The Chevrolet Cruze Sedan II 1.4 (155 hp) represents a significant iteration of Chevrolet’s globally-focused compact car, produced from 2016 to 2018. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the second-generation Cruze lineup, this variant aimed to balance fuel efficiency with acceptable performance for the North American market. It was a key model in Chevrolet’s attempt to capture a larger share of the competitive compact sedan segment, facing rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The Cruze II, built on the J300 platform, represented a substantial redesign from the first-generation model, with improvements in interior space, refinement, and available technology.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cruze |
| Generation | Cruze Sedan II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (155 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 155 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Power per litre | 110.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2000-4000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | LE2 |
| Engine displacement | 1399 cm3 (85.37 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74 mm (2.91 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.3 mm (3.2 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC-VVT |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.9 l (6.23 US qt | 5.19 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1286 kg (2835.14 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 394 l (13.91 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 419 l (14.8 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 52 l (13.74 US gal | 11.44 UK gal) |
| Length | 4666 mm (183.7 in.) |
| Width | 1791 mm (70.51 in.) |
| Height | 1458 mm (57.4 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Front track | 1527 mm (60.12 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1552 mm (61.1 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.8 m (38.71 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-dependent beam with stabilizer, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Cruze 1.4T is the LE2 engine, a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct injection, a technology that improves fuel efficiency and power output by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The LE2 features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (VVT), further optimizing engine performance across the rev range. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, provides a boost in power and torque, mitigating the typical power deficit associated with smaller displacement engines. This particular variant was paired with a six-speed manual transmission, offering drivers a more engaging driving experience compared to the available automatic option. The engine’s design prioritized fuel economy and reduced emissions, aligning with increasingly stringent environmental regulations.
Driving Characteristics
The 155 hp Cruze 1.4T with the manual transmission offered a reasonably responsive driving experience. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the turbocharger provided a noticeable surge of power in the mid-range, making it suitable for everyday driving and highway merging. The six-speed manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection and contributed to a more connected feel. Compared to the base 1.6L engine, the 1.4T offered a significant improvement in acceleration and overall performance. However, it didn’t match the more powerful engine options available in the Cruze lineup, such as the 2.0L turbo. The suspension tuning aimed for a balance between comfort and handling, providing a reasonably compliant ride without feeling overly soft in corners.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4T trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic infotainment system with a touchscreen display, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels added features like a premium sound system, heated front seats, a sunroof, and advanced safety technologies like lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for leatherette or leather available on higher trims. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use. Optional extras included a navigation system, remote start, and various accessory packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Cruze II utilized a McPherson strut front suspension and a semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a good balance of ride comfort and handling for a compact sedan. The front brakes were ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering system was an electric power-assisted rack and pinion, providing light and precise steering feel. The 15-inch wheels were fitted with 195/65 R15 tires, offering a comfortable ride and adequate grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and relatively spacious interior. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel strained under hard acceleration and that the interior materials were not as premium as those found in some competitors. Compared to the base 1.6L engine, the 1.4T offered a noticeable improvement in performance and was considered a worthwhile upgrade. In terms of fuel economy, the 1.4T was competitive with other compact sedans in its class, achieving around 32 mpg combined. Reliability was a mixed bag, with some owners reporting issues with the turbocharger and cooling system.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Cruze, despite being discontinued in North America in 2019, remains a relatively common sight on used car lots. The 1.4T engine, while generally reliable, requires regular maintenance, particularly regarding oil changes and turbocharger health. The availability of parts is generally good, and the Cruze’s relatively simple mechanical design makes it accessible for DIY repairs. The Cruze II 1.4T represents a solid, if not spectacular, entry in the compact sedan segment, offering a good balance of fuel efficiency, features, and affordability. Its legacy is one of a practical and reasonably reliable car that provided a competitive option for budget-conscious buyers.
