2011 Chevy Cruze Turbo: GM's World-Class Compact Sedan

Test vehicle’s MSRP: $21,325 (Base price starts at $16,995)

Major Standard Features: 6-speed transmission; remote keyless entry;16-inch wheels; satellite radio limited subscription; OnStar’s concierge service; rear seat center armrest with integrated cup holders; air condition; tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; traction control

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 1.4-liter engine/138

Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/37-highway

Competition: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta.

What’s New:

Not only does Chevy’s compact sedan get a new exterior design, but a new name too. GM has sent the aging Cobalt to car heaven, replacing it with the all-new, world-class Cruze. Unlike the Cobalt, which was available as both a coupe and sedan, the Cruze is currently available as a sedan.

Pros:

Besides a new name, the big change for the conservatively designed compact is its upscale, premium-class, two-tone interior with its sliding front-center armrest. To compliment the interior, the instrument panel features richly detailed instruments that backlit with LED technology. The LED lights provide an ice blue color illumination of the analog instruments. This is the same high-quality designed one can expect to find in the upscale Lexus-like Buick LaCrosse sedan.

In addition to the Honda-like interior fit-and-finish, the new Cruze is outfitted with features typically reserved for higher priced vehicles. In our Cruze, the vehicle was equipped with a 9-speaker audio system, power driver’s seat, rear audible parking sensors and a remote vehicle start system (an ap is available too).

Also leather seats, a nav system, heated front seats, lighted door sill plates, 18-inch wheels and a tricked-out version of the Cruze known as the RS is available. The RS Appearance package enhances the styling by adding rocker moldings, a rear spoiler and fog lights.

Moreover, unlike the vehicle the Cruze replaced, the front seats no longer makes us feel like we’re seated on the floor. The new Cruze's roomy front seats are both supportive and comfortable.

Cons:

While this is arguably the best compact vehicle that GM has ever built, excluding the joint venture vehicles they once had with Toyota, there is still some room for improvement.

In the $21,000 Cruze we reviewed, it lacked an optional power sunroof, a keyless push- button starter and lighted vanity mirrors. On a $21,000 compact shouldn’t the vehicle be equipped with a sunroof?

Moreover, the Cruze we reviewed lacked an in-dash navigation system. However, GM’s subscription-based OnStar System offers a unique turn-by-turn system, which provides the directions on the radio screen. Unfortunately, after the six-month free subscription expires, one will have to pay for the service.

Also while the vehicle is loaded with equipment expected on larger vehicles, the lack of rear seat legroom immediately reminds us that this is a compact.

The Verdict:

This miniature Malibu is definitely one of the best compacts to ever be built by GM. While pricing starts  at approximately $17,000, a well-equipped Cruze can easily zoom to $27,000, going head-to-head with a well-equipped fullsize Malibu. Yes, this is just too much to pay for a Cruze, when its fully optioned.

As long as you manage the price and options, this can truly be one of the best compact sedans out on the market. It should be interesting to see how this compact stacks up against the upcoming redesigned Ford Focus and Honda Civic, when they hit the market later on this year.