THE latest model of Chevrolet has been launched in Davao City, raising the sophistication of sedan driving in the city a notch higher.
Launched at Chevrolet Davao showroom along J.P. Laurel Avenue in Lanang, Davao City, the Cruze promises to be a compact sedan with a new global design, complete with upscale fit and finish quality, high level crash safety ratings, with a harmonious, flowing interior with “dual cockpit” look.
Backed by a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating and an all-new powertrain line-up, the Cruze also heralds the introduction of a new global design language for the Chevrolet brand.
"Chevrolet has always stood for value and the Cruze delivers on that promise like never before," said Wayne Brannon, GM Europe Vice President of Chevrolet. "It redefines value with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out."
Developed to satisfy refined tastes in design and chassis performance, the Cruze will spearhead the launch of a series of new products that share its design and quality standards.
Quite simply, Chevrolet believes the introduction of Cruze has “moved the goalposts” for products seeking to compete successfully in its segment.
The multi-national design team, based in Korea with input from colleagues in Germany, the United States and Australia, were tasked with delivering an all-new compact, notchback sedan that will re-energize the Chevrolet brand.
"Our goal was to be revolutionary, not evolutionary," Taewan Kim, vice president of the GM DAT Design Center in Korea, said.
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 coup-like looks to this market segment for the first time.
The Cruze has a well-planted, close-to-the-ground stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. A distinctive concave shoulder line flows along the sides of the car into the rear deck lid and is set to become a new signature Chevy design feature. The upscale visual appearance is also reinforced by clean, uncluttered bodywork free from moldings or trim.
"This is a car with a strong, upscale character and a great stance," Taewan Kim said. "We think it will stand out among its competitors."
Conveying a sporty yet warm ambience, the five-seater cabin is typified by harmonious, flowing lines and the application of grained, soft-touch materials. It is a high quality execution that transcends the compact value segment.
Class-leading features include the flush fit of panels, with exceptionally tight gap tolerances, and generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room, despite Cruze's signature sloping roofline.
Cruze's body structure is among the stiffest in its class, with a torsional rigidity 140 percent greater than that of the previous Chevy compact sedan. This tight, strong structure is key to suppressing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), as well as securing a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.
The car has been co-operatively engineered at GM facilities in Germany, the United States, Australia and Korea. "In key areas, such the body structure, suspension, safety and electrical systems, we have drawn on GM 'best practices' around the world," says Peter Mertens, GM Global Vehicle Line Executive for compact cars.
The all-new gasoline 1.8-liter all-aluminum gasoline engine unit with 16 valves features variable valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust sides.
The Cruze is viewed within Chevrolet as their vehicle to ignite their renaissance. With the warm reception that the Cruze received in Europe, Asia, and the North American market, its Philippine launch will surely be something to look forward to. (CPM/With PR)