GM Daewoo's Lacetti Premiere (launched since late 2008) and GM Daewoo's Matiz Creative (launched since Autumn 2009), will be renamed as GM Korea Chevrolet Spark and GM Korea Chevrolet Cruze (differentiating from the US Chevrolet Cruze, launched since Autumn 2010) as part of the Korean launch of Chevrolet and the renaming of "GM Daewoo Auto and Techonology" into "GM Korea Company" starting late March 2011.
Despite renames, they are not counted as one of the eight new Chevrolet models coming to South Korea this year, ranging from the Orlando ALV, Aveo Sedan and Hatch, the Camaro (CBU from America), Captiva SUV, new midsize sedan, an unnamed imported Chevy model, and something that will built at the Bupyeong plant.
We already have these two in the Philippines so the new naming will take effect to South Korea this March.
While most countries, including the Philippines, enjoying the breathtaking experience of Chevrolet's new compact sedan, the Cruze, it seems that North American Chevrolet fans are finally getting a piece of action on a true global cars. I am glad this global car finally reached its home market, even when sourced from South Korea as the GM Daewoo Lacetti Premiere.
By gaining a world-level reputation, the Chevrolet Cruze will not be beaten by the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla in terms of style, packaging, and performance. I am glad that this car made the right move against Japanese compact sedans.
Two engine choices are available for the Cruze, such as the high-performance 1.4L turbo engine and the high-end 1.8L engine. Most variants are offered with 6-speed automatic transmission but the high-end Cruze 2LS grade offers not only the 6AT but also the fun-to-shift 6-speed manual transmission. If I were to choose between those, I would start with the 1.4L turbo engine because it is a wild ride but unfortunately, this variant does not have a manual transmission. Only the 1.8L Natural Aspiration engine comes with that kind of transmission.
When approaching to the Cruze's interior, it offers a wide array of technology you will never find it on the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla. The Cruze offers Bluetooth connectivity, USB connectivity, available Turn-by-Turn Navigation, XM Satellite Radio, and Pioneer Premium Audio System. With these features, you will never turn back from your boring old sedan ever again because the Cruze was made to be premium compact sedan for the world market.
My thoughts about the Cruze:
Now on sale on the world market, from Korea, Europe, Asia Pacific, and now the North American market, the Chevrolet Cruze will always maintain the reputation as the excellent premium compact sedan. In the Philippines, the Cruze amazed us with its intuitive design, unquestionable packaging, and superb performance. Coming late 2010, there will be a Cruze Eco, engineered to be the world eco-car for the masses.
Photo: The Covenant Car Company Inc. (Asian model shown, US Version will vary)
