On September 25th, 2010 we here at Heinrich Chevrolet were invited by General Motors to come take an exclusive first look at the all new Chevrolet Cruze. Being released as a 2011 model vehicle, the Cruze is the first new product launch to take place after the new GM emerged from bankruptcy. As a replacement to the long running Chevy Cobalt, GM hopes to use the Cruze as a way to regain market share in the compact car market, an area in which GM has been losing market share over the last few years. In support of this, General Motors invited over 80 of it’s car dealers to come tour the Lordstown, Ohio production plant. After the plant tour, the dealership staff in attendance got to experience everything the vehicle has to offer through product tours and an exclusive closed-course test drive.
With a price starting at just $16,995 the Cruze is positioned to compete with vehicles such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, and Ford Focus. Featuring a modern body style and a host of options not normally found in it’s class, the Cruze is an attractive option for the budget-minded car buyer. Many of the dealers that drove the car seemed very impressed with the Cruze.
“This is exactly what GM needs right now” said Kurt Wojda, Heinrich Chevrolet’s marketing manager. “In comparison to the cobalt, this is more in line with the needs of today’s market.”
You’ll find that the Cruze offers a standard 36 mpg, navigation, bluetooth connectivity, OnStar and a unique two-tone leather interior. Given the price, the options on the vehicle really can’t be beat.
In terms of performance and handling, the vehicle performed much better than expected. Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine, one will find that car has ample acceleration for day-to-day driving and a very responsive braking system. With more interior and cargo room than any other vehicle in it’s class, coupled with a standard 10 airbags (normally only found on luxury cars and mid-sized sedans), it looks like the Cruze is set to be a rather competitive vehicle.
Launching this month at Chevy Dealerships across the country, the Cruze is a vehicle that you should consider if you find yourself in the market for compact cars. More information can be found at the website of Heinrich Chevrolet, a Buffalo Chevrolet dealership.
