The Chevrolet Cruze is all set to get an automatic transmission on 10th January, 2010.
Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is all set to get an automatic transmission on 10th January, 2010. The transmission will most probably be the 5 speed tiptronic unit from the Chevrolet Captiva. This will also enable GM to save costs as the Cruze shares the 2 liter diesel engine with the Captiva. If you’re wondering why General Motors is bringing in the automatic transmission so early, it is simply because customers have complained that the Cruze’s clutch is hard on the left leg. Though the Cruze has stonking performance on the highway when the turbo can be kept spooled up, it requires plenty of gear shifts at low speeds in the city.
This is further amplified in slow moving traffic with the Cruze’s significant turbo lag making matters worse. So, GM has wisely decided to offer customers the option of an automatic transmission to make driving the Cruze a veritable ease. The Cruze with the new slush box will cost about a lakh higher than the manual geared version. This will bring the Cruze very close to the Skoda Laura’s price territory which isn’t a good sign as the Skoda enjoys higher brand value. That said, the Chevrolet Cruze’s 3 year free maintenance offer may tilt scales in it’s favor with Skoda customers dumping the Laura for the Cruze.