Looking at a teaser advert on an Indian television channel, a few weeks ago, initially made no sense at all.
But, over the next two days, the familiar Chevrolet symbol began to appear and it soon translated into the Cruze!
This was, I thought, quite a remarkable advertisement, since teasers are certainly not routinely done on television. The message soon became clear, however.
The launch of the all-new sedan was happening in India - and elsewhere in Asia and the Middle East - at the same time - a rare occurrence!
In Bahrain, most people still did not know about its arrival - until now that is!
When I got myself behind the wheel, it was like being back in my first car in Bahrain. The same size, the same flaming red colour and the same looks - almost!
This nostalgic feel was an advantage, because I started to enjoy it at once.
The Cruze raises the bar for design appeal, build quality and running refinement in the compact value segment.
Backed by a high-level crash safety rating and an all-new power train line-up, the Cruze also heralds the introduction of a new global design language for the Chevrolet brand.
Traditional
It's a design statement anyway you look at it - because it's bold and beautiful, even though it is somewhat tight in space, with five passengers feeling rather crammed.
Inside and out, the design teams have developed a new global design language for the Chevrolet brand, introducing fresh visual elements while leveraging the potential to express traditional, Chevrolet signature design cues in new ways.
An arching roofline, extending from the steeply raked windshield into the slim rear pillars, is the defining exterior feature of the Cruze.
Combined with a relatively short rear deck, it brings four-door coupŽ-like looks to this market segment for the first time.
Though it is initially a 'squeeze' to get in and out, I soon realised the Cruze has a well-planted, close-to-the-ground stance.
The distinctive concave shoulder line flows along the sides of the car into the rear deck lid and is set to become an all new 'signature' for the brand. This upscale visual appearance is also reinforced by clean, uncluttered bodywork free from mouldings or trim.
The Cruze looks menacing despite its size, with the dual-port grille that carries Chevrolet's gold bowtie with a new air of self-confidence.
It is flanked by distinctive headlamp housings, with 'jewel-effect' detailing, that sweep up, arrow-like, to a point in the front fenders.
Neat rear-styling includes flush-mounted tail light clusters, each moulded with two circular shapes, echoing a traditional Chevrolet twin light styling motif.
But the real surprise was the engine. With a "tiny" 1.8 litre, four cylinder capacity, producing 140 hp at 6,300 rpm, it still comes across as among the most efficient on the market in terms of output-per-litre.
With the six-speed automatic transmission it really is something to look forward to. Its performance is characterised by strong pulling power, even at low engine speeds and high levels of efficiency, with power output per litre of 78 hp.
This engine features full variable valve timing to optimise the charge cycle, with benefits including a higher power output and more torque over a wide engine speed range; reduced emissions due to greater exhaust gas recirculation, and improved fuel consumption.
The vehicle's inside conveys a sporty yet warm ambience, the five-seater cabin is typified by harmonious, flowing lines and the application of grained, soft-touch leather material. It is a high-quality execution that transcends the compact value segment.
The centre point for the 'dual cockpit' symmetry is a neatly integrated centre stack, housing the infotainment and air-conditioning displays and controls. It is mounted at a shallow angle and has a flowing, free form which eliminates straight lines and the traditional 'picture framing' of panels.
However, I don't know whether it is a design flaw or was peculiar to the vehicle I drove, but the centre of the windshield quickly 'fogged', obstructing my view of the road and causing me to several times nearly slam into the kerb!
Safety
I was also rather dissatisfied with the storage in the glove compartments - tiny even for the size of the vehicle. An improvement would do the Cruse a great deal of good.
I am told the Cruze's body structure is among the stiffest in its class, with great torsion rigidity. The strong structure is the key to suppressing noise, vibration and harshness, as well as securing a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.
Apart from minimising noise and vibration, a stiff structure also makes it easier to isolate residual powertrain, road and wind noise for even quieter cabin comfort.
The bottom line is that the Cruze doesn't look budget, but very much more expensive than the price tag it carries - BD7,200!
It is available at its dealers, National Motor Company, Sitra.
mandeep@gdn.com.bh
