First Drive: Chevrolet Cruze SW 1.7 VCTi Lt

Fleet managers should soon be hearing a lot about the Chevrolet Cruze SW.

Executives at the revitalised US car manufacturer are keen to provide them with details of the new model because they are convinced the interest they generate could make it their next big hit in Britain.

“We’ve had a reasonable amount of success in the business sector and the Orlando MPV is our current best-selling model. But we think the combination of sub-120g/km CO2 emissions and practical packaging gives us entry to the heartland of the fleet industry.

“As yet, we haven’t been able to start up meaningful discussions, but this car changes all that – it’s a fully credible proposition,” Chevrolet UK product manager Zoe Lavender told Fleet News.

“We’ll be able to talk about better quality, a big reduction in wholelife costs, the attraction of fixed price servicing and great value when the car is compared with competitors that are specified to a similar level.”

A five-year warranty could add to the appeal for user-chooser drivers who like the idea of having an alternative to mainstream C-segment models in the company car park.

According to company officials, the arrival of the SW signals the end of the road in Britain for the saloon version of the Cruze.

Launched two years ago, it failed to match the appeal of the hatchback, introduced in spring, and the new hold-all model, which uses well-balanced lines to promote a sporty, almost upmarket, appearance.

Topped by slim rails, the car’s roof gently falls away from the D-pillar but, despite that, the car’s cavernous interior has a layout that caters for 500 litres of luggage up to the window line and will accommodate 1,478 litres of cargo with the 60:40-split rear seatbacks folded flat.

However, the potential of 60mpg-plus from an engine that delivers lively performance is the key feature of a model that could take annual sales of the Cruze range to around 4,000 in 12 months.
Linked with a six-speed manual transmission, the engine is boisterous in initial acceleration but muted at cruising speeds and still provides a relaxed gait during three-figure progress on derestricted motorways.

And though it lacks some of the precision of class leaders, the car’s handling is positive and remains composed in all conditions thanks to a suspension set-up that is firm yet sufficiently pliant for a comfortable ride.