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Up until recently, the US consumer really couldn’t expect much from the compact car segment. Did it have four wheels, a cheap price, and get decent fuel economy? If so, then that was all you could really ask for. Special features like USB ports, heated seats, or a decent comfortable interior were, at most, a pipe dream. Small cars were only for folks who couldn’t afford a larger one.

Then, as is always the case, things changed. The precipitous fuel price increase to near four dollars a gallon in 2006/2007 time frame drastically changed the buying habits of the American consumer. Small cars were suddenly looking at a rather large increase in popularity. The problem was that while the compact car buyer had changed, the compact car had not.

This has led to a rather fierce battle among the automakers for current and future small car buyers. A once neglected group of vehicles is finding new found glory as Ford and Chevrolet introduce brand new models in 2011. The idea of a full featured compact car, once laughable, is turning out to be the fuel both companies plan on using to propel themselves into profitability for the foreseeable future.



The first of these newly redesigned compact competitors to hit the scene for us to sample is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

The Cruze is a new model, from the ground up, intended to replace the outgoing Chevy Cobalt. Cruze will be offered in four trim models and with two engines. The base Cruze LS will feature a 1.8L Ecotec engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. The LT, 2LT, Eco, and LTZ models will feature a brand new 1.4L turbocharged Ecotec engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 1.4L engine is tiny, yet powerful. 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque doesn’t read like much, but a light car like the Cruze doesn’t need much. Even at highway speed only a slight tip in of the throttle is needed to spool up the turbo, delivering a small river of torque for smooth downshift-less acceleration.

The 2011 Cruze starts at $16,995 for an LS and goes up to $22,695 for an LTZ. For those who wish a slightly more sporty exterior, the RS package adds unique rocker panels and front/rear body treatments for $695. Cruze ECO, a fuel economy package, will be priced at $18,895.

To compare the outgoing Cobalt to a Corolla or Civic would have been laughable. Now with the Cruze, I’m fairly confident Chevy has beaten both Honda and Toyota at their own game. On the road the Cruze drives with much of the feeling you’d expect from something larger and more expensive. The ride is solid at speed on the highway, almost Cadillac like in isolation. Steering is superbly crisp and communicative. Handling is tight, although geared towards comfort.

On the inside, the Cruze continues to revolutionize. Chevy options two types of interior trim. On the LS, and LT models, a highly textured fabric covers the front dash. You can get the fabric in full black or black with red accents. On LTZ models (and with leather seats), the dash is covered in a soft leather like trim.

GM’s new entertainment/navigation system with 40GB hard-drive, XM, USB/Aux/iPod ports, and the ability to pause/rewind live radio is an option on the Cruze. So are heated seats, remote start, and OnStar.

The Cruze will play as a roll out vehicle for OnStar’s new application for iPhone, Android, and BlackBerry phones. OnStar subscribers will be able to access live information about their vehicle, including fuel levels, odometer, recent fuel economy, tire pressures, and lock status on their mobile smart phone. You’ll even be able to lock, unlock, and remotely start your vehicle using the phone app. This new service will debut on the Volt and Cruze this fall and is completely unique to General Motors.

The Cruze is the game changer the compact segment has needed for years. However, new versions of the Ford Focus and Honda Civic are both on the way and how well the Cruze stands up to them has yet to be seen. With that said, the Cruze raises the bar so high, it’s going to be one hell of a fight that poises to give the consumer a huge win.

We can’t wait to spend more time behind the wheel of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

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