The 2016 Chevy Cruze Gets Updated for its Second Generation

While Chevy is more often known for their powerful trucks and large SUV’s, their cars haven’t been taken much of a backseat lately. In fact, Chevy’s compact and midsize sedans have been selling very well and it’s largely due to the fact that the Chevy knows how to make vehicles. Plain and simple, be it a Suburban, Silverado or Cruze, Chevy knows what the American people want and they know how to deliver it. The 2016 Chevy Cruze a prime example.

Entering its second generation, Chevy made some important changes to the Cruze including dropping extra pounds and adding more efficiency to its fuel economy and space for its passengers. Now driving with Chevy quality, the 2016 Cruze is ready to win even more fans over.

What We’re Most Excited About

With every new generation or update, there’s always something that gets critics and fans alike excited. This time around it’s the all-new 1.4L turbocharged engine that is coming standard on all Cruze trims. Brand new to Chevy cars are GM’s new family of small gas engines. This turbocharged Cruze engine features direct injection, stop/start technology and is matched with either a six-speed manual that comes standard or the same speed automatic.

New Turbocharged Powertrain

Updated from last years’ model is the GM’s new turbocharged 1.4L engine that is SAE-certified to produce 153 horsepower and 177 lb/ft of torque. The turbocharged engine features an aluminum cylinder block and head helping to reduce the Cruze’s overall weight. A lighter weight means an enhanced and more efficient performance. More engine efficiency occurs through reduced friction, including low-friction piston rings, a low-friction camshaft drive, and a low-friction oil pump.

With expectations to deliver segment-best 0-60 performance, the Cruze gets in at 8 seconds with the turbo 1.4L. Not only is it the quicker than its competitors, it beats them at the gas pumps as well. The Chevy Cruze now gets an estimated 41 mpg highway driving in an automatic transmission.

What You Gain When You Lose

When a car loses as much weight as the Cruze has, the potential for improvements is not only exciting but expected. Reduced weight enhances handling and agility, which hopefully also benefits the new suspension tuning.

Considering the 250 pounds the Cruze has dropped for its sophomore generation, it has grown exponentially in becoming a better, more well-rounded family vehicle. The Cruze now has the longest wheelbase in its segment with 106.3 inches of sheet metal between the front and rear axles. The overall length increases a couple inches while also being lowered about an inch as well. This is great news for passengers in the rear seats who feel that extra space and can now settle in comfortably.

Take Off for the Open Highway

The new turbocharged engines are not only great in producing more power, but also in delivering better fuel economy and therefore, a happy driver. When equipped with the 1.4L 4 cylinder turbocharged engine, the Eco Limited trim can get up to 42 mpg of highway driving and can cover a distance of 530 miles on a single tank of gas. Even the base trim offers a fuel economy that delivers 38 mpg of highway driving which is still highly competitive in this segment.

_ Rumors of a diesel-powered Cruze model exist and although Chevy hasn’t released a date yet, Chevy dealer’s estimate that one should be ready for the 2017 model year. _

Prioritizing Safety

Realizing that the Cruze is going to be holding at least one of your loved ones during most of its use, Chevy made safety a priority. With means to protect, prevent and respond to any number of possible collisions, the Cruze has you and your loved ones covered. Rear vision camera, Rear Cross Traffic and Side Blind Zone Alerts are available. Standard in all Cruze’s is StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System with Traction Control for basic prevention. Protecting you and your loved ones are 10 standard airbags and the 5-Star overall vehicle score from NHTSA. Available OnStar Automatic Crash Response system is also available for immediate communication should anything occur.

Think Globally Act Locally

One look at the 2016 Cruze and it’s clear to see its design draws from global inspirations for optimizing energy efficient power. It’s expressive form is shaped by sleek lines to enhance aerodynamics in a way that Chevy hasn’t used before. Addressing the local audiences with technology and safety features, Chevy took its designs from international inspirations hoping to broaden its appeal outside the U.S. market.

_ “The 2016 Cruze builds on a very successful program that introduced Chevrolet to new customers the world over,” _ says Alan Batey, president of General Motors North America. _ “The new Cruze is truly one of Chevrolet’s most global vehicles. With content variations dictated mostly by local market demands, customers in every corner of the globe will enjoy the same fundamental dynamics that are making Chevrolet one of the fastest-growing brands around the world.” _

While first being released to an American audience in 2016, the Chevy Cruze will be introduced to 40 global markets.

_ With special attention being paid to its exterior design, the same must be applied to the interior to warrant that second generation, updated feeling. _

Upscale Appointments

The updates to the Cruze’s interior are such that feature lean, muscular and layered surfaces. Keeping the tradition Chevy-signature dual cockpit theme, its new design is more modern and emphasizes the driver and passenger’s interactions with technology. This is most noticeable through the prominent MyLink interface screen that is located in the center stack of the dashboard.

Also updated for the 2016 Cruze is Chevy’s infotainment system MyLink which integrates smartphone connectivity to the system using voice activation. Now, navigation, text messaging and music retrieval can all be called to by your voice. Another way Chevy is keeping safety first by integrating hands-free applications and allowing the driver to keep their eyes where they belong, on the road ahead of them.

Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay both make appearances as additional options on certain trims and add extra technology features to enhance the driver and passengers onboard experience.

Sharp piano black and standard matte black finishes contrast nicely with the bright trim that you’ll find in the standard trims. Premium features like heated rear leather seats and wireless phone charging speak to the passengers and compliment the cabin with an upscale feel usually reserved for a luxury brand. However, these kinds of appointments are becoming not only more frequent but expected in smaller compact sedans worldwide.

A Favorite Feature

When using OnStar you can access your 2016 Cruze with OnStar RemoteLink. The myChevrolet and OnStar RemoteLink mobile apps let you check diagnostics, unlock doors using a phone signal, contact roadside assistance and even remotely start your Cruze. When possibilities like these exist, the temptation to mess with your teenagers while borrowing your car is too great to not take advantage of. These mobile apps are available for download from the iTunes store and GooglePlay.

Something For Everyone

The 2016 Chevy Cruze really does have something to offer everyone. Whether you’re a gearhead who loves the new lineup of turbocharged engines Chevy has put in its new Cruze, a techie who loves gadgets, a teenager who appreciates the WiFi hotspot or an adult who can’t do without heated leather interior and upscale appointments. the Cruze can give everyone in your family a ride they can enjoy and feel comfortable in.

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