Thursday, August 25, 2011The new
2012 Chevy Cruze is available in 5 different trims, the LS, the LT, the Eco, the 2 LT and the LTZ. With the exception of the LS, which has a 1.8-L engine, this sedan features a 1.4-L engine. The 2012 Cruze has earned 5 out of 5 stars from customers.
2012 Chevy Cruze Performance
The 2012 Chevy Cruze performance in its base LS model is anchored by a 1.8-L, 4- cylinder engine which provides 136 hp. All other models have a 1.4-L, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Even though the engine is smaller, it provides the same 136 hp. The difference is the increased torque of the turbocharged engine. The increased torque from 123 pound-feet to 148 pound –feet means an increased acceleration for these trim levels. The acceleration of the LTZ is listed with 9.3 seconds from zero to 60 mph.
Even though an automatic transmission is available for all trims, a six-speed manual transmission is standard in the LS, LT, Eco, and 2LT. The LTZ is only available with an automatic transmission. The 2012 Cruze performance also features front-wheel drive with a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension.
The fuel economy of the 2012 Cruze is listed with 25mpg/city and 36 mpg/hwy for the Cruze LS with the standard manual transmission. A combined fuel economy of 29mpg.The automatic transmission is listed slightly lower with 22mpg/city and 35 mpg/hwy, a combined 27mpg. The LT’s and LTZ’s turbocharged engines, with a manual or automatic transmission, can achieve 26mpg/ city, 38mpg/hwy and a combined 30 mpg. The Cruze Eco is the most fuel efficient model in the lineup with up to 42 mpg/ hwy.
2012 Chevy Cruze Interior

This 2012 Chevy Cruze interior offers a stylish two-tone design. The bucket seats are supportive as well as comfortable. They are covered in premium cloth and height adjustable for added comfort. The amount of plastic used in the interior is kept to a minimum, and replaced with soft material whenever possible. Even the base LS model features many amenities like plenty of storage, a 60/40-split rear seat, a storage center armrest, and 12 V front and rear power outlets. Additional features are a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, as well as power windows, locks, and mirrors. Turn-by-turn navigation through GPS navigation and a six-speaker sound system add to the upscale 2012 Chevy Cruze interior.
OnStar is also available in the Cruze. A connectivity package adds Bluetooth for hands-free calling and a USB port for added convenience. The instruments, located in the dashboard, are easy to read and include a trip computer, an external temperature display, clock, and tachometer. Interior color options are either Jet Black or Medium Titanium.
2012 Chevy Cruze Colors and Style

The 2012 Chevy Cruze colors offer 6 different options. Black Granite Metallic, Blue Topaz Metallic, Gold Mist Metallic, Ice Blue Metallic, Silver Ice Metallic, and Summit White are available for the LS trim level. The LTZ is available in two more colors, Crystal Red Metallic Tintcoat and Victory Red. The 2012 Chevy Cruze color options for the interior increase from just two options in the LS to six options in the 2 LT (including cloth and leather). Three color options in leather are available for the LTZ.
Popular color combinations include Victory Red with an interior in Jet Black, Ice Blue Metallic with a Medium Titanium interior, and Summit White with a Jet Black interior. Contrasting color combinations for the interior and exterior are most popular. Virtually any color combination is possible and available for a custom ordered 2012 Chevy Cruze. 16 inch steel wheels or 18 inch painted alloy wheels are another way to customize this sedan.
The 2012 Cruze is available with different packages. The connectivity package, RS package, as well as the Smoker’s package, is optional. Optional are also a Pioneer Premium 9-Speaker System and an Audio System with navigation.