What engine is equipped in the Cruze?
3 Answers
The Cruze is equipped with 1.6L and 1.8L Ecotec DVVT engines. The Cruze is a compact sedan from SAIC-GM Chevrolet, with exterior dimensions of 4666mm in length, 1807mm in width, and 1460mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2700mm. The front suspension type of the Cruze is MacPherson independent suspension, and the rear suspension type is a non-independent suspension with a torsion beam and Watt's linkage. The tire specification is 205/55R16, and the spare tire specification is non-full-size. The chassis steering assistance type is electric power steering, the drive type is front-wheel drive, and the body structure is unibody.
The Cruze used different engines across different model years. Having driven several, I'd like to share my experiences. When the first generation launched, the base version came with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine - adequate for daily driving but somewhat sluggish during highway acceleration. Later upgrades to 1.8L and 2.0L versions showed noticeable power improvements with smoother acceleration. Post-2010 saw the introduction of a 1.4L turbocharged engine producing around 150 horsepower paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering more agile and fuel-efficient performance. My 2012 model used this 1.4T engine, achieving under 8L/100km in urban driving. For maintenance, remember to replace turbo components on schedule to prevent oil leaks. The second-generation Cruze further optimized the 1.4T pairing with better noise insulation, making it more suitable for long-distance driving. Overall reliability is good, but I recommend checking maintenance records when purchasing used models.
I've been driving the Cruze 1.4T model recently. The engine delivers a maximum power of 150 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque, with strong low-end burst power, quick acceleration, and convenient overtaking capability. Paired with an automatic transmission, gear shifts are smooth, and it offers good fuel economy – daily urban commuting can drop to around 7 liters per 100 km, with even better efficiency on highways. The engine responds sensitively during driving, and the handling is light, though cold starts are slightly noisy, improving significantly after warming up. Compared to the older naturally aspirated engines, the turbocharger adds more driving fun. Common maintenance issues include ignition coils and dirty/clogged air filters. Regular servicing can extend its lifespan, and ordinary car owners can save money by replacing the filters themselves. This engine offers high cost-performance in its class, making it suitable for budget-conscious young drivers.
