2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS Trim Overview

Laudably well-equipped, miserly on gas, decently appointed and overall a value-laden family sedan, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze LS seems destined to be around for awhile. This compact 5-passenger conveyance carries, in addition to 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space, 16-inch steel wheels and power-adjustable mirrors on the outside, with premium cloth upholstery, height-adjustable front seats, full power accessories and simulated alloy cabin accents adorning the interior. Telescoping tilt-wheel steering is complemented by standard OnStar Directions and Connections technology, while air conditioning and floor mats in front and rear remain well-appreciated constants again this year. Entertainment, meanwhile, is offered via a single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio and an auxiliary MP3 input.

Options for the base Cruze LS trim include the Connectivity Package with Bluetooth hands-free calling and a USB connection, as well as standalone options like splash guards and front fog/driving lights.

Powering this front-wheel-drive (FWD) compact 4-door is a normally aspirated 1.8-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine boasting variable valve timing (VVT). Mated with either the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the available 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the Cruze LS pumps out 138 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. Mileage is estimated at 25 mpg city/36 highway with the stick-shift transmission, and 22/35 with the shiftable automatic.

Notable standard safety features aboard the 2012 Cruze LS include 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags. Further standard safety equipment includes daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, a post-collision safety system bolstered by OnStar alerts and a remote antitheft alarm.