Chevrolet Cruze HB5 test drive since 2011 hatchback

Chevrolet Cruze: Long Test. We move to 1.6

The finale of our series about Chevrolet Cruze we decided to devote more affordable LS execution with an engine of 1.6 liters and a mechanical gearbox. The first acquaintance with the beige sedan took place in the last series and began with a comparison of the sets and decorations, but, as it turned out, the power unit threw many interesting surprises. It's time to share them and summarize the winter-spring season from Chevrolet Cruze.


By the way, because of the delayed spring, it was possible to feel the features of cold starting. It turns out that Cruze with a 1.6 engine is not so willingly warming up in place as a version with an engine 1.8! This is especially noticeable when you need to leave the parking lot in the morning. It is worth starting to actively twist the steering wheel, as the cold motor begins to shudder in the convulsions of the hydraulic pump pump. What will happen in frosts if this manifests itself already with a light minus?


If the engine with a volume of 1.8 liters got Cruz from the previous generation Opel Astra, then the Chevrolet Lacetti shared 109-horsepower engine 1.6. By the way, in the foreign markets of Chevrolet Cruze will soon be equipped with a 1.4 Turbo engine with a capacity of 140 horsepower with six -speed automatic and mechanical boxes (hello to the new Astra!). I wonder if this option will get to Russia?

But literally after a couple of minutes, this negative effect naught in the movement of the engine quickly overcomes an unpleasant temperature regime. But the fact that the motor does not like low turnover is a fact. Up to 3 thousand Cruze 1.6 is only capable of maintaining speed and accelerates extremely slowly. Therefore, for energetic accelerations, the tachometer arrow cannot be lowered below 3.5-4 thousand revolutions. We climb into the characteristics: the peak of torque (150 N ∙ m) is reached at 4000, and the maximum power is 6 thousand. Well, you have to twist.

Fortunately, do it for pleasure. Firstly, Cruze 1.6 becomes noticeably faster at the top. Secondly, the junior engine is much quieter than a 140-horsepower unit! He does not vote in the entire speed range, and the timbre is much nicer. Little things? Not at all. It was motor noises that dominated Cruze 1.8. Therefore, in general, a less powerful option is perceived more comfortable.


The combined upholstery of the seats looks good, but the practicality of light fabric is not at an altitude prepare for the frequent dry cleaning of the cabin. But the fabric well fixes the body in corners, unlike slippery optional skin in Cruze LT

But, alas, in the acceleration of Cruze 1.6, nothing can contrast anything with a more powerful fellow. Even on condition that it is equipped with a mechanical checkpoint. The box here is five -speed, which forced engineers to stretch the transfers in favor of fuel savings. According to the passport data, Cruze 1.6 loses a second in a sprint of 0-100 (12.5 s against 11.5 of Cruze 1.8 with an automaton). And with an increase in speed, the loss becomes even more noticeable.


Chevrolet Cruze has many departments for small things. This is a box under the light control unit, and a box on the front panel, and a convenient armrest with a hold. True, the capacity between the front seats, like the rear electric heels, the prerogative of the equipment of LS and LT. Cruze Base is deprived of them

Secondly, and this is also pleasant news, the designers worked on the gearbox. I remember that the crouses from the first parties were by no means distinguished by the rubber lever the moves were too long, and the clarity of the mechanism left much to be desired. Now another thing! Of course, this is not a Porsche 911 GT3 weapon shutter, but personally this knot does not cause complaints anymore. It seems that the company really listen to customer complaints. Vitaliy Kabyshev has already noted improved steering steering settings on the current crocks.

And on 109-horsepower crules will have to call for a gas station less often. Is it a joke, Cruze 1.8 with an automatic machine in the city consumed about 12-13 l/100 km with us. And 1.6 with the mechanics calmly laid in 9.5-10 liters with the same operating modes. Of course, it has already become much warmer, and it was possible to rewind increased consumption when warming up the engine. But perhaps not so Cruze 1.8 is faster to forgive him such a difference in appetite.

Given the current gasoline prices, it will not be superfluous to add that both engines calmly consume the 92nd. And, most likely, it was the main reason for the use of the proven engine from Lacetti in Russia. In Europe, Cruze 1.6 is already developing 124 horses! But do 15 N ∙ m of torque outweigh the ability to digest less high -quality oats?


We have already encountered an innate disease of the crust with a creak of the rear brakes when moving back. But it was on a white Chevrolet Cruze with an automaton, but the beige machine was deprived of this defect. It's about the gearbox? Or is that we have reached the mechanical Cruze only to 3 thousand kilometers?

It is curious that if you disown the dynamics, then on the go Cruze 1.6 with mechanics is perceived more interesting in terms of active driving. The tough connection between the engine and wheels gives a pleasant feeling of control, the response to the actions of the accelerator is slightly faster, and it divers it in the turns, it is faster. Apparently, the weight loss of 30 kg is affected in comparison with the automatic Cruze 1.8, and all of them were removed in front, which beneficial affected the weight.

So what about it? What Chevrolet Cruze would we put in first place? Cruze 1.6 LS seemed to us the most balanced. Why not Cruze Base with the same engine for 553 thousand rubles? Let's try to explain. Yes, BASE already has both ABS and four airbags, but for such ordinary things as air conditioning and heating the seats will have to pay extra 30 thousand and 6 thousand, respectively. Total is already 589. And now we compare with Cruze LS for 621 thousand rubles.

In Cruze LS, two more airbags (window inflatable curtains are added), there are fog lights and a route computer, the steering wheel is finished with the skin and has the control buttons of the audio system. Plus, the driver has the opportunity to raise or lower his chair, and the steering column is adjusted not only in the angle of inclination, but also by departure. In addition, you can buy Cruze LS with a six -speed automatic (+ 35 thousand rubles). Moreover, both with the 1.6 engine, and with 1.8 (you will have to pay 47 thousand for the top motor).


From January 1, 2011, the buyer himself has the right to choose what the guarantee for Chevrolet Cruze will be. Two options are offered to choose: either 2 years without limiting a run, or 3 years or 100,000 km (depending on what will come earlier). Interction interval 15,000 km

But do not discount Cruze LT (from 719 thousand rubles). Yes, at first glance, he has almost no real advantages. A more powerful and burdened engine (LT is offered only with a 1.8 engine) will facilitate overtaking on country roads, but it is voracious and noisy. 17-inch discs are beautiful, but on our roads they worsen smoothness, and tires are more expensive. Cruise control is used extremely rarely and virtually useless (especially with such an algorithm of work). The climate instead of an ordinary air conditioner is the first bonus. But there is a more important trump card of stabilization (ESP), which is not available to other executions even for surcharge. Perhaps for someone it is she who will become a decisive factor when choosing her Chevrolet Cruze.

Vadim Gagarin
Photo by Vitaly Kabyshev
 

  

Source: Auto.mail.ru