Chevy asking dealers to buy Corolla, Civic for Cruze comparison test-drives

September 1, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Chevrolet Cruze, Compact Cars, Honda Civic, Sedans, Toyota Corolla

General Motors is asking 3,000 Chevrolet dealers to prepare for the launch of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze by buying competitor vehicles and keeping them on their lots for test-drive comparisons. The 2011 Cruze will go on sale later this month.

Click here for more news on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet small-car marketing director, said that the company is encouraging its dealers to buy the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic so prospective Cruze buyers can immediately measure the difference between its segment rivals. Brooks said that Chevy is planning a major marketing blitz for the 2011 Curze sedan, but declined to give specific details about the campaign or its budget.

GM released a lengthy press release yesterday showing how the Cruze is a better bang-for-the buck over its competitors. Check it out here.

Refresher: The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze”s base LS model is powered by a 136-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder engine, while the Eco, LT and LTZ model get a 1.4L turbo 4-cylinder Ecotec engine making 138-hp and a maximum torque of 148 lb-ft. The 1.4L turbo models are expected to have a cruising range of more than 500 miles and the Cruze Eco is estimated to get an EPA fuel-economy rating of 40 mpg on the highway. All 2011 Cruze models will be available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at $16,995 for the base model.