2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco Manual - Short Take Road Test

With summer here and gas prices some four to five times the mercury reading, it’s all most drivers can do to stay cool at and away from the pump. Mileage ratings are soaring past horsepower figures in mainstream headlines, and the fuel-economy wars are in full swing. (Paradoxically, so are the horsepower wars. But we digress.) The ongoing influx of hybrids shows no sign of slowing, but costly batteries and electric motors aren’t friendly to all budgets (not to mention curb weights), so automakers are also duking it out with conventional powertrains. One of the hottest battles right now is being waged within the C-segment ring, where cars like this Chevrolet Cruze Eco are topping the 40-mpg-highway mark.

Eco Optimization

Like many economy-optimizing trim packages, the Eco uses low-rolling-resistance tires (Goodyear Assurance) and lighter wheels to help meet its goals. Unlike most of its competitors, though, the Eco has a higher (mileage) calling from the moment it starts down the assembly line. With weight saving a priority, it is constructed differently than the regular Cruze, using slightly shorter welds and thinner sheetmetal in specific areas. The lighter Goodyears and the stylish 17-inch wheels combine for a saving of more than 21 pounds compared with the 16-inch combo on the Cruze 1LT. Factor in a fuel tank that is smaller by three gallons and the lack of a spare tire on manual-equipped cars, and the Eco weighs in at 3018 pounds, between 125 and 188 fewer pounds than other Cruzes we’ve tested.

Although a commendable and essential effort for achieving better fuel mileage, the Eco’s diet isn’t the only difference between it and a regular Cruze. Benefiting from the hundreds of hours its even-thriftier platformmate, the Volt , spent in the wind tunnel, the Cruze Eco is fitted with the latest aerodynamic gewgaws. It has a movable shutter in the lower grille that closes at high speeds, underbody panels behind the lower front air dam, and a rear spoiler. And it sits 0.4 inch closer to the ground. Overall, the Eco’s coefficient of drag is 10 percent less than the standard Cruze’s, helping manual-equipped models achieve 28/42-mpg ratings from the EPA.

Penalty Box No More

Unlike fuel-economy specials of yesteryear, the new crop of misers—like the Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus SFE —doesn’t require you to serve a penalty for not paying at the pump. Instead of forcing buyers into the most basic, stripped-out model to obtain those extra mpg, the Cruze Eco is a normal conveyance with all the customary amenities of a modern small car.

2011 Hyundai Elantra For Sale Matthews NC 5NPDH4AE3BH003430

Keffer Hyundai has a 2011 Hyundai Elantra for sale near Charlotte

This 2011 Elantra is selling for $19,984 Keffer Hyundai for any special sales or promotions that may apply to this car. You can request

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Additional Info

CARFAX 1 owner and buyback guarantee!! Hyundai CERTIFIED. Gets Great Gas Mileage: 40 MPG Hwy.. All smiles!!! Who could say no to a simply super car like this outstanding Sedan* New Inventory** Safety equipment includes: ABS Traction control Curtain airbags Passenger Airbag Stability control...

1.8 liter inline 4 cylinder DOHC engine with variable valve timing,4 Doors,4-wheel ABS brakes,Air conditioning,Center Console - Full with covered storage,Clock - In-dash,Daytime running lights,External temperature display,Front seat type - Bucket,Front-wheel drive,Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 40 and EPA city (mpg): 29,Head airbags - Curtain 1st and 2nd row,Interior air filtration,Intermittent window wipers,Multi-function remote - Trunk/hatch/door,Overhead console - Mini with storage,Passenger Airbag,Power heated mirrors,Power windows with 1 one-touch,Privacy/tinted glass,Rear bench seats,Rear defogger,Remote power door locks,Speed-proportional power steering,Stability control,Tachometer,Traction control - ABS and driveline,Trip computer

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