The Covenant Car Co. has launched its maiden offering as the new and exclusive distributor of Chevrolet vehicles in the Philippines: the Cruze.

The Chevrolet Cruze is a four-door sedan packed with a 1.8-litre all-aluminum engine that puts out 141hp and 176Nm of torque. Helping translate that power on to the front wheels are either a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission - a segment first for Chevrolet.

"We made sure that the Cruze can stand toe-to-toe with its competitors," said Covenant managing director and chief operating officer Atty. Alberto Arcilla. "It's the biggest one in its class, both inside and outside, and it's packed with features that aren't standard for its class. We also made sure that it's priced competitively just so that there will be a Cruze for every Juan dela Cruz."

The manual tranny-equipped Chevrolet Cruze L and LS variants are priced at P808,888 (US$ 17,600) and P858,888, respectively; while the automatic LS and range-topping LT are at P908,888 and P1.048 million.

The Chevrolet Cruze's arching roofline resembles that of a coupe. Serving to enhance this sporty profile is the Cruze's well-planted, close-to-the-ground stance as the wheels are located at the outer edges of its bodywork.

The Cruze also sports Chevrolet's distinct dual-port grille, and in combination with the sweeping headlights and its distinct concave shoulder line, it gives the vehicle a very aggressive appearance.

Inside, the cabin carries the sporty yet sophisticated design of the exterior as it adopts the signature twin-cockpit layout of its sport car sibling, the Corvette, to bring both the driver and the passenger closer to a "shared" experience.

Specifications and features

Top speed

200kph - manual transmission
190kph - automatic transmission

Acceleration (0-100kph)

10.0 seconds - manual transmission
11.5 seconds - automatic transmission

Interior features

Optitron instrument cluster
Sunglass holder
Seatbelt warning lamp
Cupholders at rear doors
Auto climate control (only for 1.8 LT)

Exterior features

Trunk lid with touch pad (for keyless trunk opening)
Rear fog lamps (1.8 LS and 1.8 LT)
Headlamp control (automatic on and off)
Rear park assist (ultrasonic) sensors
Door handle chrome strips for the 1.8 LT
16-inch wheels for the 1.8 L and 1.8 LS
17-inch for the 1.8 LT

Safety and security

Side airbags for 1.8 LT (dual airbags are standard for the 1.8 LS models; the 1.8 L only has a driver-side airbag)
Seatbelt pretensioners and load limit sensors
Upscale flip key