Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LT review

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Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 LT Road Test

Test date 06 July 2009 Price as tested £15,605

For Impressive value for money, decent accomodation, cruising capability

Against Lacklustre engine, no bluetooth connectivity option, lack of a sixth gear

Chevrolets, Hyundais, Kias, Skodas… these are all so-called ‘value’ cars, the term being a euphemism for ‘budget’, or ‘cheap’. But these are good times for value chasers, not least because the standards these cars set are far higher than those of the budget wheels on sale a few years ago.

The high quality and competence of Skoda’s offerings and the quantum leap taken by the latest Kias and Hyundais has the Octavia, Cee’d and i30 knocking hard on the door of mainstream competitiveness. So this new Chevrolet Cruze, which replaces the almost relentlessly sub-standard Lacetti, faces a tough task.

This is an all-new design, however, and a critical one for Chevrolet as its GM parent furthers its aim of making the brand a global rival for Toyota. So the Cruze will be sold right across the planet. Despite this broad remit, though, Chevrolet claims that the car will suit European tastes.

It certainly has the potential to suit tight budgets. The well equipped base model costs a keen £11,995, while the top-of-the-range 1.8 LT version tested here is just £13,595.