Chevrolet Cruze prices drop by £2,000
A new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback arrived in 2011 and although it cannot claim to have challenged the dominance of the Vauxhall Astra, the Volkswagen Golf and the market-leader, the Ford Focus, it is a good family hatchback.
What it isn't is a standout model in the small family sector. Chevrolet upgraded interiors, equipment levels and general style in the new Cruze hatchback and this has put it much close to the Focus.
However, Chevrolet Cruze prices crept up to around £14,000 because of this. While still relatively low, new Ford Focus prices also start from £14,000 and it remains the better car.
But do not rule the Chevrolet Cruze out yet. Today's announcement says Chevrolet Cruze prices will be slashed by £2,000 in time for the March registration plates.
This means a 12-plate Chevrolet Cruze will not only stand up to Ford Focus prices, it will undercut them by a considerable margin.
Is this enough to take on the Focus, which is widely regarded as the best small hatchback on the road today? Possibly not, but in terms of sheer cost, it could tempt some buyers who may baulk at the higher Ford Focus prices.
For the £12,000, the Chevrolet Cruze LS is generously equipped with air conditioning, CD player, MP3 connectivity and 'follow me home' headlights as standard.
It also comes with a host of safety features such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a five-star rating from EuroNCAP.
Of course, the technology-packed Focus also offers these things and more in its base 'Studio' model and it's important to remember Ford Focus prices of £14,000 are impressively low even when comparing prices with rivals.
The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback is a good family hatchback. It may not challenge the industry leaders but with its new lower prices in time for the 12 plates, it has moved on from a cheap-and-cheerful budget option to a genuine bargain.