Remembering The Chevrolet Cruze Type-1: The Diesel Rocket!

Chevrolet, an American carmaker that introduced a few good cars before running out of business and shutting down in India. From the Tavera to Beat, every car had a fair share of the market for a limited time before losing to rivals. One such is the Chevrolet Cruze Type-1, or popularly known as the Diesel Pocket Rocket! Let’s visit the year 2009 and take a look at the Chevy sedan that took on the likes of Toyota Corolla Altis, Skoda Laura and others in the segment.

2009: There is a new sedan in the town!

Without wasting any words, let’s see the reason behind Cruze being called the ‘Diesel Pocket Rocket’.

This massive engine allowed the Cruze to be the most powerful diesel sedan in the segment. This pocket rocket could clock 0-100kmph in 9.8seconds. The engine was later upgraded with more power and torque in 2012. The same engine was able to deliver 163hp of power and 380Nm of torque. The transmission too was upgraded to 6-speed Manual.

The style statement!

Personally, whenever I used to see Cruze cruising on the roads during my childhood, I would fall in love again and again with the sedan. The classy bonnet with dual grille and Chevy emblem at the middle, sharp headlights and the large fog lamps assembly made Cruze feel bigger and bolder.

Coming to the interiors, one could see the Corvette inspired dual cockpit. It came fitted with an audio system straight from the factory. The classy interiors made this sedan more premium and a great place to be. The top variant also offered a sunroof.

As for the safety features, it offered ABS, dual-front airbags, immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, auto-door unlock in the event of a crash, child seat anchors, battery rundown protection and much more. Cruze was the first D-segment to offer keyless entry and start system in India.

Download the GoMechanic App Now! How did Chevrolet Cruze perform on roads and in India?

It can be safely said that Cruze is one of the most thrilling and premium sedans of its time. Cruze had great driving dynamics, powerful engine, loads of safety and comfort features and on the top of that, Class. It had a good run in India and can be said to have a decent share in the market. Although, with the Chevy-exit, Indians had to let Cruze go.

Also, read Chevrolet | The Name You Know, the Company you don’t

Should Chevrolet return to India and bring back Cruze? Do let us know in the comments section below.