Ha, not exactly a quirk of the Cruze, just look at the bottom of the windshield where the base of the windshield wipers are and you will see a shroud with vent holes in it, this is where the air enters. Use to be made out of metal, now all plastic.
How far does this date back? Like 60 years, Chrysler was the first to introduce this system. Prior to this, just had a box hanging under the right side under the dash, a heater core with a tiny fan behind it that just recirculated the interior air. And everybody use to fight to sit there, because the rest of the vehicle was cold.
Also use to use a heater valve that was extremely difficult to adjust even back to the mid 80's, very slow to respond, so either too hot or too cold. Now all heater cores are always hot and using a blend door that responds very quickly.
Prior to model years 1935, rare to find any vehicle with even a heater core in it, you brought blankets and a rag to keep the inside of your windshield clean.
1939 Packard was the first vehicle to have AC, was a huge trunk mounted on the rear of this vehicle. Finally became popular in the mid 50's. Could even get it in a 1957 Chevy, but darn near doubled the price. Now AC is standard in practically any new vehicle, even the base models, but for some strange reason, leaving off the cruise control.
What I really miss is door side vent windows, could crack those open even it a major rain storm, Believe the 1989 Lincoln was the last vehicle to have these. Crack open a window in these newer vehicles will drown.