Chevrolet road test reports and car reviews

Chevrolet Cruze LS 125PS Diesel 2009

For motoring in some syle at very sensible money that won’t bring your bank manager out in a sweat - and at the same time offering a level of opulence that would bring a smile to the ghost of Elvis - this compact sedan provides more than you might expect, for less than you might anticipate. Cruze prices start at £11,495. The 2.0litre 125PS diesel LS tested here costs £14,9950.). At first sight to the British motorist, this sleek, dark and purposeful car has the air of a man of mystery. It looks purposeful - but to what end? It holds secrets impossible to pigeonhole. What sort of man or woman might one expect to find behind the wheel? Is it a force for good or a harbinger of hard times? I’m pleased to tell you that like the famous chocolate with the wrapper off - all is magic within. Coming from General Motor’s former Daewoo plant in Korea, but soon to be produced in Ohio for the American market, it’s a quantum step forward in quality terms from previous Daewoo models. While the world is full of hatchbacks, Chevy are giving us a Focus sized ’sedan’ (four door saloon car if you’re a ’proper’ chap) based on the new GM floor-plan, upon which the new Astra is also built. While the cabin does not exude the opulence of luxury class cars, it reassures with a pleasing level of ergonomically and aesthetically tailored design - allowing driver and passenger alike, a comfortable reassuring ambience that enforces no extremes and yet incorporates an element of ’flair’ to lift it above the mundane. In a phrase, the cabin imposes dignity - but dignity with a touch of dash. There’s a chrome high-tech feel to the business like appendages in the LS, second from top spec. model tested, while the upholstery and surrounds are sober suited, styled for comfort, easy on the eye and - one has to say - easy on the pocket too. Eschewing the more obvious retro references favoured by lovers of Americana, it none the less embodies through style cues, a notion of ’Transatlantic’ taste: witness the bold Chevy logo on the front grille. Drive away and the clutch engages positively with the torquey (300Nm at just 2000 rpm) engine feeling ready to go from the off. Controls are readily, immediately, unequivocally and assuredly to hand. Drive half a mile along the road and despite the short acquaintance you feel you already ’know’ the car. It’s a motorcar that you feel sure won’t let you down and most certainly will never engender a frown. You know from the support that the seats give to your back that the designers knew exactly what they were doing - and the same sense of confidence attaches itself to the dynamics of the car in motion. The merest hint of torque steer serves only to establish a feeling of contact with the terrain. Drive boldly and performance from the 2.0litre,125PS diesel (you can have a 150PS diesel if you choose the LT variant) is - despite what has been muttered elsewhere and by those who should know better - more than adequate,with an achievable top speed of over 120 mph. Economy too is jolly good, with 45mpg easily achievable overall. Pussyfoot about and you would, no doubt, get around 60mpg on a decent run. Never do the mechanicals feel under stress and you’re always in for a smooth and quiet ride.(one of the benefits of a saloon over a hatchback). Handling is good too, with rapid travel never disturbing the Chevy’s equilibrium. Want to stop? Braking is as easy as thinking. Acceleration is amply sufficient: lively enough for a car half the size - brisk enough to elicit an ’Oh Dear!’ From the vicar - but slam the anchors on and all is sacred and holy once more. Was that a flash of silver? A cloud of dust? Well no, actually - but this car certainly has a ’Yipee yi yey!’ quality to it. And nothing could be finer than a trip to Carolina in a Chevy of this pedigree. In case you haven’t guessed, I like this car because it’s different. Not only that, but because it’s different in a good way. It has the hallmark of originality so lamentably lacking in the current new car market. It ticks all the boxes, but manages to box clever and makes the driver feel part of quite a special machine. It’s a car for the sensible individual who likes a dash of individuality - but not at the expense of good solid sense and taste. There’s nothing here to frighten your granny and yet there’s plenty to appease the young at heart. At the price it surely has to be a bargain. As the man said ’Why pay more?’ You can if you must, but for me, all’s OK with the cars in the Chevy corral. With this model pitched most competitively at a challenging market sector, I have to say that Chevrolet have definitely won their spurs. I’d love to see prospective purchasers galloping down to the showroom. We’ve come a long way from the covered wagon and it’s good to see that happy trails are here to stay.

Chevrolet Lacetti Station Wagon 2009

I am a disabled person and have had several vehicles but the Lacetti station wagon has been the best I have had. It is comfortable and drives very well, I like the automatic box which unlike some cars you can hardly feel any gear change. The specs on this car are as good as the astra, focus and many more cars with electric windows all round air con, central locking lots of extra storage compartments. The boot is very roomy and is a good level from the ground which is ideal for lifting my wheelchair in and out of it as is the split seating for longer larger items, 12v power socket in boot, a very good 1.8 engine. The only draw back is the mpg which depending on the way you drive can give around 28-32 mpg but this is the only minus I can give and would definitely recomend this car. I will have another unless something of the cost give as much value - Andrew Seddon from Lancashire

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 VCDi LT 7 seat 2008

This vehicle does what it says on the tin. Firstly the ’cons’. The diesel engine is a bit agricultural for a modern day vehicle. At idle and around town you are aware that is an oil burner, but once underway it quietens down significantly making it a peaceful tourer. The gearbox is rather notchy making baulked gear changes very possible until you get used to its foibles. The intermittent wiper speed selector is fiddly and the front/rear fog light switch is not very intuitive. The good poins. The diesel engine has good pull between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm and can get you around slower traffic without to many frey hairs. Interior space is very good with seats 6 and 7 being full size (but a bit restricted on leg length). The on demand 4 wheel drive works without fuss and during a recent snowy spell the vehicle never lost its grip at all, even on standard road tyres. The hill descent control is just magic. Fuel consumption has been around 32 mpg on bendy country lanes and in town. On a motorway run at the legal speed limit it is nearer 40 mpg. Steering and ride are a bit ’American’, non-precise steering, but this is not meant to be a sports car is it? You can see its American design even if was built for the European market and assembled in Korea. The USA version is called the Saturn Vue and has the obligatory gas guzzling engine. This vehicle is worth every pound of its price.

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0Cdi LT 7 Seats 2008

I have thoroughly enjoyed this car since taking delivery in March 2008. It is a pleasure to drive both in town and on the motorway where it cruises almost nioselessly. It’s versatile having extra seats when you need them, when folded down into the boot floor the bootspace will take almost anything you are likely to want to move. Would I recommend it ? - 100% yes, you will not be disappointed.

Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 SE 2006

This was my first car and I have found it to be highly suitable; reasonable manoeuvrability coupled with good fuel economy made this car ideal for my predominantly around town trips. The main problem with this car is that you cannot fit in the back unless you disassemble your lower body first.

Chevrolet Matiz 2008

Had this car on lease - never again. Felt very small and unstable. Parking was easy, about the only positive thing. Terrifying to drive on busy roads, not enough oumff to get anywhere fast, possibly the worst car I have ever driven really glad to hand it back.

Chevrolet Lacetti 4 Door 1.8 Sport Manual 2008

Nice looking car and very cheap to buy but very bad on fuel - 37 mpg on a run and 23 around town. I’ve covered 15,000 miles in this car and it’s been in to Chevrolet 8 times due to a missfire that still hasn’t been sorted out. They have used every excuse from dirty fuel to egr valve, the customer service is very bad and they will make any excuse to not do the work under warranty. So if you’re thinking of getting one of these... think to yourself - the price is cheap but it will cause you a headache in the future.

Chevrolet Epica LT 2009

I’ve just ordered mine and am looking forward to part exchanging my 2006 Mondeo for it. Yes, depreciation is undoubtedly high but at this low starting price it’s still fantastic value. I’ve had a lengthy test drive and while fast corners are handled a bit less elegantly than in a Mondeo, it is quieter, more comfortable, has masses more kit and is a whole lot more distinctive in the car park. Lose your prejudice and try one!

Chevrolet Epica LT 2008

Weak engine, non responsive, unpleasant noise made by gearbox.

Chevrolet Tacuma 1.6 SX 2005

Very good value for money, I have a 55 plate Tacuma on a Chevrolet badge, picked it up for £2500 with only 31,000 miles on the clock, but this car is equipped with everything It can be a little thirsty around town, but on a long journey it is very economical. The car is very comfortable to drive, and looks good on the outside. Plenty of space on the inside, and plenty of leg room for everyone. The car is a real pleasure to drive.

Chevrolet Lacetti 5 Door 1.6 2004

It’s a good car but just I’ve got a problem with the petrol it gets through. I spend a lot of money on petrol for this 1.6 - £35 a week to do about about 100miles.

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 VDCi 7 Seats. 2008

After several months of searching for a replacement for my Vectra Elite, I finally chose the Captiva and I’m very pleased. The car looks more expensive than it was and I’ve recieved lots of admiring glances and good comments from friends and neighbours. The drive can be a little bouncy on poor roads but despite many reviews I’ve read the car is superb on motorways and A roads. The engine has plenty of power and overtaking is no problem. The car easily accomodates 2 adults, 2 growing kids and a dog along with large amounts of luggage. The main benefit is no more complaints of ’feeling sick’ coming from the back which was a constant whine with the Vectra. The added bonus of the seven seats is great for days out with grandparents although the dog has to stay at home! To sum up a great car for the growing family who can’t afford a big german equivalent.

Chevrolet Aveo 2008

We have had this car since July 2008 and find it really good apart from one major safety problem - the drivers side door mirror is not convex and this means there is a very bad blind spot; you can not see a car or motorbike if it is closer than three metres behind the back of of the Aveo. It’s at its worse when the drivers seat is further forward. The dealer is trying to sort the problem out but is not having a lot of luck. Has anyone else had this problem?

Responses to this review
Yes, I agree about the mirror. I even missed a 30 FT truck in the blind spot today! I've had a hire car for a day. It's very good for what I presume to be a cheap car, but it's a bit tinny and has a weak engine when compared with dearer marques. Pedals seem poorly positioned, but handling is very good - Phil Mason from Yorkshire

I have the problem with plain glass on the Aveo i have bought. Can anyone tell me if the dealer is obliged to replace it with convex glass? The manual says both door mirrors are convex. I have bought it from new - Terence Ginder from Warwickshire

Chevrolet Tacuma 1.6 SX 2005

I wanted an MPV for a family of five on a budget. The Tacuma was a cracking bargain at least £2k less than the equivalent Renault Megane which is a good comparison. Okay, so there is no diesel option, the emissions are not brilliant, and the 2.0 litre version will get hit hard when the new higher vehicle tax band are introduced in 2010 (so avoid it!). The 1.6 engine will do the job but it is a little noisy when worked hard and only averages 35mpg, but there are no known faults with the unit and if driven like a family car, it’s fine. Good points are interior space, three proper seat belts in the back for the kids (i.e. no lap straps) good sized boot and unbelievable value for money. It’s comfortable, there are lots of cubby holes for bits and bobs inside and the styling is a bit quirky, which I quite like in an odd sort of way. I have seen Tacumas’ with only 10 miles on the clock in dealers for £1800 under new price. The deprecation is vicious on newer models and a genuine 3 year old car can easily be had for £3k with about 20-30,000 miles on the clock - that is real VFM, which every family will appreciate. It won’t set the world on fire but as a people transporter for not much money it is hard to beat.

Chevrolet Aveo 1.2s 2008

I have owned this car for a month or so. It represented excellent value for money. It is very well equipped for a base model [4 speaker CD stereo!!!], 4 air bags, 3 year warranty, 3 [yes 3] year AA roadside assistance. I paid an extra £199 for 3 years servicing. I love the car, it’s well built and roomy for a small car, it’s very, very good on petrol. The engine is a well tried Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 which are very reliable; its nippy in town and OK on the motorway. Great value motoring. Nobody could touch the deal Chevy gave me on this car.

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 vcdi auto 7 seater 2008

I have bought a Captiva 7 seater and it gives me the best of all worlds , I have plenty of room and comfort for very little money GM have got it right , a 4x4,an estate car, a van, a saloon car, an MPV, so many variations in one vehicle and on top of all this elegance with very nice sporty clean crisp lines with the executive look, what other car company gives all this for so little money. Well, GM have won me over and with 50 years of cars and driving behind me I’m won over so I will stay with GM, I only wish this car had been in the UK earlier, so thank you GM and keep up the good work, Ron.

Chevrolet Kalos sx auto 2007

Had’ Katie’ the Kalos for five months or so now. Our nickname sums up how both my wife and myself feel about her. A cosy, comfortable hatchback that represents remarkably good value for money. ’Katie’ is well put together, and everything works fine, just as it should. The heater is really efficient, as is the air conditioning. Although some of it looks, well, a bit utilitarian, it’s the overall driving experience we both like. Would we have another? We will certainly consider the Aveo as a replacement eventually, as long as the price remains competitive. We like it, for what it is reliable, comfortable, and well within our limited budget.

Chevrolet Kalos 1.2 2007

I had this car on hire; it had done 17,000 miles, so I suppose it’s not entirely fair to compare it with a new one, or even a carefully privately owned one, but ye Gods, the gearbox was atrocious! The travel on the clutch pedal (in 1st and 2nd, particularly) was so long before the bite that my foot was off the floor and my knee nearly up to my ear - quite exhausting on a long, varied drive. Once in 5th, though, on motorways, it managed fine till we reached any upward incline - then there was a bit of a struggle - but it is only a 1.2, after all. I liked the dash instruments, but the seats and other trim were a bit cheap. However, if you can bear the gearing, and just want a runabout, this would be OK. Not for me, though.

Chevrolet Captiva LTX 2007

Lets start with the bad, the steering is very light (but this aids parking) and you loose the feel of the road when driving especially at speed. The view out the back is poor but that has been compensated for by large wing mirrors and reverse sensors (a must). My wife has a Land Rover Freelander and it handles better but I must say this vehicle is magnificent. Its a big car which looks and seems smaller than it really is and handles well for its size. There is lots of space kit and gadgets for the price and it does nothing wrong. There are SUV that do things better but none that do all as well as the Captiva and thats including the price. it may not bring you the respect of an X5 or Merc but it will make people sit up and look and for a whole lot more, give it a try.

Chevrolet Lacetti 5 Door 2004

Purchased s/hand July 2006 - 9,879 miles. Apart from 2 oil leaks fixed under excellent warranty the car has performed well for the price range. The vehicle has now done 23,000 miles and goes well. It has got a good level of extras too.

Chevrolet Matiz 0.8 S 2007

Well it seems it’s been said before but this car is a good run around, however, get it on the motorway above 60 mph and it gets a little hairy. Brilliant for about town and great on the old purse to run but not something I’d buy if I did a lot of long distance journeys. I don’t so it suits my needs well.

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 CDi LTX 5dr 2007

A very capable vehicle that really can hold it’s own. I’m very impressed with Chevrolet, this car really does what it says on the tin and is very enjoyable to drive. For the money, it’s a hell of a lot of car.

Chevrolet Lacetti 4 Door Saloon 1.8 CDX 4dr 2007

The Lacetti 1.8 comes with a lot of kit for standard and leather seats and trim also making the interior feel expensive for the price of the car. It’s very comfortable on long journeys and has generous leg room in front and back. Mpg is quite good for a car of its size and servicing costs are reasonable. Performance is good. I have driven better cars but they were more expensive and I think for the money you pay Chevrolet have come up with a good product.

Chevrolet Tacuma 1.6 2007

Practical, economic and spacious, everything I needed. Can’t say more than that.

Chevrolet Lacetti 5 Door 1.8 CDX 2007

This is my company car and its distinctly average. A bit cheap I’m afraid but what do you expect for under £10k? It performs well enough but there are a lot of better cars out there.

Chevrolet Matiz 1.0 S

Amanda’s review is short and sweet and is spot on. This is a very economical run around that is dependable if unexciting. One of the major minus points was the cornering and I never felt as safe as I would have liked when driving, especially jerky around roundabouts. Still, the low CO2 emissions certainly gave me a sense of well-being and as I’ve already said, the running costs were excellent. It is a good run around, that simple really.

Chevrolet Kalos 1.2 S

The Kalos is my company car and although it cruises well once a speed has been reached it struggles with acceleration. The ride is smooth and wind and road noise are minimal. Although this is now a Chevrolet car it must be kept in mind that it is still very much a Daewoo. I would not choose to buy or lease the Kalos when given the choise as it is rather uninspiring and far from luxurious. There are many better models in the marketplace.

Chevrolet Lacetti 5 Door 1.6 LX

Good little family car that offer excellent valur for money and comes with an attractive warranty and service package. It has ample space for a family of five including a decent sized boot and comes with a good level of equipment. If I’m honest the drive isn’t exciting but it gets you from A to B in comfort and it’s so far proved very reliable.

Chevrolet Captiva 2.0 VCDi LT 5st

I’m really pleased I chose the Captiva after test driving several different 4x4 including Nissan and Citroen. The Captiva offers huge interior space, lots of kit as standard and good looks. The price helps as well - a LOT of car for a little price. There is just one thing I’d change on this and that’s the level of engine noise, but you get used to it pretty quickly. Excellent value for money.

Chevrolet Kalos 1.2 SE 5dr

This car is very cheap to run and insure and has a reasonable amount of space for me and my 2 sons, however, the handling leaves something to be desired at times and there is quite a bit of nasty plastic trim. It’s not a bad car, it’s just not that brilliant either. Average.

Chevrolet Lacetti Station Wagon 1.6 SX 5dr

3 children and 2 dogs calls for something with a LOT of space and the Lacetti fits the bill perfectly. The only negative is it’s not the quietest car I’ve ever driven but noise levels are not excessive and you quickly get used to it. Very good.

Chevrolet Matiz

Good run around.