[MP81]

Was talking to my wife about this the other day (she brought it up), and I couldn't remember if there was ever a thread with a straight answer.

The Diesel was supposed to be the range-topping trim level, correct? So...why did the LTZ get certain features the Diesel did not? Most importantly - push-button start...

Anybody have any ideas/insight/insider info?

 

[MP81]

I agree. LTZ and Diesel should have been equals. The fact we have the most expensive Cruze made, and it doesn't have a push-button to start the car, yet a less expensive model did, is always an annoyance - especially after we had that '16 Malibu for a few days.

And in all reality - not offering the diesel as an engine option on any trim level was a mistake, as well. I know plenty of people who would have bought one if they didn't have to pay extra for **** they didn't want (leather, etc).

 

[MP81]

I somewhat remember hearing it was a 2LT now that it is mentioned.

That said - push-button start was optional on a 2LT.

 

[MP81]

What I recall is that since it was essentially a market test, they started off with what would be the most popular option if both were offered.

 

[MP81]

visual package , but on the cruze i think for a few years it put in the z link suspension

I think it was just on trim levels that had the Z-link?

 

[MP81]

I don't think the RS added Z-link - it was appearance only. It'd only have Z-link because the trim level had it already.

 

[MP81]

What is Z-link?

The watts link in the rear suspension.

 

[MP81]

I am fine without the push button start.. I like the mechanical turning of the key.. TBH a push button would just be another "something that could go wrong"...

Actually, it's less complicated than a keyed ignition module - and easier to package.

 

[MP81]

Just for fun, I tried this in my car that has this feature, and it worked! I thought the cars with this feature were supposed to be smart enough to know when the key is in the car.

Most newer ones will not start unless the key is in the car. The 16 Malibu we had was that way. Wouldn't even start if the key was next to the door on the outside.

Seems to me that a mechanical steering lock release would always be simpler and less trouble prone than an electronically actuated steering lock mechanism. Additionally the receiver and associated electronics would add unnecessary complexity... I'll still go for the tried and true KEY in the cylinder and release the steering lock and start the car...

Packaging the push-button start versus a keyed igntion module is far more difficult as the later is far bigger. My wife does advanced vehicle packaging - and has directly dealt with exactly that.

She much prefers push button start in that situation alone - along with the convenience of not having to dig through her purse for a key. Passive entry and push-button start mean you can just leave it wherever and go.

 

[MP81]

Sorry to say but all the expensive GM cars with keyed ignitions feel cheap when I can get push button start standard on entry level cars with other brands. So much more convenient and increases my safety when I walk to my car with an arm load of grocery's not to have to waste timing fumbling to dig out a key from my pocket.

I think when I got out of the 16 Malibu and back into our CTD, I may have actually said "What is this ****?" when I no longer had push-button start, haha.