‘Chevrolet Forum’ Review: Cruze Hatchback Aims to Impress
New Chevy Compact Delivers Big on the Idea of ‘Cool Practicality’
In all honesty, I’ve never been a huge fan of the compact hatchback car.
Aside from a few luxury models and some of the higher-performance variants, the segment has always tended to lean too far on the “practical” side for my personal liking.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I definitely get the point of a “practical compact hatchback.” Namely, that it’s a far better option when it comes to things like fuel economy, easier parking capabilities and more multipurpose interior space–especially in the city. But given that there are so many compact SUVs and crossovers that provide some of the same features in a more appealing design package, my thought has always been, “why not opt for something with a little more road appeal to drive?”
The new Chevy is not only a very practical pick but also more appealing than some compact SUVs that offer similar features.
Clearly, Chevrolet put considerable thought into that idea when designing the new 2017 Cruze Hatchback. I say that because, while the new Chevy might not have the same kind of star appeal as some luxury models and weekend drifters posing as hatchbacks, it still is an exciting addition to the segment.
For starters, the Cruze Hatch has a really nice road presence. I spent most of my time test-driving a Cruze Premier model, one of the two trims available for the Chevy hatch. But the RS package (available with the LT and “Premier” trim) gives the new Chevy a much sportier look. And yet, it’s how the hatch performs on the road that impresses you most. This is something that I had a chance to experience first-hand during one of Chevy’s “Find New Roads” adventures, which was a media event where journalists cruised from L.A. to Joshua Tree in the Cruze Hatch.
In fact, the model I drove, which was equipped with Chevy’s 1.4L turbo-charged engine with a six-speed automatic transmission, could be one of the best all-around executions of a four-cylinder powertrain to date.
Gas mileage is rated at up to 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg in the highway. The car’s four-cylinder engine only puts out 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. But given the lighter weight of the Cruze coupled with some of the hatch’s other driving dynamics, the new Chevy is far more exciting than you’d expect it to be on the road.
The new Cruze comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via the MyLink radio systems and available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot. Other available tech features include Lane Keep Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Park Assist.
Of course, one of the most compelling selling points of any “practical compact” is the car’s cost, which the Cruze hatch nails as well with a base price of around $22,000 for a manual LT model.
Final summation? The new Chevy is not only a very practical pick but also more appealing than some of those compact SUVs I raved about earlier that offer some of the same features as the hatch.
