2016 Chevrolet Cruze

2016 Chevrolet Cruze. By Benjamin Yong

Chevrolet’s tagline for the redesigned Chevrolet Cruze is “Mature-ish”—what that means exactly is up to interpretation. It could refer to the compact car becoming larger, stronger and lighter compared to previously; how it has learned a few tricks such as integrating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone capability; or the fact that the model is now well-travelled and available in over 75 countries from Vancouver to Shanghai.

Or perhaps it’s the driver that is the Mature-ish one. I'll be the first to admit that I’m still a big kid at heart, and I found the vehicle fit like a glove into my work-hard-play-hard lifestyle. Chevy lent me a 2016 Cruze and here are a few observations after piloting the car for a week.

I'll start by saying that the fuel economy is incredible. The only powerplant available is a 1.4 L turbocharged 4-cylinder making a healthy 153 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque (North American spec). I was expecting the gutless and loud performance typical of small-displacement engines, but actually found the car to be fun especially in the sweet spot of 5,600 rpm.

Last but not least, the new Cruze looks fantastic.