Chevrolet Cruze LT 1.8 Review: Cruisin' along fine...

What we like:

Handsome exterior

good build quality

spacious interior.

What we dislike:

Needs better brakes

gruff 1.8-litre engine

factory-fitted tyres that doesn't do justice.

The Cruze is all ready to take over the Optra, and at the same time, give the rest of the familiar faces a good run for their money. It doesn't have the same badge appeal as, say, a Honda, but that could all change - provided Chevrolet gets the pricing and equipment level for our market correct.

Just like the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Kia Cerato Forte and Mitsubishi Lancer EX offering different engine sizes, both the 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre variant of the Chevrolet Cruze will be made available here when it arrives before year's end.

Looking at our market trend, there's no doubt which one will sell more locally. And trust me, going for the lesser variant isn't that much of a difference.

We can expect the 1.6-litre to begin from $50k, while the 1.8-litre from $55k.

Credits: Story & pictures by Azfar Hashim, in Shanghai