Chevy Rolls Into Town With Shiny New Wheels

by Alexandra Straub on Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

Chevrolet has certainly listened to their customers and in the Impala; it has given drivers a vehicle that has flair, as well as potency…

The 2014 Camaro features a standard 3.6L V6 with 323 horsepower.

Available for $25,695, 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel offers the best highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid passenger car in America.  All-new Cruze Diesel delivers segment-leading SAE-certified 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque with segment-leading 46 mpg highway.  It can go 717 miles on one tank of diesel fuel.

The 2014 Chevrolet Malibu makes its world debut Friday, May 31, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. The 2014 Malibu has a revised front-end appearance, more backseat knee room, and a new 2.5L engine that delivers an estimated fuel economy of 23 city / 35 highway. Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert safety features are also available. (Photo by John F. Martin for Chevrolet)

 

 

The model year 2014 is already in full swing for Chevrolet as it rolls its products into the Vancouver International Auto Show.

Many of the new and revamped products are already in dealerships so let’s take a look at what’s especially notable for this year.

Cruze Diesel

The popular selling compact from Chevrolet, the Cruz, now comes in an even more efficient setup: the Cruze Diesel.

While the diesel model was launched last summer, it bears a 2014 designation.

Under its hood is a 2.0L turbo-diesel that packs in 151 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft torque. Yes, it has that much torque and is most impressive.

According to the Chevrolet, it has a 0-96 km/h (60 mph) performance of 8.6 seconds, “which is better than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and competitive with German diesel cars that dominate the North American market.”

In addition to that, it receives an estimated fuel consumption of 4.2L/100km on the highway and 7.5L/100km in the city.

While the Cruze diesel had already been available in Europe, the proven engine needed to be adapted to North American emissions ratings.

It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission and 376.6L trunk space.

It has an MSRP of $24,945 plus $1,550 destination freight charge.

Impala

Chevrolet’s flagship sedan is all new for the 2014 model year. Released in 2013, this five-passenger vehicle can certainly hold its own in a segment whose competitors are getting stronger and stronger.

Among its redeeming new features, an all-new exterior design. I think it looks great. Having had the opportunity to take it for a test drive, Chevrolet has certainly listened to their customers and in the Impala; it has given drivers a vehicle that has flair, as well as potency.

Its cabin/interior also received a major overhaul and the result is pleasing to the eyes and to the touch.

The 2014 Impala is offered with three engine choices, including two four-cylinder powertrains and a 3.6L V6.

Output for the 3.6L V6 is rated at 305 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque (358 Nm). That is the highest horsepower output in the segment from a naturally-aspirated V6 engine.

The Ecotec 2.5L is part of a new family of four-cylinder engines developed with increased efficiency and greater refinement. It is rated at 196 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque

The Impala’s Ecotec 2.4L engine with eAssist provides electrical assist in certain conditions to help save fuel. It is rated at 182 horsepower.

Malibu

The 2013 model year brought forth an all-new Malibu. That said, not much has changed for 2014, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t get a few enhancements.

For example, there’s now a fuel-saving start-stop technology added to the standard model, rear knee room improved by 1.25 inches (31.7 mm) and chassis and suspension developments enhance drive experience.

That’s on top off the overhauled Malibu, on the inside and out.

Camaro Z/28

For those diehard track day fans who have been waiting for an even more performance inspired Camaro, the wait is over. Almost.

For 2014, the Z/28 makes its debut.

All 2014 Camaro models feature a revised exterior design that integrates high-performance aerodynamics for more efficient cooling and stability at high speeds. However, the new Camaro Z/28 adds features like a full aerodynamics package that creates downforce at speed, which helps make it the most track-capable offering in Camaro’s history.
Alongside its aerodynamic prowess, under its hood is a mechanical wonder. Its 7.0L, LS7 V8 hand-assembled engine was co-developed with Corvette Racing to make it as potent as possible.

Its monster engine produces an estimated 500 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

With those figures on paper, don’t expect amazing fuel results!

And just like it takes an experienced driver to put it through its paces, your bank account will most likely need to be seasoned, too! It has an MSRP of $77,400.

If you get to the show, all the GM brands, including Chevrolet, are well-represented.

Contact: alexandra [dot] straub [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca

A Winner Worldwide: The Chevrolet Cruze From 2011 to 2013

by Bob McHugh on Thursday, January 16th, 2014

Big on space, safety and performance, the Cruze is probably the best compact car ever made by Chevrolet…

2011 Chev Cruze

2011 Chev Cruze

2011 Chev Cruze

 

 

The Chevrolet Cruze was already a winner in Europe and Asia before it cruised into Canada for the 2011 model year.

Cruze continued its winning ways by adding the prestigious 2011 Canadian Car of the Year Award, presented by the Automobile Journalist’s Association of Canada (AJAC) to its trophy cabinet.

The base LS edition of Cruze comes with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and the Eco, LT and LTZ editions come with a Ecotec 1.4-litre turbocharged-four that delivers more power at low engine speeds, yet provides similar fuel economy. The transmission choice offered was either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

Clever aero tweaks, including active front grille shutters, help the Cruze Eco slice through air on low rolling-resistance tires. Weight saving initiatives (right down to the size and location of body welds) also trim 97 kg (214 lbs.) from its total body mass. A taller sixth overdrive gear allows additional highway fuel savings and an impressive official FE rating of 7.8/5.4 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission.

Cruze has one of the roomiest cabins in the compact class. There’s also excellent fore-aft travel on the driver’s seat plus generous head room, making is a small car for big people. Adding to driver comfort, the steering wheel has both a tilt and telescopic feature, in all models. The trunk in a Cruze is also one of the largest in class and only slightly smaller than the VW Jetta.

Top-notch safety features include 10 standard airbags, instead of the usual six fitted in its compact competitors. The extra occupant protection comes in the form of knee-airbags for the front passengers and side-impact airbags for the rear outboard passengers. The head curtain air bags in Cruze also provide rollover protection. A disturbingly high number of safety recalls (see list), however, might make one wonder about overall Cruze quality and safety.

Cruze continued largely unchanged for the 2012 model year, other than adding touch-screen navigation and push-button start with keyless entry systems to the list of options available. An infotainment system, with Bluetooth streaming audio, was made standard on all but the base LS model, in 2013. A blind spot warning system was also a new optional safety feature.

Consumer Reports list the Cruze as a “Recommended” vehicle buy and show it as having an average repair history. It’s currently the best selling compact car in Canada, made by a domestic auto maker.

Big on space, safety and performance, the Cruze is probably the best compact car ever made by Chevrolet.

Price Check: 2011 to 2013 Chevrolet Cruze (January 2014)

Year                    Edition                                                 Expect to Pay Today

2011                  LT turbo                                                     $11,000 to $14,000

2012                  LT turbo                                                     $13,000 to $16,000

2013                  LT turbo                                                     $15,000 to $18,000

*Prices vary depending on a used vehicle’s condition, mileage, usage and history. A complete mechanical check should always be performed by a reliable auto technician prior to purchase.

Safety Recalls: 2011 to 2013 Chevrolet Cruze:

2011– The steering wheel may have been improperly fastened and could loosen and eventually separate. Dealers will inspect the steering wheel fastener bolt and repair if necessary.

2011 – The automatic transmission shift linkage may not accurately reflect the actual transmission gear selection. This could allow the driver to move the shifter to PARK and remove the ignition key, even if the transmission gear is not in the PARK position. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, adjust the transmission shift linkage.

2011 – The bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft may not have been properly installed. If the joint separates and a loss of steering function would result. Dealers will inspect and ensure that the bolt is fully seated and the shaft is properly assembled.

2011/2012 – Oil spilt during an oil change, or hydraulic fluid expelled from a clutch housing vent hole, could contact a hot engine shield and cause it to ignite and burn. Dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield.

2011/2012 – Welds may have been omitted from the fuel tank mounting brackets could allow fuel leakage to occur in the event of a severe side impact crash. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, secure the fuel tank brackets using fasteners.

2011/2012 – In vehicles equipped with the 1.4L turbo engine and automatic transmission, a supplemental electric vacuum pump may not function as designed. This could result in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake power assist and increase stopping distances. Dealers will replace a micro-switch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly.

2012 – The primary stage of the driver’s airbag may not deploy during a crash and increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil.

2013 – In vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, the passenger side halfshaft may fracture and separate, which would result in a loss of motive power. Dealers will replace affected halfshafts.

Contact: bob [dot] mchugh [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca