The Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback II, specifically the facelifted 2019 model year equipped with the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, represented a key offering in Chevrolet’s compact car lineup. Introduced for the 2018 model year as part of the second-generation Cruze family (J300 platform), this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with a reasonable level of performance and convenience. Positioned as a mid-range trim, it slotted between the base 1.4L manual transmission models and the diesel options where available. The Cruze Hatchback aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical, modern, and relatively affordable hatchback with a touch of refinement.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cruze |
| Generation | Cruze Hatchback II (facelift 2019) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Turbo (153 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.1 l/100 km (29 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 153 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 239 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm (176.28 lb.-ft. @ 2000-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | LE2 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm (2.91 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.3 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | CVVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1323 kg (2916.72 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 643 l (22.71 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1336 l (47.18 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 51.9 l (13.71 US gal | 11.42 UK gal) |
| Length | 4453 mm (175.31 in.) |
| Width | 1791 mm (70.51 in.) |
| Height | 1465 mm (57.68 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1528 mm (60.16 in.) |
| Rear track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Disc, 276 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 264 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15; 215/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Cruze variant is the LE2 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a member of General Motors’ Small Engine Family (SEF), known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. It utilizes direct fuel injection, a turbocharger with an intercooler, and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) on both intake and exhaust valves. The direct injection system allows for precise fuel delivery, improving combustion efficiency and reducing emissions. The turbocharger provides a boost in power, mitigating the inherent limitations of a small displacement engine. The six-speed automatic transmission, a General Motors 6T40 unit, was chosen for its smooth operation and contribution to fuel economy. This transmission features electronically controlled shifting and adaptive learning capabilities.
Driving Characteristics
The 153 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque delivered by the 1.4L turbo engine and automatic transmission provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was typically in the 8-9 second range. The automatic transmission, while smooth, was programmed for fuel efficiency, resulting in slightly slower response times compared to the manual transmission options. Gear ratios were optimized for highway cruising, making the Cruze comfortable for long journeys. However, passing maneuvers required a bit more planning. Compared to the more powerful 1.6L diesel or the higher-output gasoline variants, this 1.4L automatic felt less responsive, but it offered a more relaxed and user-friendly driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4L Turbo Automatic Cruze Hatchback typically came standard with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks, a Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rearview camera. Higher trim levels added features such as heated front seats, a sunroof, upgraded audio systems, and advanced safety technologies like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with leatherette options available on higher trims. Dashboard configurations were consistent across the range, featuring a modern and functional design.
Chassis & Braking
The Cruze Hatchback utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam suspension in the rear. This setup provided a good balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. Stabilizer bars were included at both the front and rear to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
Critics generally praised the Cruze Hatchback for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and fuel efficiency. However, the 1.4L Turbo Automatic combination received mixed reviews. Some found the engine adequate for daily driving, while others criticized its lack of outright power. Compared to the 1.6L diesel, the 1.4L turbo offered slightly less fuel economy but a more responsive engine. Compared to the manual transmission versions, the automatic was less engaging to drive but more convenient. The Cruze Hatchback competed with other compact hatchbacks like the Honda Civic Hatchback, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, and Mazda3 Hatchback.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Cruze, despite being discontinued in North America in 2019, remains a relatively common sight on used car lots. The 1.4L Turbo Automatic powertrain has proven to be reasonably reliable, although some owners have reported issues with the turbocharger and cooling system. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and coolant flushes, is crucial for long-term reliability. The Cruze Hatchback II, particularly the facelifted 2019 models, offers a good value proposition for buyers seeking an affordable and practical compact hatchback. Its modern features and decent fuel economy continue to make it a viable option in the used car market.
