Photo: Chevrolet
Chevrolet of Brazil today launched a brand new model for the 2015 model year called the Cruze Sport6. It's essentially the same vehicle as the Cruze Hatchback compact car they launched in 2012 over in Europe, but with a bit more Latin flavor.
The standard powertrain combines a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 16 valves and ethanol compatibility. It's been available on the Cruze before, but tweaks to the engine mapping give it a better power delivery, which combined with updates for the automatic transmission make it more usable and economical in the urban environment. The 1.8 Flex engine is rated at 144 HP and the six-speed auto it's connected to has a function where engine braking is reduced when cruise control is engaged, keeping a steady speed.
Still, performance is not what you'd call impressive. Running on petrol, the Cruze Sport6 will need 12 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), while ethanol gets it there in 10.2 seconds.
Esthetic changes are minimal, but they do include extra chrome trim for the front end of the car, around the split grilles and the fog light surrounds, which now include LED daytime running lights.
The standard equipment is borrowed from the top-of-the-range Cruze LTZ, which means it includes 17-inch wheels, chromed door handles, body colored mirrors, electric windows and mirrors. The interior is trimmed in black and brown leather with silver plastic accents. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, as is ESP and four airbags.
It's worth noting that this old generation of Chevrolet Cruze has already been replaced in some markets, like China, where a brad new sedan is offered with a twin-clutch gearbox and smaller turbocharged engines. But Brazil is considered an emerging market and thus affordable cars have priority.
Still, performance is not what you'd call impressive. Running on petrol, the Cruze Sport6 will need 12 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), while ethanol gets it there in 10.2 seconds.
Esthetic changes are minimal, but they do include extra chrome trim for the front end of the car, around the split grilles and the fog light surrounds, which now include LED daytime running lights.
The standard equipment is borrowed from the top-of-the-range Cruze LTZ, which means it includes 17-inch wheels, chromed door handles, body colored mirrors, electric windows and mirrors. The interior is trimmed in black and brown leather with silver plastic accents. Bluetooth connectivity is standard, as is ESP and four airbags.
It's worth noting that this old generation of Chevrolet Cruze has already been replaced in some markets, like China, where a brad new sedan is offered with a twin-clutch gearbox and smaller turbocharged engines. But Brazil is considered an emerging market and thus affordable cars have priority.
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