Chevrolet Cruze

• The engine is a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated 4‑cylinder producing 113 hp and 141 Nm of torque. Which is considerably lower than most rivals in this segment. It pairs with a 6‑speed dual‑clutch automatic.
• The engine is decent with adequate power for city driving. Stop‑and‑go traffic? It works just fine. But overtaking or needing extra power won’t be available immediately. Also, you can easily notice that there’s no surge of mid‑range torque. The engine gets vocal when pushed, but it’s not too sporty – it’s just strained.
• The dual-clutch gearbox is smooth during calm driving but hesitates during quick throttle inputs. There's a delay before it selects a gear, so watch out. 
• The ground clearance of nearly 165 mm is reasonable for Saudi speed breakers. The suspension is MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear. It’s acceptable on smooth roads but becomes choppy when surfaces deteriorate.

Some Realities: 

• For most buyers, if not all, the power might be lower than expected. The 113 hp in 2026 feels dated, considering what’s usual in compact SUVs. Most competitors offer 120–140 hp with turbocharging, and so you have a choice of the Cruze with less performance at a similar price point.
• The dual‑clutch gearbox sounds advanced, but it doesn’t deliver a premium experience. This dual‑clutch system can be jerky at low speeds.
• Chassis dynamics are basic, and so body roll is noticeable. The steering feel is artificial and could have been a little smoother. This is a sedan for a driver without an exciting driving character.

• On smooth highways, the ride is adequate. The cabin stays mostly reasonably quiet at moderate speeds; the wind noise becomes noticeable only if you speed, let's say above 100 kph.
• The digital instrument cluster displays information clearly. A rear-view camera helps with parking. The LT variant gets rear park assist.
• Steering is light for urban manoeuvring, and compact dimensions help too.

Things That Matter More: 

• The ride gets rough on poor surfaces; the suspension allows some harshness into the cabin. Could have been a little better, as the rear torsion beam is cheap but inferior to multi-link setups.
• Handling is uninspiring for the most part. The car leans in corners, and you get minimal feedback on the steering.
• The 113 hp engine is not enough, and you can clearly see it struggles during highway merging. You need to plan your entry into fast‑moving traffic. There is no real safety margin of power for quick merges. There could be a genuine concern about safety on Saudi highways.
• Noise insulation could have been better, especially on the highway. The engine sounds coarse. The dual clutch can hunt between gears, creating lurching that passengers notice.

• Both variants get the standard dual 10.25‑inch screens, infotainment and a digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
• The base LS has cloth seats, while the LT upgrades to leatherette with a sunroof. The seating adjustments are limited. The LS has a four‑way manual adjustment. The LT gets a six‑way driver adjustment, but only manual, and adds rear AC vents.
• Cargo space is 405 litres; this is something competitive for the segment. Inside the cabin, the storage seems quite practical, with an armrest storage box, cup holders, and map pockets.

What's Missing: 

• Interior plastics feel rigid. Tap the dashboard or door panels; it may sound hollow, and you can make out the brand’s focus on cutting costs.
• The rear legroom depends heavily on front passenger positioning. Three adults in the back for a long highway trip is asking too much. But for two passengers, even longer drives are just fine.
• The leatherette seats will crack in extreme heat if parked outside, while the cloth is more durable but less impressive.

• The LS has two airbags, and the LT gets 4 airbags. Still no curtain airbags. ABS, ESC, traction control, hill-start assist, and auto-hold are present. Tyre pressure monitoring and cruise control are standard.
• A rear‑view camera is standard. The LT adds rear parking sensors, but no front sensors, no blind‑spot monitoring, no lane‑keeping assist, and no automatic emergency braking.
• ISOFIX anchor points and child safety locks are included. The LT adds keyless start.

Things to Consider: 

• Frankly, two airbags on the base variant is abysmal in 2026 when most buyers want more from a basic car. The LT’s 4 airbags are below competitors’ offerings of 6 or more.
• There are no advanced driver assistance systems and no radar‑based cruise control, lane‑departure warning, or automatic emergency braking. Competitors offer these features.
• It has not done independent crash testing for this Middle East version. You are trusting Chevrolet's word without verification.
• As far as service support is concerned, Chevrolet's dealer presence in Saudi Arabia is limited. Parts availability can be inconsistent, while the warranty you get for 3 years or 100,000 km enhances confidence in the car. But again, several competitors offer 5 years or more of warranty. 

Also, consider the brand’s position in the Saudi market, which often determines resale value if you plan to sell within a few years. Chevrolet is not high in demand in the resale market. The Cruze will depreciate faster than a Corolla or Elantra. So factor this into the total cost of ownership.