Facelifted Chevrolet Cruze launched in Thailand

Kuala Lumpur: A facelifted Chevrolet Cruze has been launched by General Motors In Thailand. It was unveiled at the Bangkok International Grand (BIG) Motor Sale 2015 along with the much hyped Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. This C-segment saloon has been redesigned to give a tough competition to Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic in the battlefield. This car is struggling with different nameplates in different countries, but the current model turns out to be the one which was facelifted in South Korea in the month of may.

Changes on the front includes a new dual-port grille, number plate shifted to a redesigned bumper along with LED daytime running lights above the fog lamps. An all-new rear end can also be noticed with Camaro inspired LED tail lights. Apart from that, Cruze would be anchored with all new 17 inch wheels. As far as the interior is concerned, the latest addition to it would be a seven-inch coloured touchscreen that would be integrated with Chevrolet's MyLink. This infotainment system would also feature App technology, voice control and Bluetooth audio streaming.

Under the hood, not many changes have been done. The Cruze had retained its 1.8 litre DOHC double CVC engine which churns out a power of 141 hp along with a peak torque of 177 Nm. For the new Cruze, it has been made E85 capable which would help to accept gasoline with up to 85% ethanol. General Motors has also claimed that it's pairing with a second-generation GF6 six-speed automatic transmission would result in smoother gear changes and quicker response. Its other variant which was available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine has been dropped for the facelift as its high price was resulting in low sales.

Prices for the new Cruze with 1.8-litre engine are set at RM103,782 for the LT trim and RM109,442 for the LTZ trim. As the deliveries are starting in the next month, so you can expect it to reach Malaysia in near future.