Chevrolet Cruze

   Surprisingly comfortable but surprisingly pricey

In the highly competitive small-car segment, candidates are more likely to offer sporting characteristics than luxury features. The Chevrolet Cruze bucks this convention with a soft ride reminiscent of an upscale sedan, an exceptionally quiet cabin, and a complement of standard infotainment features that even luxury buyers might envy. Dynamically, it lacks the handling sharpness of the Volkswagen Golf or the Mazda 3. Rather, the Cruze is an affordable facsimile of a pricier vehicle, a small car that coddles you—and who doesn’t want to be coddled?

   What’s New for 2017?

After a complete redesign for 2016, Chevrolet continues to add to the Cruze portfolio. A new hatchback model hit dealer lots in fall 2016, and a diesel sedan followed in spring 2017. There are also minor technology updates, including a Teen Driver mode, which allows parents to set limits on audio volume, set speed alerts, and review a report card of their teen’s driving behavior. You can also now add a rear-seat USB port in certain models.

   Trims and Options We’d Choose

The Cruze LT, two steps up from the base model, offers a compelling set of features at an even more compelling price. The standard six-speed manual drains any pleasure from the driving experience, so the six-speed automatic is well worth the extra cash ($680). We’d opt for the $22,795 automatic hatchback in an effort to make this small car as practical as possible. Standard features in the Cruze LT hatchback include:

• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Cruise control
• Tire-pressure display

If it’s in the budget, consider the $850 Convenience package, which adds keyless entry, push-button start and remote start, heated front seats, and an eight-way-power-adjustable driver’s seat.

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