Chevy’s Hot New Ride Gets a Once-Over from AWN. It’s Mostly Good…Except for One ‘Disappointing’ Aspect
Chevrolet has long been identified with workhorse trucks, such as the Silverado, and affordable, high-performance cars, like the Camaro and Corvette. Now, it’s making headlines for creating a life-size Batmobile out of LEGO bricks. With all of those renowned names being identified with the Chevy brand and trucks selling so well these days, it can be easy to overlook the fact that Chevrolet also makes small cars. Included in the mix are the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan and Cruze Hatchback.
Auto World News never forgot. They also didn’t forget to break the Cruze down into its trim and equipment levels, and pros and cons. The Cruze Sedan is available in L, LS, LT and Premier forms. The new-for-2017 Cruze Hatchback comes in LT or Premier trim. Both Cruze models can also be fitted with an RS appearance package that includes special front and rear fascias, rocker panels, a rear spoiler and fog lamps.
Although Auto World News praised the Cruze for its attractiveness two-tone interior, comfortable rear legroom, and its many convenience and tech features, it knocked the car for its “somewhat disappointing acceleration and very regular fuel economy.” For the record, the Chevrolet Cruze Sedan gets maximum fuel economy ratings of 30 city mpg and 40 mpg highway from the EPA. This is thanks in part to its 153-horsepower/177-lb-ft, turbocharged 1.4-liter I4. The fact that that’s the only engine option for the Cruze is another one of its low points, says AWN. On the plus side, that I4 can be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox in many trim levels. Let’s not forget the sleek, angular styling, too.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
