaker proves that it knows a thing or two about creating cars that are soothing to the eyes. Standing at 4543mm x 1797mm x 1477mm (L x W x H), the Cruze 5 Sportback is not only longer but also wider and taller than the Forte Hatchback, resulting in an outward appearance that has a sloped roofline that gives off as much European vibe as the Opel Astra.
Interior
Good vibe mentioned, the interior will not fail occupants on board too. Despite its plasticky bits, you'll feel that you're in a car that will last longer than its mechanics. The cabin is decidedly rock solid and refreshingly young at heart, thanks to the glowing blue instrument dials and two-toned leather upholstered benches which are surprisingly comfortable and supportive.
Like the sedan, drivers will be faced with a steering wheel that's tripped out with audio controls and a multi-functional touch screen that allows drivers to utilise the NAVTRAK GPS guided navigation and infotainment system. The NAVTRAK system also includes "tech-savvy" features such as Bluetooth support, iPod music connectivity, photo browser and even a reverse parking sensor that's missing in some of the other cars in its segment. Being user-friendly and up-to-date are but mere delights for drivers to behold.
Good vibe mentioned, the interior will not fail occupants on board too. Despite its plasticky bits, you'll feel that you're in a car that will last longer than its mechanics. The cabin is decidedly rock solid and refreshingly young at heart, thanks to the glowing blue instrument dials and two-toned leather upholstered benches which are surprisingly comfortable and supportive.
Like the sedan, drivers will be faced with a steering wheel that's tripped out with audio controls and a multi-functional touch screen that allows drivers to utilise the NAVTRAK GPS guided navigation and infotainment system. The NAVTRAK system also includes "tech-savvy" features such as Bluetooth support, iPod music connectivity, photo browser and even a reverse parking sensor that's missing in some of the other cars in its segment. Being user-friendly and up-to-date are but mere delights for drivers to behold.
In the space department, the Cruze hatch is well-proportioned and provides sufficient head and legroom for four full-sized adults. You could squeeze in the fifth, with shoulder space being the only compromise - a touch that's certainly better than the BMW 1 Series Hatchback. On par with many in its segment is also the boot space. While the sedan sibling has a generous 450 litres of trunk space, the hatch offers a decent 413 litres, giving drivers sufficient space to haul a couple of luggage and grocery bags.
There's no doubt that the Cruze hatch is a big step forward in the terms of quality and styling pace for Chevrolet. Available with a sunroof as standard, the hatch also offers a smart-looking interior that makes for an airy drive on an idle sunny afternoon.
There's no doubt that the Cruze hatch is a big step forward in the terms of quality and styling pace for Chevrolet. Available with a sunroof as standard, the hatch also offers a smart-looking interior that makes for an airy drive on an idle sunny afternoon.
The Drive
So perhaps that's when the car makes you feel that it's not so much of the acceleration or the adrenaline pumping speeds the car provides. Equipped with an in-line 4, the car strolls from 0-100km/h in 12.7 seconds and it won't stop until in hits the maximum speed of 185km. Made to churn out 122 horses at 6,200rpm and 155Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, lusty low speed pull isn't the buttless Cruze's forte, but when married to its competent six-speed automatic gearbox, it will transport you to your destination in a fuss-free and wholehearted manner.
Moreover, with cruise control at your fingertips, piloting this 1.3 tonne hatch on the highway is a point-and-steer affair. But it's around city roads where the car is best suited, when short sprints are frequently required. Its 1.6-litre powerplant may not be as pronto as compared to the 1 Series or even the Hyundai i30, but delivery is linear, making it seem a little quicker than what the paper suggests.
Although the Cruze 5 isn't made to be thrown round bends, directional changes are unproblematic. No doubt that there's a fair amount of roll and little feedback from the numb steering when going round tighter bends at higher speeds, the car hides its "understeering" nature well. Once back on the straights though, it maintains its composure in good form with its short bursts of energy.
So perhaps that's when the car makes you feel that it's not so much of the acceleration or the adrenaline pumping speeds the car provides. Equipped with an in-line 4, the car strolls from 0-100km/h in 12.7 seconds and it won't stop until in hits the maximum speed of 185km. Made to churn out 122 horses at 6,200rpm and 155Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, lusty low speed pull isn't the buttless Cruze's forte, but when married to its competent six-speed automatic gearbox, it will transport you to your destination in a fuss-free and wholehearted manner.
Moreover, with cruise control at your fingertips, piloting this 1.3 tonne hatch on the highway is a point-and-steer affair. But it's around city roads where the car is best suited, when short sprints are frequently required. Its 1.6-litre powerplant may not be as pronto as compared to the 1 Series or even the Hyundai i30, but delivery is linear, making it seem a little quicker than what the paper suggests.
Although the Cruze 5 isn't made to be thrown round bends, directional changes are unproblematic. No doubt that there's a fair amount of roll and little feedback from the numb steering when going round tighter bends at higher speeds, the car hides its "understeering" nature well. Once back on the straights though, it maintains its composure in good form with its short bursts of energy.
The ride is a bit of a mixture, largely smooth but lacking the ability to eliminate the harshest ruts and bumps. But comparing it to up and coming cars such as the Forte Hatch, Astra as well as the i30, having difficulties rising to the top should be the least of the Cruze 5 Sportback's problems.
Conclusion
With the combination of a spacious cabin, decent-sized boot and eager powerplant, the Chevrolet Cruze 5 Sportback makes for a very appealing consideration in the hatchback segment.
Although Chevrolet hasn't been one of the favourite brands (thanks to our current COE and tough competitors), the Cruze 5 Sportback is definitely worth paying attention to - whether you're rediscovering a sweet spot for a hatchback or driving it for the first time.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Conclusion
With the combination of a spacious cabin, decent-sized boot and eager powerplant, the Chevrolet Cruze 5 Sportback makes for a very appealing consideration in the hatchback segment.
Although Chevrolet hasn't been one of the favourite brands (thanks to our current COE and tough competitors), the Cruze 5 Sportback is definitely worth paying attention to - whether you're rediscovering a sweet spot for a hatchback or driving it for the first time.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Also read our comparison article on:
Kia Forte Hatchback 1.6 SX (A) vs Chevrolet Cruze 5 Sportback 1.6 LSCar Information
Chevrolet Cruze5 Sportback 1.6 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|13.5km/L
Horsepower
91kW (122 bhp)
Torque
155 Nm
Acceleration
12.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
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