A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a reliable family saloon that won’t break the bank? The Chevrolet Cruze might be exactly what you need. This American built compact saloon offers practical everyday driving with a focus on value and comfort. The Cruze competes in the competitive family car market against rivals like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, bringing its own blend of spacious interior and straightforward driving experience.
What sets the Cruze apart is its no nonsense approach to family motoring. You get a roomy cabin, decent boot space, and reliable petrol engines that prioritise fuel economy over outright performance. The interior feels well put together with modern technology features including touchscreen infotainment and smartphone connectivity. Build quality is solid throughout, which helps explain why the Cruze has found favour with drivers seeking dependable transportation.
The Chevrolet Cruze appeals to buyers who want maximum space and practicality for their money. Whether you’re looking for a first family car or need something reliable for daily commuting, the Cruze delivers good value with low running costs. It may not be the most exciting choice in its class, but for sensible family motoring, few cars offer such straightforward appeal at this price point.
Chevrolet Cruze Performance & Engine Options
The Chevrolet Cruze focuses on efficiency and smooth delivery rather than outright performance. The most popular engine is the 1.6-litre diesel with around 136 horsepower, which provides adequate power for most driving situations. It delivers strong torque from low revs, making overtaking on A-roads feel confident and secure. The petrol options include a 1.4-litre turbocharged unit that offers peppy acceleration around town while maintaining good fuel economy on longer trips.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.4L Turbo Petrol / 1.6L Diesel
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Power Output
120 - 136 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.2 - 8.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
42 - 65 mpg
- Boot Space
- 430 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Chevrolet Cruze?
Open the Cruze’s doors and the spacious, well-appointed interior immediately impresses. The cabin design is clean and functional, with soft-touch materials used on key surfaces and a logical layout that makes everything easy to reach. The front seats offer excellent support for longer journeys, with plenty of adjustment to help you find the ideal driving position. Build quality feels solid throughout, with controls that operate with reassuring precision and minimal rattles or squeaks.
The Cruze offered surprisingly agile handling and a comfortable interior for its class, though its power train felt a bit under powered compared to some rivals.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze Expensive to Run?
The Chevrolet Cruze delivers impressive running costs that make it particularly attractive for high-mileage drivers. The diesel engines are the standout performers here, regularly achieving 60+ MPG in real-world driving conditions. Even the petrol engines return respectable fuel economy figures in the mid-40s, helping to keep fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, reflecting the car’s family-friendly nature and strong safety credentials.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Chevrolet Cruze
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Ford Mondeo
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Hyundai i40
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £15,000 | £17,000 | £16,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.6L Diesel 136hp | 2.0L Diesel 150hp | 1.7L Diesel 141hp |
| Power | 136 bhp | 150 bhp | 141 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 9.2 seconds | 8.8 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 65 mpg | 58 mpg | 62 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 430 litres | 550 litres | 525 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Spacious cabin, Strong economy, Value pricing | Dynamic handling, Premium tech, Large boot | Reliable mechanics, Generous warranty, Refined ride |
Chevrolet Cruze Practicality & Boot Space
The Chevrolet Cruze excels in everyday practicality, making it an ideal choice for families and business users alike. The 430-litre boot easily accommodates the weekly shopping, holiday luggage, or sports equipment, while the wide opening and low loading lip make it easy to load heavy items. Inside the cabin, you’ll find numerous storage compartments for phones, drinks, and other daily essentials. The rear seats fold down to extend cargo space when needed.
We’ve had our Cruze for three years now and it’s been absolutely brilliant. The space inside is incredible and it’s so comfortable on long journeys. The diesel engine is amazingly economical too. Can’t fault it really.
The Chevrolet Cruze stands out in the family saloon market by delivering exceptional value and practicality. It combines impressive fuel economy, generous interior space, and solid build quality into an affordable package that makes financial sense for many buyers. While it may lack the badge prestige of German alternatives, it more than compensates with superior value for money and lower running costs.
