My new Chevy Cruze : Initial Report

Moonraker · 23rd October 2009, 04:03

Congrats on your new buy, and its the first cruze in the forum. I did see one in red and was drolling and white looks elegant. The dashboard looks attractive. I love the dials it looks excellent at night.

rkbharat · 23rd October 2009, 09:24

congarts man, car looks a cool beast in white

Ramsagar · 23rd October 2009, 09:28

You own beast for yourself. Congrats on the buy. Few clarification I would require form your side.

How is the steering response during high speeds?
How is the gear shift & is it difficult to change in the city driving.
Is it more spacious than Optra magnum?I can't believe.Pls confirm.

Cruze requires only two mods for its lifetime:

Tires:Pls change them to Micheline ASAP. I'm sure there will be lot of difference in the ride with respect to comfort & rolling noise will drastically reduce though all the chevy vehicles have very good NVH levels.

Pete's: Is a must, but not now, take it up as a later assignment, then the real fun starts.
Note: Pete's can be disconnected within minutes when the vehicle is due for servicing, even god doesn't know about it.

bashani · 23rd October 2009, 12:32

More Pictures from the side Vaun.

What all accessories are you planning?
How are the headlamps like at night, is the visibility acceptable?

swiftnfurious · 23rd October 2009, 13:34

Congrats buddy!

I am already in love with this -- just from reports. Dont wanna test drive and go head over heels reson being deficiency of Vitamin 'M'. Please be easy on easy on her for the first 1000 kms and then rip and enjoy!.

Can we address diesel engines as "him" rather than "her"

. Some how i dont think diesel engines should not be termed as female gender; they are rough and musculine.

nag20in · 23rd October 2009, 22:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by bashani

More Pictures from the side Vaun.

What all accessories are you planning?
How are the headlamps like at night, is the visibility acceptable?

The heasdlamps have been modified (brightned) to sute indian requirements..

varunjain · 24th October 2009, 12:59

Since I have been out of town last two days, I was not able to reply much.
I just d rove 170 kms on the Cruze, on the expresshighway from Kolhapur to Dharwad. This is an amazing piece of machine. The ease of driving, the stability of the car is really worth an applaud.
In the Ghat section I was cruzing at about 100 to 120 kmph- and the car comfortable maneuvered the turns. I could not hear any screeching noise from the tyres even with the windows down.
On one turn, I was at about 120kmph, with 2200rpm (I know the values as I had a constant eye on them) when a woman suddenly appeared from no-where from the right side of the road (from the plant shrubs in the divider), and I had to apply instant breaks, as well as turn the car to the left. The car was completely in control- as if its just another day at work for her (or him as has been advised for diesel machines). With the ABS working I could move to the left and then right again with full brakes. I am really happy I bought this machine. With my innova, I am sure in this case, I would have had a bad time.

Apart from that, the handling and the feel of the car is quite comfortable.
One thing though- In the operations guide its written that if the start/stop button is pushed when the car is in motion, the car does does not stop. But actually this is not the case. I tried testing it, and the engine just shuts off!!! I shall talk to the dealer too regarding this.

I have still not been able to use the cruze control. I have tried everything that's written in the operations guide, and still not able to figure out. I guess I shall do it soon.

I am yet to receive the complete owners manual from the dealer, as he has "misplaced" it somewhere. He promises to give it tomorrow.

I could not post any pics, as I was travelling. I shall do the same by tonight.

varunjain · 24th October 2009, 17:52

Please find a video of the cruze in morning light-

HERE

Also find more pics....

varunjain · 24th October 2009, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramsagar

You own beast for yourself. Congrats on the buy. Few clarification I would require form your side.

How is the steering response during high speeds?
How is the gear shift & is it difficult to change in the city driving.
Is it more spacious than Optra magnum?I can't believe.Pls confirm.

Cruze requires only two mods for its lifetime:

Tires:Pls change them to Micheline ASAP. I'm sure there will be lot of difference in the ride with respect to comfort & rolling noise will drastically reduce though all the chevy vehicles have very good NVH levels.
for servicing, even god doesn't know about it.

The steering response is really good. it is heavy- which gives the feeling of sturdiness and control.
It is not as spacious as optra magnum, but definitely more spacious than octavia or laura.
I am tempted to change the tires, but for now I shall keep the same. But my first change will be michelin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bashani

More Pictures from the side Varun.
What all accessories are you planning?
How are the headlamps like at night, is the visibility acceptable?

Accessories- please refer this post
The visibility is acceptable. I drove around 30 kms on highway, and had absolutely no problem. you can also see the video of the nite drive on this post

Latheesh · 24th October 2009, 19:03

Wow..how did I miss this thread..?
Let me first congratulate on becoming a prowd owner of Cruze, and she looks awesome in white.

varunjain · 25th October 2009, 15:45

This reply is for those who have asked about the "heavy Clutch", and also with reference to TSK's test drive report on the other blog.
I have now completed almost 350 kms of the car. And I can say, that the clutch sure is heavy. But one feels that more so in the city. Chevrolet can sure look at this as a 'scope for improvement'.

m-hawk · 25th October 2009, 20:23

Let me start congratulating like everyone now my concern the turbo lag you mention must be worrysome if the car is bought for city driving i assume please give your inputs !! How is the highway performance ?
Regards
Saajan

varunjain · 25th October 2009, 22:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by m-hawk

Let me start congratulating like everyone now my concern the turbo lag you mention must be worrysome if the car is bought for city driving i assume please give your inputs !! How is the highway performance ?
Regards
Saajan

I guess I am getting used to the turbo lag. Infact it is quite convenient for me. We dont need a very good pick-up in the city- and most of the driving is under 1700 rpm, i.e. before the turbo activates. So its cool.
Highway performance is just amazing. I have posted in the posts above about the highway performance. The car is quite heavy, and hence one cant estimate the speed until one sees the speedometer.

The noise protection is also very good.

varunjain · 27th October 2009, 19:52

Ok, this is to confirm that the car WILL stop (its like turning the ignition switch off) when the start/stop button is pressed when the car is in motion. Initially there was some confusion. Now I have tried it, and the same has been mentioned in the service manual too. (got the service manual today).
This means, if the Mrs. /Kid is angry, or if just for fun anybody presses this very accessible button when you are at 120, the airbags better be working!

EssYouWe · 27th October 2009, 22:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by varunjain

Ok, this is to confirm that the car WILL stop (its like turning the ignition switch off) when the start/stop button is pressed when the car is in motion. Initially there was some confusion. Now I have tried it, and the same has been mentioned in the service manual too. (got the service manual today).
This means, if the Mrs. /Kid is angry, or if just for fun anybody presses this very accessible button when you are at 120, the airbags better be working!

This is rather disturbing. IMO no car should be allowed to be turned off while still in motion.

It is a very basic feature. I wonder why GM decided to skimp on this.

The breaking of light is usually the consequence of swirl scratches on the screen. On a brand new car, that can not be the case.

Do check your spectacles (if you wear them) for scratches. I always keep cleaning them while driving on the Highways at night.

It would be great if you could escalate the switching off problem to the company.

Please drive safe... Speeds above 100 are dangerous on our highways. Run in the beauty properly and many congratulations on your buy.

23rd October 2009, 04:03	#91
Moonraker BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 171 Thanked: 2 Times View My Garage	Congrats on your new buy, and its the first cruze in the forum. I did see one in red and was drolling and white looks elegant. The dashboard looks attractive. I love the dials it looks excellent at night.
	() Thanks

23rd October 2009, 09:24	#92
rkbharat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gurgaon/New Delhi Posts: 1,601 Thanked: 724 Times View My Garage	congarts man, car looks a cool beast in white
	() Thanks

23rd October 2009, 09:28	#93
Ramsagar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: BLR_Nellore(AP) Posts: 1,396 Thanked: 252 Times View My Garage	You own beast for yourself. Congrats on the buy. Few clarification I would require form your side. How is the steering response during high speeds? How is the gear shift & is it difficult to change in the city driving. Is it more spacious than Optra magnum?I can't believe.Pls confirm. Cruze requires only two mods for its lifetime: Tires:Pls change them to Micheline ASAP. I'm sure there will be lot of difference in the ride with respect to comfort & rolling noise will drastically reduce though all the chevy vehicles have very good NVH levels. Pete's: Is a must, but not now, take it up as a later assignment, then the real fun starts. Note: Pete's can be disconnected within minutes when the vehicle is due for servicing, even god doesn't know about it. Last edited by Ramsagar : 23rd October 2009 at 09:30.
	() Thanks

23rd October 2009, 12:32	#94
bashani BHPian Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Nasik Posts: 73 Thanked: 0 Times	Post more pix More Pictures from the side Vaun. What all accessories are you planning? How are the headlamps like at night, is the visibility acceptable?
	() Thanks

23rd October 2009, 13:34	#95
swiftnfurious Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 7,201 Thanked: 9,651 Times	Congrats buddy! I am already in love with this -- just from reports. Dont wanna test drive and go head over heels reson being deficiency of Vitamin 'M'. Please be easy on easy on her for the first 1000 kms and then rip and enjoy!. Can we address diesel engines as "him" rather than "her" . Some how i dont think diesel engines should not be termed as female gender; they are rough and musculine. Last edited by swiftnfurious : 23rd October 2009 at 13:35.
	() Thanks

24th October 2009, 12:59	#97
varunjain BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kolhapur Posts: 34 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Since I have been out of town last two days, I was not able to reply much. I just d rove 170 kms on the Cruze, on the expresshighway from Kolhapur to Dharwad. This is an amazing piece of machine. The ease of driving, the stability of the car is really worth an applaud. In the Ghat section I was cruzing at about 100 to 120 kmph- and the car comfortable maneuvered the turns. I could not hear any screeching noise from the tyres even with the windows down. On one turn, I was at about 120kmph, with 2200rpm (I know the values as I had a constant eye on them) when a woman suddenly appeared from no-where from the right side of the road (from the plant shrubs in the divider), and I had to apply instant breaks, as well as turn the car to the left. The car was completely in control- as if its just another day at work for her (or him as has been advised for diesel machines). With the ABS working I could move to the left and then right again with full brakes. I am really happy I bought this machine. With my innova, I am sure in this case, I would have had a bad time. Apart from that, the handling and the feel of the car is quite comfortable. One thing though- In the operations guide its written that if the start/stop button is pushed when the car is in motion, the car does does not stop. But actually this is not the case. I tried testing it, and the engine just shuts off!!! I shall talk to the dealer too regarding this. I have still not been able to use the cruze control. I have tried everything that's written in the operations guide, and still not able to figure out. I guess I shall do it soon. I am yet to receive the complete owners manual from the dealer, as he has "misplaced" it somewhere. He promises to give it tomorrow. I could not post any pics, as I was travelling. I shall do the same by tonight.
	() Thanks

24th October 2009, 19:03	#100
Latheesh Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: CNN/BLR Posts: 4,241 Thanked: 10,070 Times	Wow..how did I miss this thread..? Let me first congratulate on becoming a prowd owner of Cruze, and she looks awesome in white.
	() Thanks

25th October 2009, 15:45	#101
varunjain BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kolhapur Posts: 34 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	the heavy clutch This reply is for those who have asked about the "heavy Clutch", and also with reference to TSK's test drive report on the other blog. I have now completed almost 350 kms of the car. And I can say, that the clutch sure is heavy. But one feels that more so in the city. Chevrolet can sure look at this as a 'scope for improvement'.
	() Thanks

25th October 2009, 20:23	#102
m-hawk BHPian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: mumbai Posts: 218 Thanked: 9 Times	Let me start congratulating like everyone now my concern the turbo lag you mention must be worrysome if the car is bought for city driving i assume please give your inputs !! How is the highway performance ? Regards Saajan Last edited by m-hawk : 25th October 2009 at 20:24.
	() Thanks

27th October 2009, 19:52	#104
varunjain BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kolhapur Posts: 34 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	start/stop safety feature Ok, this is to confirm that the car WILL stop (its like turning the ignition switch off) when the start/stop button is pressed when the car is in motion. Initially there was some confusion. Now I have tried it, and the same has been mentioned in the service manual too. (got the service manual today). This means, if the Mrs. /Kid is angry, or if just for fun anybody presses this very accessible button when you are at 120, the airbags better be working!
	() Thanks