2013 Chevrolet Cruze

From a distance, the Cruze probably looks a little too much like a blunted Malibu (Chevrolet's mid-size sedan), but it does wear a traditional sedan three-box layout and pleasant, inoffensive proportions. The arched roofline and smoothly sculpted side sheetmetal provide just enough visual flair—in a way that won't look dated a few years down the line. Practically speaking, we like the relatively low beltline and how it opens up the cabin for more outward visibility than is typical.

Inside it's a different story; the 2013 Cruze bears very little semblance to GM compact cars of the past, and its wrap-around, multi-tiered instrument panel appears stylish from a distance, with lots of fine detailing and carefully coordinated trims that look and feel great up close. It's a Chevrolet small car, but between the vertically oriented center stack, flanked by vents, and the wraparound dash with chiseled details we can see Cadillac design influence trickling down into this more affordable GM sedan.

Up close, fit and finish are excellent from what we've seen in the Cruze, with padded dash materials, grippy rubber-nubbed climate-control dials and audio knobs, and high-quality upholstery—all at the level you would expect in a Volkswagen, before Volkswagen took aim at affordability. At the high end, leather with exposed stitching top off a more upscale appearance.

While the Cruze doesn't aim at the performance set, the available RS Appearance Package at least lets you look the part. Available on LT and LTZ models, the package adds special front and rear fascias, extended rocker moldings, a rear spoiler, and fog lamps. And inside, chrome accent rings, opaque instrument-cluster bezels, and ice-blue backlighting give the RS a different ambiance.

The Cruze is responsive enough for commuters and growing families, but we wouldn't call it edgy. A Watt's-linkage (non-independent) rear suspension keeps its rear tires planted on even choppy surfaces, but that's countered by a fair amount of body roll, discouraging enthusiastic driving. But with rack-mounted electric power steering and nice weighting overall, it's confidence inspiring.

Chevrolet equips the Cruze with two unique suspensions depending on trim. A touring suspension underpins LT models for a more comfortable, compliant ride. Meanwhile, a sport suspension--with 15-percent stiffer springs, retuned dampers, and a half-inch suspension drop--provides more nimble handling on 2LT and top-spec LTZ models.To keep costs in check, base Cruze LS models are fitted with rear drum brakes, while all other models save the Eco come with four-wheel disc brakes. Between the two, we recommend the Sport setup unless you're on level Our recommendation: Go with the Sport setup unless you keep mostly to straight roads and level ground.

Look to the backseat, and it's what reveals the Cruze as a compact. While it rivals some mid-sizers for legroom, it's not all that wide—and not wide enough for three adults. Also, the rather short rear doors make it a little harder to get in than it should be. But for those in front or in back, the relatively low beltline makes it more comfortable—and eliminates the need for the Dramamine.

The Cruze's trunk, considering the segment, is a huge at 15.4 cubic feet, featuring an underfloor compartment (on most models) and seats that fold forward to expand trunk space.

The 2013 Cruze again feels more like a mid-size sedan when it comes to refinement. The Cruze feels more mature and upscale compared to many of its rivals this size, with triple door seals, acoustical headliner materials, nylon baffles in the body panels, and special engine mounts. And thanks to it all, there's not much road noise inside.

Opt for the Cruze Eco model and its 42-mpg highway rating, and you'll get a number of small changes to cut weight and maximize fuel economy. You'll give up the other models' Watt's linkage (Z-link) rear suspenaion—yielding more body motion during quick maneuvers—and you do get a little more road noise.

The Cruze has earned top crash test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with 'good' results in most categories, and it's been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. And in the federal NCAP tests, the Cruze earned five-star results in all categories. There's one rather significant blemish, though; the Cruze earns just a 'marginal' rating in the tough new small overlap frontal impact test from the IIHS.

Throughout the Cruze lineup, ten standard airbags—front, knee, thorax front and rear, and head-curtain bags—are standard, as are stability control and Automatic Crash Response through GM OnStar, which automatically notifies first responders in the event of a severe crash. Furthering the Cruze's safety prowess are collapsible pedals to reduce leg and ankle injuries.

New for 2013 is an Enhanced Safety Package, which includes Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and rear park assist—all advanced accident-avoidance features that were just a couple of model years ago the exclusive domain of luxury-brand vehicles.

Although the Cruze boasts reasonably good outward vision compared to other cars in its segment, a rear vision camera is available as part of several option packages.

A touch-screen navigation system remains optional on the LTZ. But all Cruze models include a six-month subscription to OnStar's Directions and Connections services. Through the latter service, which requires a subscription after an intro period, an operator answers and beams navigation directions to the car. Once the directions are in, the vehicle will correct if you miss another turn. Overall, it's a feature that we've found tremendously useful.

Standard equipment even on the base Cruze LS includes keyless entry, air conditioning, power accessories, and a six-speaker sound system with auxiliary input. Mid-range LT models add items like a USB port, Bluetooth, and remote start, while the LTZ gets automatic climate control, heated mirrors, park assist, and a snazzier gauge cluster, 18-inch flangeless alloy wheels, as well as optional heated seats.

Muddying the waters is GM's LT trim that's split in two: 1LT and 2LT. The 1LT adds chrome wheels and power rearview mirrors, while the 2LT brings 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, cruise control, a USB port, Bluetooth, remote start, and steering-wheel audio controls.

And if you steer away from hybrids, the Cruze Eco is one way to delight while keeping it simple. Changes include thinner steel panels, smaller welds, and reduced flanges at welded joints, altogether reducing weight by about 25 pounds. A lower ride height (about the same as the Sport models), a rear spoiler, a larger front air dam, and an underbody air diverter are among the many features that improve fuel economy and aid aerodynamics. And the strategies work, for a significant improvement of 28/42 mpg with the manual transmission or 26/39 with an automatic transmission or 28/42 with the manual. As such, its cruising range of more than 500 miles.

To help boost mileage in stop-and-go driving, all Cruze models with the automatic transmission also get a neutral idle feature that automatically disengages the torque converter when sitting at stoplights in Drive.