Currently reading: Chevy Cruze Eco and RS models
Fuel efficient model and sporty trim package may make it to the UK

Two new Chevrolet Cruze variants have been unveiled at the New York motor show: the Eco and the RS.

Tech from the Eco model and the sporty RS package could be sold in the UK, according to a Chevrolet UK spokesman.

See the Chevrolet Cruze variants at the New York motor show

The Chevrolet Cruze Eco is powered by a 138bhp 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 148lb ft of torque. The motor is linked to a six-speed manual gearbox, and the car averages 48mpg on the motorway.

The Eco also gets tweaks such as grille shutters that close at speed to reduce drag, and underbody panels.

The RS package adds fog-lights, a rear spoiler, chrome detailing on the interior and a backlit instrument panel.

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theonlydt 31 March 2010

Re: Chevy Cruze Eco and RS models

Rover P6 3500S wrote:
The Toyota Sienna is FWD-only and isn't sold in the UK/Europe - same goes for the Honda Odyssey
The point is that where the vast majority of Suburbans are sold is the NA market. The odessey is FWD only, but the Sienna is available with 8 seats AND AWD. Look it up. The Suburban itself in the NA market is either a 5.3V8 or a 6.0V8, with 300ish and 325ish bhp respectively. Fast no doubt, but 15mpg is about the best you can expect being a 3 tonne car. Amusingly it's also sold with just RWD for those interested in fuel economy. Now, if I needed to do genuine off-roading I would still take a Defender rather than a Disco or RR. Reasons being: Defender cheaper to buy and repair for when you scratch/dent it, especially as with a Defender you won't bother, no electrics to go wrong, decent axle articulation, easily modified for wading as opposed to current disco and rr models and finally easier to fix at the side of the road with a spanner than a disco/rr. What it gives up in off-road ability is more than made up in some of the money you save being invested in a decent set of tyres which will do far more for traction than any electronic aids.

theonlydt 31 March 2010

Re: Chevy Cruze Eco and RS models

Rover P6 3500S wrote:
Really? What's wrong with them? They're simple, rugged and spacious. If I had to ferry loads of kids about, I can think of few better cars than a big Burb - it's massive, it'll seat eight, it looks good and no-one argues with you on the road (except Caterham drivers, who'll go straight underneath you). Best of all, you'll really infuriate the greenies. Also, it's pretty safe. I'd love it if Land Rover came out with a Suburban-type thing but with their aluminium monocoque construction, their style, their quality, their engines, etc.
What's wrong with them? Everything, for a start. Massively overweight, over-engined (though with actually very little power for the size of engine), incredibly thirsty, no character and while you may think that "no-one argues with you on the road" that merely means you're being a pushy bar steward and everyone else on the road can't stand you. If I had to seat 8 in a car with zero character I'd get an MPV like the Odessey/Sienna (or i800 in the UK). If I wanted genuine off-road ability with seating for 8 or more I'd get a 110 Defender. If I wanted all-wheel drive and seating for 8 you'd get the Sienna - because it's got a much lower centre of gravity and would deal better with the snow and most other situations people buy AWD for - as I said for proper off-roading 90/110 all the way. Greenies aren't wrong all of the time you know - the Suburban and friends are a group of cars that are dinosaurs with no saving graces. Now, I suggest if you really want to pass judgement on these models you take a trip overseas in 7 years time (when you'll be old enough to rent a vehicle) and try some of them out. In the meantime you're passing judgement on vehicles you have not driven and have not driven on the same roads as. I can assure you that entire group of chevy "off-roaders" based on the Silverado box frame are complete pump.

theonlydt 31 March 2010

Re: Chevy Cruze Eco and RS models

To add to that the rest of the UK range - Captiva is an overpriced Antara, both of which are well off the pace for a class of car I'd never buy. Matiz/lacetti/epic are all Daewoo relics, no more need be said.