Ground clearance is one of the most important characteristics of a car for the CIS countries. This is due to the deplorable condition of roads in these areas. But who wants to scrape the asphalt with their bottom?
Therefore, buyers pay close attention to the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze when purchasing it. Moreover, these indicators vary depending on the body type, and there are also some nuances.
Sedan
The ground clearance of the model in this body is officially 16 cm. This is quite enough, but in reality it is less. So, in front it is only 14 cm, because the lower trim of the front bumper is not always taken into account. The stern is raised, so there is no need to be afraid of sitting on it - 22 cm of ground clearance will not allow this.
Hatchback
The clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback is stated to be 15.5 cm, which is quite enough for confident driving on city streets and highways.
Wagon (station wagon)
The ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon is the same as that of the sedan, only the stern is slightly lower, which, however, is not surprising.
Subtleties and ways to increase ground clearance
In addition to the lower bumper trim, part of the ground clearance is “eaten up” by the engine protection, since driving on domestic roads without it is extremely risky. Increasing the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze is quite possible. This can be achieved in several ways:
Spacers are liners made of various materials (aluminum, rubber, plastic, polyurethane). They need to be located between the coils of the shock absorbers. This will allow you to raise the car by 2-4 cm, but will noticeably affect comfort - the car will become rigid;
Rims - you can increase the diameter of the rims, which also raises the car, but this will also lead to the fact that all the unevenness of the road will be felt by passengers;
The Chevrolet Cruze is a car that is a product of General Motors and was created by a team led by Tewan Kim. At that time, the model completely replaced the already losing popularity of the Chevrolet Lacetti. The new car is based on the Delta-2 base, which was also used to create the Opel Astra. Despite the long period of sales of the car (more than ten years), there are still disputes among car owners about the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze.
Clearance Cruz: what questions?
Let's look at the main points below:
- How to correctly determine the vehicle's ground clearance?
- What are the features of the ground clearance of cars of different years of manufacture and body types?
- What methods of increasing the ground clearance of a Chevrolet Cruze exist, and can they be used?
It is worth noting that the production of Chevrolet Cruze cars started in St. Petersburg in 2009, and it was from this year that the model was sold in Russia. At the same time, Cruz is assembled in three versions - sedan, station wagon and hatchback.
Despite the apparent similarity of the base, there are still minor differences, namely in the size of the trunk, ground clearance and other aspects.
Features of measuring ground clearance in a Chevrolet Cruze
Vehicle ground clearance is measured between the lowest point of the vehicle and the ground on which the wheels rest. Wherein 
highlighting a specific point in the Chevrolet Cruze is a difficult task, because almost all the parts are located in the same horizontal plane. In reality, the lower part of the car is considered to be the metal engine protection, which is slightly lower than the other elements of the bottom. It is this part that car owners cling to when driving through uneven areas.
It is no secret that the manufacturer of the Chevrolet Cruze prescribes in its technical specifications an overestimated ground clearance measured without load. If you put five people in the cabin, put in a spare tire and load the luggage compartment, the situation will change radically.
Affects ground clearance and fuel volume in the tank. Officially this parameter is 160 mm, but in reality it will be lower. In addition, after installing the engine protection, the ground clearance is reduced to 14 cm (front), and between the road surface and the rear - 200-220 mm.
Therefore, when driving through uneven areas, you should be prepared for the bottom of the car to come into contact with various elements of the road surface.
Ground clearance of a sedan (by year and modification)
The clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze, as noted above, is 160 mm (officially) and 140 mm in reality. As for the rear of the car, it is slightly raised, and the distance to the surface is 220 mm. Therefore, there is no need to worry about accidentally hitting a standard curb. If we consider the modifications, the picture here looks like this.
Sedan, four-door, front-wheel drive, produced from 2005 to 2012, has a ground clearance of 14.5 cm.
- AT LS (1.6 l, 109 horsepower), MT LS (1.6 l, 109 horsepower), as well as AT LT (1.6 l, 109 horsepower) and AT MT (1 .6 l, 109 hp).
- AT LT (1.8 l, 141 horsepower), MT LS (1.8 l, 141 hp), as well as modifications MT LT (1.8 l, 141 hp), AT LTZ (1.4 l, 140 “horses”).
Station wagon ground clearance (by year and modification)
In the 2012-2017 five-door Chevrolet Cruze with front-wheel drive, the ground clearance is 140 mm.
This parameter is relevant for the following modifications:
- MT LS (engine - 1.6 l, 124 hp), MT LT (1.6 l, 124 “horses”).
- AT LT (1.8 L, 141 HP), AT LTZ (1.8 L, 141 HP), and MT LS (1.8 L, 141 HP), and MT LT (1.8 l, 141 hp). This category includes the MT LTZ (1.8 l, 141 hp).
Hatchback ground clearance (by year and modification)
The ground clearance of the hatchback is 14.5 cm.
This parameter is typical for Chevrolet Cruze cars with 5 doors and front-wheel drive, produced between 2005 and 2012.
This indicator is typical for the following modifications:
- AT LS (1.6 l, 109 hp), MT LS (1.6 l, 109 hp). Here it is worth highlighting two more modifications: AT LT (1.6 l, 109 horsepower), MT LT (1.6 l, 109 hp).
- AT LT (1.8 liters, 141 hp), MT LS (1.8 liters, 141 hp), and MT LT (1.8 liters, 141 hp).
The exception is the AT LTZ model (1.4 l, 140 hp), which has a ground clearance of 140 mm.
2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze modification: features
Chevrolet recently introduced the new second-generation Cruze. The new product has a very original appearance and many advantages compared to representatives of the first generation.
Manufacturers used a new platform that had previously been tested on Astra and Buick Verano. The use of a new base made it possible to increase body rigidity by 27 percent and lighten the car by 110 kg.
The “face” of the Chevrolet Cruze has undergone a number of changes - more “predatory” head optics, a small radiator grille and a ribbed hood have appeared.
Among the “lateral” changes are blown wheel arches, more powerful wheel rims, and original design of the rear-view mirrors, made in an aerodynamic shape.
- Length, width and height are 4.666 m, 1.795 m and 1.458 m, respectively.
- Ground clearance - 14 cm.
- Wheelbase - 2.7 meters.
The changes also affected the interior, which became more ergonomic and comfortable for rear passengers (older models could not boast of this).
Only high-quality materials were used for finishing, the fit was perfect.
The package includes everything you need for comfortable driving - a 7-inch touch screen, heated steering wheel, rear view camera, climate control, ten airbags and much more.
As for technical specifications, there is not much information here. Under the hood is a 154 hp engine. 1.4 liters.
Features - aluminum cylinder block, direct injection, Start-Stop system.
Transmissions - manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration to “hundreds” in 8 seconds. Average consumption is 5.8 liters. When the tank is fully filled, the fuel lasts for 850 km.
From the experience of drivers - real ground clearance
As can be seen from the above, the ride height in the Chevrolet Cruze leaves much to be desired. Even in city conditions, low ground clearance can be felt in parking lots equipped with high curbs. You can also encounter a problem if you drive over speed bumps at high speed.
Off-road the problem is even more pressing. When driving on bumpy roads, the car every now and then touches the engine protection or “skirt” with the road surface. For a car, such contacts are not dangerous, but for the driver and passengers it is not very pleasant.
The main “weakness” of the Chevrolet Cruze is considered to be the “skirt”, which is located along the entire perimeter. It is she who touches uneven surfaces, as if warning the driver of potential danger. There is no need to worry about contact between the road elements and the “skirt”, because even in the event of complete destruction, replacing the part will not be difficult.
To preserve the front of the Chevrolet Cruze, experts recommend installing parking sensors, which warns in time about the presence of an obstacle. To increase the efficiency of the device, it is advisable to place the sensors as low as possible.
Sometimes it is better to hear a warning from the device’s speaker than the actual grinding of body elements on road elements.
Is it possible to raise the ground clearance on a Chevrolet Cruze?
Problems with low ground clearance force car owners to look for new solutions to this problem. The first thing that suggests itself is to remove the “skirt” and engine protection. In this case, the Chevrolet Cruze's ground clearance increases by 2-3 centimeters, but the car's body and engine are exposed to impact.
If these items are damaged, repair costs will be more severe. It is advisable to eliminate such a risk.
There are other ways:
When buying a Chevrolet Cruze, the future owner must be prepared for low ground clearance. At the same time, the declared 160 mm does not correspond to reality, so you will either have to come to terms with this feature or take a risk and install spacers.
Here, each car owner makes a decision personally.
Watch an interesting video on this topic:
When choosing a new car, the most pressing issue is the car's ground clearance. This state of affairs is due to the “chic” quality of the roads, high curbs and – which is also common – huge speed bumps.
The low ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze is a well-chosen indicator that ensures optimal vehicle stability and adequate aerodynamics. It is possible to increase the ground clearance, but this must be done correctly in order not to disrupt the performance.
To clarify the situation, it is necessary to initially know the technical characteristics of the vehicle in relation to ground clearance; if there is a tolerable value, you can refrain from the procedure.
Sedan
For the Chevrolet Cruze sedan, the factory specifications are the same for each modification. When determining what ground clearance the model will have, General Motors engineers determined the height of the bottom point at 140 mm for all variations and modifications of the J300, regardless of the year of manufacture and engine power.
During the restyling, the manufacturer left the Chevrolet Cruze's ground clearance unchanged, due to the opinion that the car a priori cannot drive on bad roads. Therefore, owners need to carefully navigate on dirt roads and during periods of stable snow cover.
| Modification | About the modification | Ground clearance, mm | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 AT LTZ | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (140 hp) | 140 | 2012-2019 |
| 1.6 AT LS | 145 | 2005-2012 | |
| 1.6 AT LT | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (109 hp) | 145 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.6 MT LS | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (109 hp) | 145 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.6 MT LT | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (109 hp) | 145 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.8 AT LT | 145 | 2005-2012 | |
| 1.8 MT LS | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 145 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.8 MT LT | Sedan 4-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 145 | 2005-2012 |
Hatchback
For modifications of the J300 generation, everything is less prosaic. The designers determined the ground clearance to be 156 mm, which is higher than that of the sedan, however, when the trunk is heavily loaded and when there is a full complement of passengers, this may not be enough.
After restyling in 2012, the car underwent significant changes in design, but in terms of height everything remained the same.
| Modification | About the modification | Ground clearance, mm | Year of release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 AT LTZ | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (140 hp) | 156 | 2012-2019 |
| 1.6 AT LS | 156 | 2005-2012 | |
| 1.6 AT LT | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (109 hp) | 156 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.6 MT LS | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (109 hp) | 156 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.6 MT LT | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (109 hp) | 156 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.8 AT LT | 156 | 2005-2012 | |
| 1.8 MT LS | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 156 | 2005-2012 |
| 1.8 MT LT | Hatchback 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 156 | 2005-2012 |
Station wagon
For the Chevrolet Cruze station wagon model, the ground clearance is quite controversial. On the one hand, the ground clearance height of 140 mm can provide optimal stability and aerodynamics, and on the other hand, due to the longer wheelbase, it is a serious obstacle on dirt roads or broken roads. It also causes significant discomfort when moving speed bumps, which can be of impressive size.
| Modification | About the modification | Year of release | Ground clearance, mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 MT LS | 2012-2019 | 140 | |
| 1.6 MT LT | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (124 hp) | 2012-2019 | 140 |
| 1.8 AT LT | 2012-2019 | 140 | |
| 1.8 AT LTZ | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 2012-2019 | 140 |
| 1.8 MT LS | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 2012-2019 | 140 |
| 1.8 MT LT | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 2012-2019 | 140 |
| 1.8 MT LTZ | Station wagon 5-door front-wheel drive petrol (141 hp) | 2012-2019 | 140 |
This figure concerns the most popular modification J308, produced from 2012 to 2015.
Ways to increase clearance
Having weighed all the pros and cons, you can begin the procedure of “raising” the clearance to the required height. There is also a nuance here - the factory equipment is designed for a certain ground clearance. A significant change in the parameter can lead to serious disturbances in the handling, aerodynamics and stability of the car on the road.
Replacing wheels
Changing wheels is the safest and easiest way to increase ground clearance on a Chevrolet Cruze. Another advantage is the ability to “play” with wheel and tire sizes. So, for example, if you increase the rim by 1” with the same tire height, you can raise the car by about 10 mm, which in some situations can play an important role.
Typically, replacement is made with wheels no more than 2" larger than the original - this is primarily due to the location of the vehicle arches.
You can also do without replacing the rims - for some users, install higher tires.
From the list of possible problems with this method of raising the clearance, the following are especially highlighted:
- Incorrect odometer and speedometer readings - the device may show downward deviations.
- Interruptions in the operation of ABS, ESP systems.
- Teal on the arches during heavy loads on the suspension.
Replacing springs and struts
Another option for increasing the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze is very labor-intensive and energy-consuming. The idea is to replace the set of springs and struts with longer ones.
It is optimal to increase the overall structure by 20–25 mm - this will have minimal impact on the angular velocity joints. With greater acceleration, there is a risk of increasing the load on the CV joint, which will cause their rapid wear. The second negative factor will be the rise in the center of gravity, which will subsequently negatively affect the stability of the car on the road.
As a rule, it is reasonable to resort to this method when it is time to replace the racks in order to minimize financial losses.
However, there is one thing - a long-travel suspension can provoke a change in steering behavior. This metamorphosis will have a positive effect on the ground and will lead to a decrease in sensitivity on asphalt.
Spring inserts
To increase ground clearance, you can additionally install tight inserts between the coils in the springs. The essence of the method is to minimize the working stroke of the unit, due to which the car sinks less when landing.
As a rule, inserts are made of polyurethane mixtures or rubber. The cost of devices ranges from 2–3 thousand rubles per pair.
The minimum cost of alteration affects the performance characteristics - if the elements are present, the springs stop working along the entire length, which inevitably leads to an increase in suspension rigidity.
The Chevrolet Cruze is a car that is a product of General Motors and was created by a team led by Tewan Kim. At that time, the model completely replaced the already losing popularity of the Chevrolet Lacetti.
The new car is based on the Delta-2 base, which was also used to create the Opel Astra.
Despite the long period of sales of the car (more than ten years), there are still disputes among car owners about the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze.
Let's look at the main points below:
- How to correctly determine the vehicle's ground clearance?
- What are the features of the ground clearance of cars of different years of manufacture and body types?
- What methods of increasing the ground clearance of a Chevrolet Cruze exist, and can they be used?
It is worth noting that the production of Chevrolet Cruze cars started in St. Petersburg in 2009, and it was from this year that the model was sold in Russia. At the same time, Cruz is assembled in three versions - sedan, station wagon and hatchback.
Despite the apparent similarity of the base, there are still minor differences, namely in the size of the trunk, ground clearance and other aspects.
Features of measuring ground clearance in a Chevrolet Cruze
Vehicle ground clearance is measured between the lowest point of the vehicle and the ground on which the wheels rest. At the same time, identifying a specific point in the Chevrolet Cruze is a difficult task, because almost all the parts are located in the same horizontal plane.
In reality, the lower part of the car is considered to be the metal engine protection, which is slightly lower than the other elements of the bottom. It is this part that car owners cling to when driving through uneven areas.
It is no secret that the manufacturer of the Chevrolet Cruze prescribes in its technical specifications an overestimated ground clearance measured without load.
If you put five people in the cabin, put in a spare tire and load the luggage compartment, the situation will change radically.
Affects ground clearance and fuel volume in the tank. Officially this parameter is 160 mm, but in reality it will be lower.
In addition, after installing the engine protection, the ground clearance is reduced to 14 cm (front), and between the road surface and the rear - 200-220 mm.
Therefore, when driving through uneven areas, you should be prepared for the bottom of the car to come into contact with various elements of the road surface.
Ground clearance of a sedan (by year and modification)
The clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze, as noted above, is 160 mm (officially) and 140 mm in reality. As for the rear of the car, it is slightly raised, and the distance to the surface is 220 mm. Therefore, there is no need to worry about accidentally hitting a standard curb.
If we consider the modifications, the picture here looks like this.
Sedan, four-door, front-wheel drive, produced from 2005 to 2012, has a ground clearance of 14.5 cm.
- AT LS (1.6 l, 109 horsepower), MT LS (1.6 l, 109 horsepower), as well as AT LT (1.6 l, 109 horsepower) and AT MT (1 .6 l, 109 hp).
- AT LT (1.8 l, 141 horsepower), MT LS (1.8 l, 141 hp), as well as modifications MT LT (1.8 l, 141 hp), AT LTZ (1.4 l, 140 “horses”).
Station wagon ground clearance (by year and modification)
In the 2012-2017 five-door Chevrolet Cruze with front-wheel drive, the ground clearance is 140 mm.
This parameter is relevant for the following modifications:
- MT LS (engine - 1.6 l, 124 hp), MT LT (1.6 l, 124 “horses”).
- AT LT (1.8 L, 141 HP), AT LTZ (1.8 L, 141 HP), and MT LS (1.8 L, 141 HP), and MT LT (1.8 l, 141 hp). This category includes the MT LTZ (1.8 l, 141 hp).
Hatchback ground clearance (by year and modification)
The ground clearance of the hatchback is 14.5 cm. This parameter is typical for Chevrolet Cruze cars with 5 doors and front-wheel drive, produced between 2005 and 2012.
This indicator is typical for the following modifications:
- AT LS (1.6 l, 109 hp), MT LS (1.6 l, 109 hp). Here it is worth highlighting two more modifications: AT LT (1.6 l, 109 horsepower), MT LT (1.6 l, 109 hp).
- AT LT (1.8 liters, 141 hp), MT LS (1.8 liters, 141 hp), and MT LT (1.8 liters, 141 hp).
The exception is the AT LTZ model (1.4 l, 140 hp), which has a ground clearance of 140 mm.
2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze modification: features
Chevrolet recently introduced the new second-generation Cruze. The new product has a very original appearance and many advantages compared to representatives of the first generation.
Manufacturers used a new platform that had previously been tested on Astra and Buick Verano.
The use of a new base made it possible to increase body rigidity by 27 percent and lighten the car by 110 kg.
The “face” of the Chevrolet Cruze has undergone a number of changes - more “predatory” head optics, a small radiator grille and a ribbed hood have appeared.
Among the “lateral” changes are blown wheel arches, more powerful wheel rims, and original design of the rear-view mirrors, made in an aerodynamic shape.
Dimensions:
- Length, width and height are 4.666 m, 1.795 m and 1.458 m, respectively.
- Ground clearance - 14 cm.
- Wheelbase - 2.7 meters.
The changes also affected the interior, which became more ergonomic and comfortable for rear passengers (older models could not boast of this).
Only high-quality materials were used for finishing, the fit was perfect.
The package includes everything you need for comfortable driving - a 7-inch touch screen, heated steering wheel, rear view camera, climate control, ten airbags and much more.
As for technical specifications, there is not much information here. Under the hood is a 154 hp engine. 1.4 liters.
Features - aluminum cylinder block, direct injection, Start-Stop system.
Transmissions - manual transmission or six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration to “hundreds” in 8 seconds. Average consumption is 5.8 liters. When the tank is fully filled, the fuel lasts for 850 km.
From the experience of drivers - real ground clearance
As can be seen from the above, the ride height in the Chevrolet Cruze leaves much to be desired. Even in city conditions, low ground clearance can be felt in parking lots equipped with high curbs.
You can also encounter a problem if you drive over speed bumps at high speed.
Off-road the problem is even more pressing. When driving on bumpy roads, the car every now and then touches the engine protection or “skirt” with the road surface.
For a car, such contacts are not dangerous, but for the driver and passengers it is not very pleasant.
The main “weakness” of the Chevrolet Cruze is considered to be the “skirt”, which is located along the entire perimeter. It is she who touches uneven surfaces, as if warning the driver of potential danger.
There is no need to worry about contact between the road elements and the “skirt”, because even in the event of complete destruction, replacing the part will not be difficult.
The amount of ground clearance determines how easily the car overcomes uneven road surfaces and obstacles.
To increase cross-country ability, many Chevrolet Cruze car owners are attempting to increase ground clearance. It should be borne in mind that this modernization does not have a positive effect on the car’s handling at high speed and in turns.
Chevrolet Cruze ground clearance
The size of the ground clearance largely depends on the measurement methods and vehicle loading. Official data on ground clearance is shown in the table below.
Reviews from car owners indicate that in reality, when the car is fully loaded, the ground clearance decreases by 20-30 mm. This increases the risk of the car catching on uneven roads.
Methods for increasing ground clearance on a Chevrolet Cruze
One of the easiest ways to raise a car, without significant intervention in its design, is to install rims of increased diameter. This method allows you to raise the car by 15-20 mm. It is important to ensure that the wheel does not touch the arch when the vehicle is maximally loaded.
The disadvantage of installing larger wheels is the appearance of inaccuracy in the speedometer and odometer. Also, many car owners note that ABS and ESP stop working normally.
Another way to increase ground clearance while minimally affecting the technical characteristics of the car is to install spacers. They can be made of metal, thick rubber, plastic. Changing the ground clearance is possible up to 25-30 mm. A further increase is inappropriate, since a significant shift in the center of gravity affects the vehicle's handling.
Installing extended springs or modified struts is a more expensive option compared to spacers. In this case, it becomes possible not only to increase the ground clearance, but also to change the characteristics of the suspension as a whole.
A simple but ineffective way to increase ground clearance is to install intercoil inserts in the springs. The method is similar to installing stock suspension elements with increased rigidity. Increasing the ground clearance in this way is possible up to 15-18 mm. In this case, the suspension becomes stiff, since the spring stops working over the entire range.
Installing spacers
In order to increase the ground clearance of the Chevrolet Cruze, car owners often use spacers. This method allows you to raise the car by 25-40 mm. In order to increase the ground clearance, you must use the instructions below.
- Remove the shock absorber strut.
- Compress the spring with special fasteners.
- Screw an adapter, the length of which is more than 20 mm, into the shock absorber rod.
- Put on the spacer.
- Check the fit of the spacer.
- Install the rack on the car.
- Install the washer.
- Tighten the nut.
- Check the alignment of the suspension.
