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2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Review: First Drive

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Review | Style Meets Practicality | MotorVero

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: The Perfect Urban Adventure Companion

2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback

Where compact efficiency meets unexpected

versatility

The Mullet of Compact Cars: Business Up Front, Party Out Back

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback represents a brilliant compromise between professional styling and weekend-ready functionality. Much like the iconic mullet haircut, this vehicle presents a conservative, business-appropriate front end while revealing its wilder side at the rear with a surprisingly spacious cargo area.

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Chevrolet's marketing team cleverly positions this model as the ideal choice for young professionals who value both style and substance. The hatchback configuration, long popular in European markets, finally makes its North American debut with this generation, offering drivers unprecedented versatility in the compact segment.

Key Improvements Over Previous Models

  • 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded (42% more than sedan)
  • Redesigned chassis with improved structural rigidity
  • More premium interior materials throughout
  • Available RS package for sportier aesthetics
  • Enhanced turbocharged efficiency without sacrificing performance
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Exterior Design: European Flair Meets American Muscle

compact hatchback reviews

The Cruze Hatchback's styling cues borrow heavily from successful European designs while maintaining distinct Chevrolet character. The low, aggressive front fascia flows seamlessly into sculpted body sides, culminating in a high-mounted spoiler that gives the rear a planted, athletic stance.

Available RS trim enhances the visual drama with:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels with premium finishes
  • Sport-tuned front fascia with integrated fog lights
  • Rear decklid spoiler for improved aerodynamics
  • Unique badging and trim accents
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Performance That Punches Above Its Weight Class

Don't let the compact dimensions fool you - the Cruze Hatchback delivers surprisingly spirited performance thanks to its turbocharged 1.4L EcoTec engine. The 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque might seem modest on paper, but the power delivery feels immediate and satisfying in real-world driving conditions.

Performance Metric Specification
0-60 mph Acceleration 7.7 seconds (with automatic transmission)
EPA Estimated Fuel Economy 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway
Curb Weight 2,911 lbs (LT trim)
Engine Displacement 1.4L Turbocharged I4

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Driving Dynamics: Comfort Meets Control

The Cruze Hatchback shines in daily commuting scenarios with its compliant ride quality and impressive noise isolation. While not a full-blown sports car, the chassis communicates clearly through the steering wheel, offering drivers more feedback than most competitors in this segment.

Notable Strengths:

  • Excellent highway stability and composure
  • Precise electric power steering
  • Well-controlled body motions over bumps
  • Confident braking performance

Potential Limitations:

  • Noticeable body lean in aggressive cornering
  • Transmission occasionally hunts for gears on steep grades
  • Engine noise becomes pronounced at high RPMs

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Interior Refinement: A Class Above Expectations

Chevrolet Cruze specs

Step inside the Cruze Hatchback, and you'll immediately notice the attention to detail that sets it apart from previous GM compact offerings. While some hard plastics remain on upper surfaces, they're of the thick, well-grained variety that suggests durability rather than cost-cutting.

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Ergonomics and Space Utilization

The driver-focused cockpit features:

  • 8-way adjustable driver's seat (power on Premier trim)
  • Optimized control placement for intuitive operation
  • 7-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet MyLink infotainment
  • Available leather-appointed seating surfaces

While the sloping roofline creates a sportier profile, it does impact rear headroom slightly. At 37.3 inches, it matches the sedan version exactly, proving the hatchback configuration doesn't compromise passenger space.

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Cargo Versatility: Where the Hatchback Shines

The real advantage of the hatchback configuration becomes apparent when you need to transport larger items. With the rear seats folded, the Cruze offers an impressive 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space - more than many midsize SUVs can boast behind their second row.

Practical Loading Features Include:

  • Wide hatch opening for easy item placement
  • Low load floor height reduces lifting effort
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats for configuration flexibility
  • Hidden underfloor storage compartment
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Trim Levels and Value Proposition

Chevrolet positions the Cruze Hatchback as a more premium offering compared to its sedan sibling, with pricing that reflects its added versatility and style.

Trim Level Starting MSRP Key Features
LT $23,065 16" wheels, 7" touchscreen, rearview camera
Premier $25,120 Leather seats, heated front seats, premium audio
RS Package $1,995 (add-on) Sport styling, 18" wheels, fog lamps

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Competitive Positioning

When compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Hyundai Elantra GT, the Cruze Hatchback holds its own with:

  • More standard safety features at base trim
  • Superior fuel economy in automatic configurations
  • Longer warranty coverage than European competitors
  • More aggressive pricing at higher trim levels

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Final Verdict: Who Should Consider the Cruze Hatchback?

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback represents an excellent choice for:

  • Urban professionals needing weekend adventure capability
  • Small families prioritizing efficiency without sacrificing space
  • First-time car buyers wanting premium features at mainstream prices
  • Downsizing empty-nesters who still value cargo flexibility
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While it may not satisfy hardcore driving enthusiasts or those needing true SUV-level space, the Cruze Hatchback delivers an outstanding balance of style, efficiency, and unexpected versatility that makes it one of the most compelling compact offerings in recent memory.

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Motorveroben

Last Updated On Sep, 09-2025

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