Justin Cupler, Automotive Editor - The Chevrolet Cruze is one of the newest entries in the compact car class, yet GM's dedication has produced a refined and capable example of what a compact car should be, complete with excellent fuel economy and handsome styling at a bargain basement price.
Introduction
The Chevrolet Cruze debuted in the 2011 model year as the replacement for the outgoing Cobalt, making this Chevy’s second attempt to replace the legendary Cavalier. The Cruze is actually a Daewoo Lacetti bearing a Chevy bowtie, so it has a tendency to put customers off, as Daewoo never caught on in the U.S.
For the 2013 model year, the Chevy Cruze carries over from the 2012 model year, but there was a little shuffling of standard features, a few new optional packages were added and three new colors – Cyber Gray Metallic, Champagne Silver Metallic and Atlantis Blue Metallic – were added. The 2013 Cruze comes in a dizzying nine trim levels – LS Manual, LS Auto, 1LT Manual, 1LT Auto, ECO Manual, ECO Auto, 2LT Manual, 2LT Auto and LTZ Auto – but they all had distinct additions that made them easy to distinguish from one another.
Which Style To Buy?
2013 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT Auto
Most PopularRecommended for: Buyers that want the more fuel-efficient engine, but also need an automatic transmission
The 1LT Auto trim level eliminates the manual transmission on the 1LT Manual and replaces it with a six-speed automatic transmission. On the outside, the 1LT Manual and 1LT Auto are completely identical, as the 1LT Auto features the same 5-spoke alloy wheels, color-coded side-view mirrors and chrome beltline moldings. Inside the cabin, sans the automatic shifter, the 1LT Auto is identical to the 1LT Manual trim level, featuring the same leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, cruise control, premium cloth seating, and auxiliary glove box as the 1LT Manual trim level.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze 1LT Manual
Recommended for: Buyers looking for added styling in the form of front and rear fascias
The 1LT Manual starts things off by swapping out the 1.8-liter engine for a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that features 138 horsepower and connects to a six-speed manual transmission. This engine nets you an additional 2 mpg highway over the base 1.8-liter. On the outside, the 1LT Manual carries over the LS Manuals trimmings, but adds in body-colored side-view mirrors for added smoothness, and chrome beltline moldings and 16-inch alloy wheels for added style. On the inside, the –LT adds in a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for added styling, cruise control, and an auxiliary glove box for some extra convenience.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze 2LT Auto
Recommended for: Buyers that want all of the premium features in addition to an automatic transmission
Building atop the 1LT Automatic trim level is the 2LT Auto trim level. On the outside, the 2LT Auto trim level adds in 17-inch wheels for a sportier look, remote vehicle starter for preheating or precooling the car, and 225/509R17 tires for extra stability when cornering. Inside the cabin, the 2LT Auto trim level adds in Chevy’s MyLink AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with a 7-inch LCD screen and Bluetooth audio streaming, heated Meridian leather seating for additional comfort and six-way power front seats, so it is easy to find the perfect seating position.
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