Cruze Hatch last in latest comparison test - Car and Driver

1432 Views 8 Replies 5 Participants Last post by EricSmit, Mar 7, 2017

neile300c

Discussion Starter · Mar 5, 2017

vs Civic, Mazda3, and VW Golf.

While the Cruze is not as sporty as these, I was a little surprised. I love Honda's manual transmissions, but they ride too rough and are too loud for me, as is the Mazda3. I have never driven a VW, so not sure about those.

Just got the new issue yesterday. I didn't see it on their website yet.

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SMKS

· #2 · Mar 5, 2017 (Edited)

Not surprising. Those are all great models that I would probably choose over the Cruze. Being last place in that comparison doesn't make the Cruze bad or a bad choice for some people.

The reason I bought the Cruze was because of driving dynamics with the manual and depreciation. A used Cruze can be very cheap compared to something like a civic.

Your comments about the Civic may not ring true regarding the new model.

Thr Golf is a semi-premium car, so it's a step above the others in some ways.

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neile300c

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 5, 2017

I drove an HR-V yesterday with a stick, and Honda makes some great manual transmissions. If my 14 Cruze had a manual from Honda, my 16 Cruze would probably have a manual also.

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SMKS

· #4 · Mar 5, 2017

The Cruze has a good manual transmission, too. That's one of the main reasons I bought it. Compared to some Hyundais and others I drove the Cruze trans and clutch are very good.

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jblackburn

· #5 · Mar 5, 2017

The Civic would be last for me because it's ugly and I can't stand to look at them.

The Cruze would be 3rd, the Mazda 3 2nd, and the Golf first.

If I were to buy a hatchback, it would because I wanted a car that was somewhat fun to drive and toss around, yet still practical in DD duty. The Mazda 3 and Golf are just much more fun to drive than a Cruze.

I would actually love to own a Golf, but I've heard all of the VW reliability horror stories from friends...and I don't want that.

Now, in terms of small sedans, the Cruze is within the top 2-3 out there...not because it's fun to drive (it isn't, really), but for all the features and refinement it offers.

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EricSmit

· #6 · Mar 6, 2017

My hatch is fun to drive, just a little under the curve power wise in stock trim.

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jblackburn

· #7 · Mar 7, 2017

EricSmit said:
My hatch is fun to drive, just a little under the curve power wise in stock trim.

Yours has what the hatchback should have stock - a more "fun" engine option/more aggressive tune. Honda does different levels of tune between certain models of their 1.5T; Chevrolet is even doing it with theirs (Malibu/Equinox). Give the hatch something more exciting like a 1.4 HO or a 1.6T and it would justify it more to the market I think they're aiming for.

Having not driven a hatchback, is the suspension tuning any different from the sedan? The LT sedan suspension/tire setup is VERY comfort oriented. Which isn't a bad selling point, but it could also be tweaked to be more "fun" as a selling point too. It's a good handling little chassis, especially with the weight being < 3000 now.

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MP81

· #8 · Mar 7, 2017

jblackburn said:
Which isn't a bad selling point, but it could also be tweaked to be more "fun" as a selling point too. It's a good handling little chassis, especially with the weight being < 3000 now.

Given that weight is almost back down to Cobalt levels, this is definitely possible. The Cobalt may have not been nearly as well put together - but there's no denying that it made for one **** of an excellent handling vehicle. The SS/TC held the FWD Production Car record on Nuerburgring for a good few years (until what are essentially race-ready barely-production cars took to the track), and the suspension was developed there. The Cruze (Premier) has the added benefit of a watts-link, meaning it has even greater potential, assuming the chassis is as stiff.

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EricSmit

· #9 · Mar 7, 2017

jblackburn said:
Yours has what the hatchback should have stock - a more "fun" engine option/more aggressive tune. Honda does different levels of tune between certain models of their 1.5T; Chevrolet is even doing it with theirs (Malibu/Equinox). Give the hatch something more exciting like a 1.4 HO or a 1.6T and it would justify it more to the market I think they're aiming for.

Having not driven a hatchback, is the suspension tuning any different from the sedan? The LT sedan suspension/tire setup is VERY comfort oriented. Which isn't a bad selling point, but it could also be tweaked to be more "fun" as a selling point too. It's a good handling little chassis, especially with the weight being < 3000 now.

My hatch is definitely fun to drive, even on stock suspension.

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