2011 Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze, General Motors' replacement for the aging Cobalt compact, will be built in plants around the world and sold in 60-plus countries. Our man Bob Gritzinger drove prototypes at GM's proving grounds in Milford, Mich., back in April, and now we've spent a day in some no-excuses production models.

Power comes from one of two sources: a 1.8-liter four producing 136 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque or a 1.4-liter turbocharged four making 138 hp and 148 lb-ft. Chevy says 0-to-60-mph times should be in the low-9.0-second range. A 1.8-liter, 128-hp, 123-lb-ft four will be offered later in a fuel-sipper model. The current versions can be had with a six-speed manual, and a six-speed automatic is also offered. Chevy figures the take rate on the turbo will be about 70 percent.


2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2011 Chevrolet Cruze
2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2011 Chevrolet Cruze
2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2011 Chevrolet Cruze