cruze

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze models with the 1.4L turbo and six-speed automatic transmission will get 2 mpg better fuel economy for a 38 mpg rating, the company announced on Wednesday.

The current model is rated at 36 mpg.

According to Chevrolet, a lower axle ratio for the 2012 models enables about a 5 percent increase in highway fuel efficiency for Cruze. The Cruze Eco with an automatic transmission will deliver as much as 39 mpg on the highway compared with 37 mpg for the current model.

Last month CNET reported that the 2011 Cruze Eco boasted a 42-mpg highway … Read more

The Chevy Cruze Eco is a great example of the dirty little green secret of the car business: the best efficient cars for most people are today's four-cylinder, gas-engined compacts. No batteries required. Brian Cooley takes you for a drive to check the tech.

And you can read CNET's full review of the Cruze Eco here.

General Motors on Tuesday announced a $2 billion investment for plant improvements, and to be save or add 4,000 jobs, in 17 U.S. states.

The automaker today announced plans for where some of the money will allocated.

GM will invest $109 million in its operations in Flint and Bay City, Mich., to support engine production for current and future fuel-efficient small cars produced for the U.S. market. The investment will also save or add 96 jobs at the two sites, GM said in a release.

The company will use the bulk of the investment, $84 million, at … Read more

Our favorites from the New York auto show; BMW, Google, and the U.S. make electric car moves this week; Chevy recalls the Cruze after one very high-profile screwup; and we take a spin the electric Smart car.

• CNET's New York auto show roundup

• Download BMW Evolve app to see if an electric car is right for you

• U.S./Google map of places to fuel your alternative energy car

• PSCars.com graphical all-car configurator

• 2011 Chevy Cruze loses steering wheel, let's hold our horses.… Read more

Three years ago, when the price of gasoline shot past $4 a gallon, Detroit's automakers were trapped.

They couldn't give away the boatload of trucks that had long been the bread and butter--and profit generators--of the Detroit 3. With gasoline prices rising and with scant offerings in the small-vehicle segment, Detroit's sales plunged even before the financial crisis invaded in September 2008.

Last week, oil passed $100 a barrel, and gasoline prices rose to $3.50 a gallon in some markets. This time the Detroit 3 are in a better position to make money and not give … Read more

We've been following the Chevrolet Cruze sedan's evolution from concept to production model. We've even taken a first drive in one. Now, as the 2011 Geneva auto show approaches, we get an early look at the production version of the Cruze's hatchback design.

Interestingly, the five-door Cruze's silhouette and roofline don't change all that much from those of the four-door model when viewed from the front quarter. However, when viewed in profile or from the rear quarter, the Cruze begins to resemble a bow-tie badged Subaru Impreza.

While a Geneva debut signals definite European … Read more

The 2011 Chevy Cruze this week was voted "Urban Car of The Year" by Decisive Media and an independent panel of 15 automotive journalists.

The Chevy Cruze, which comes in five including the Cruze LS, Cruze LT, Cruze 2LT, Eco Cruze, and Cruze LTZ, has an MSRP range from $16,995 to $22,695 in the U.S.

"If you really want to see evidence of a turnaround at GM, look no farther than Cruze," said Lyndon Conrad Bell, editor in chief of Decisive Auto. "Handsome styling, an attractive interior, competent power trains, an enjoyable … Read more

On the heels of General Motors' huge IPO last week, the company today announced a $163.2 million investment in its Flint and Bay City, Mich., and Defiance, Ohio, plants.

The multimillion-dollar investment will be used in part to support engine production for the Chevrolet Volt, the Chevrolet Cruze, and a new Chevrolet small car to be built in the United States. The investment will protect 184 jobs at the three sites, GM said in a press release.

Flint Engine Operations manufactures the Ecotec 1.4-liter engine, used in the Chevrolet Cruze, and a 1.4L variant, used in the … Read more

Distracted driving: what's the real story? Jaguar looks into an exotic sort of hybrid; BMW slaps an iPad behind your head; new app lets you slap lousy drivers upside the head, and we drive the 2010 Scion xD.

• Distracted driving deaths fall 6% in the U.S.

• Chevy shows off Cruze EV

• BMW first with factory iPad mount?

• Modern electronics for vintage Porsches

• Take a ride in the 2010 Scion xD