SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The new compact car from Chevrolet is somewhat of a dichotomy.  It is possibly the best modern day Chevy passenger car ever built.

As Malibu was a leap forward for the carmaker, Cruze is another quantum leap forward being subbed in to a segment where Chevrolet has failed to shine.

The dichotomy is pin-pointing exactly what Cruze is or what it is supposed to be.

With over 300,000 sales under their belt in global markets one would think that Chevrolet would have a keen understanding of Cruze and how it should fit in now that it is being introduced in North America. 

Elsewhere in the world Cruze is a locked down car that takes advantage of the stiffer chassis and more aggressive suspension set ups making it a sporty sedan although not a sports sedan. While Chevy engineers here still laud the stiffer chassis and the Z-link solid rear axle the American buyer ends up with a rather soft boulevard cruiser sans any sportiness that may be found in the car in other markets.

In a drive through the Santa Monica Mountains, Cruze with the 138-horsepower 1.4 liter turbo matched to its six-speed automatic transmission proved adequate, able to hold speed on some steep inclines. But it was on the twists and turns that the true nature of Cruze was revealed. Too soft; too much body roll; and too many squealing tires on rather benign turns telling us without question that Cruze is not a small Euro sports sedan nor even sporty.

What Cruze is, is a rather comfortable and pleasing ride for a couple or young family. It is efficient and easy to like with fine detail work both inside and out. Fit and finish on the spacious inside is evidence of the care
Chevrolet has taken with the Cruze.

On the outside tasteful touches of chrome trim highlight the smart, pleasing to the eye design.

Cruze comes in five trim levels starting with the LS (1.8-liter/six-speed manual) priced to start at $16,995. The top-of-the-line LTZ (turbo/automatic) starts at $22,695. An RS trim package priced at $695 as well as an Eco model (turbo/manual) starting at $18,895 will be available near year-end.

— Ted Biederman