The Chevrolet Cruze, a mid-size sedan, presents itself as a spacious and well-equipped alternative for those seeking a comfortable used vehicle for daily use, offering a more accessible cost compared to models like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
Although the mid-size sedan segment has been challenging for non-Japanese brands, the Chevrolet Cruze managed to establish itself as an intermediate option between the popular Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. This car had two generations and was manufactured over 13 years, maintaining a more advantageous cost-benefit ratio against its Japanese rivals, which kept it as the third best-selling model in the category for a long period.
The global launch of the Chevrolet Cruze occurred in 2009, and it was once the best-selling car for the brand worldwide. In Brazil, the General Motors mid-size sedan was introduced in September 2011, replacing the Astra Sedan. Produced in Rosario, Argentina, the vehicle initially came in two versions, using the same naturally aspirated 1.8 engine, with options for a manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The manual option was discontinued in 2015. In November 2014, the Chevrolet Cruze received a cosmetic facelift. The second generation, named Project Phoenix, was launched in June 2016, equipped with a 1.4 turbo engine. Following the pattern of few versions, it had a special series and was updated in 2019, being discontinued after exceeding 200 thousand sales in Brazil, combining both generations.
In addition to the sedan, the Cruze line also generated a mid-size hatchback, even at a time when the segment showed signs of decline. In the first generation, nicknamed Sport6, the hatchback shared the same mechanical setup and options as the three-volume model. It is important to note that the number after the name refers to the six-speed transmission, not a six-cylinder engine.
Focusing on the first generation, the 1.8 naturally aspirated Ecotec engine produces 144 hp with ethanol and 140 hp with gasoline. These horsepower figures are well utilized by the six-speed automatic transmission during initial accelerations. The 0 to 100 km/h time exceeds 11 seconds, which does not imply slowness; rather, the driving demonstrates agility and a somewhat 'sporty' character compared to its Japanese competitors of the time, especially the Corolla.
However, during overtakes, the same automatic gearbox that performs well in take-offs can be disappointing, as it is slow to respond and frequently downshifts two gears to propel the sedan. The torque, which ranges between 18.9 and 17.8 kgfm, is available at 3,800 rpm. A positive aspect is the performance on steep climbs, as the GF6 gearbox had an inclination sensor that activated engine braking when detecting a descent without driver acceleration.
The fuel consumption of the Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 (2011-2015 model) is considered high. The averages recorded for the 2013 model year of the General Motors sedan are: 6.6 km/l in the city with ethanol; 8.6 km/l in the city with gasoline; 9.1 km/l on the highway with ethanol; and 11.8 km/l on the highway with gasoline.
In terms of dynamics, the Cruze stands out for its sportier posture within a traditional segment. The driver feels control over the vehicle, aided by precise steering. The suspension, which uses a torsion beam at the rear, is also firmer. In curves, the sedan appears balanced, attacking well and minimizing body roll.
With dimensions of 4.60 meters in length, 1.79 m in width, 1.47 m in height, and 2.68 m wheelbase, the Chevrolet Cruze accommodates its occupants well. The driver has a good driving position, and the steering wheel allows for height and depth adjustments. There is good legroom for the driver, although the door trim slightly limits the knee space. In the back seat, there is adequate space for two adults and one child, but the low roof makes it difficult for people taller than 1.75 m to enter.
The interior finish uses a lot of good quality plastic with correct closures most of the time. The first-generation LTZ version still incorporates elements that simulate metallic finishes and soft upholstery. However, the stiffer suspension does not provide much comfort to the occupants, especially with low-profile tires (225/50 R17), causing discomfort to passengers when going over bumps and speed bumps. Other negative points include the low ground clearance, at 13.1 cm, and the front deflector, which can cause scrapes on garage ramps, in addition to poor acoustic insulation, allowing the engine vibration to be felt in the cabin.
For the year 2013, the top-of-the-line LTZ version of the GM mid-size sedan is recommended. In terms of safety, the car features six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, a rear parking sensor, four-wheel disc brakes, electrochromic rearview mirror, and headlight height adjustment. The air conditioning system is automatic, and the version came equipped with a basic multimedia center that included native GPS, CD player, USB input, and Bluetooth connectivity, in addition to steering wheel controls with height and depth adjustments. Other standard items include a proximity key for door unlocking, electric power windows, light and rain sensors, leather seats, front and rear armrests, trunk and glove box lighting, and cruise control.
When comparing the Cruze with the top-of-the-line versions of its competitors in the same year, the Chevrolet model proves to be significantly more economical in the used market. According to KBB Brazil (July 2026), the average prices are: Chevrolet Cruze LTZ 1.8 16V 2013 costs R$ 59,059; Honda Civic EXS 1.8 16V 2013 costs R$ 72,604; and Toyota Corolla Altis 2.0 16V 2013 costs R$ 69,273.
Considering the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze with an automatic transmission, parts replacement costs are quite competitive. Some average values include: set of four front brake pads between R$ 110 and R$ 200; set of four spark plugs between R$ 180 and R$ 310; fuel pump between R$ 350 and R$ 480; oil change kit (5 liters 5w30 + filter) between R$ 380 and R$ 520; rear shock absorber (pair) between R$ 460 and R$ 800; rear bumper between R$ 490 and R$ 930; and right headlight between R$ 260 and R$ 550.
Owners of this initial phase of the Chevrolet Cruze report various complaints on forums and sites like Reclame Aqui. Among the most cited problems are unstable idle caused by lambda sensor failure, the automatic transmission entering safety mode causing excessive jerking, defects in the air conditioning compressor, and brake problems characterized by vibration and noise. The only recall registered for this initial generation of the Chevrolet Cruze was related to the replacement of the fuel filter in units manufactured in 2013 and 2014.
Oficina Brasil Conecta 2026, considered the largest national event focused on the automotive repair market, presented several novelties aimed at simplifying mechanics' work and assisting consumers. The 2026 edition included lectures, workshops, the launch of new tools, and other important resources for the sector, also benefiting drivers.
The event took place at the Transamérica Expo Center, located in the city of São Paulo (SP), spanning from July 24th to 26th. The 2026 edition adopted a gamified dynamic, offering prizes and advantages to participants who met certain goals.
Visitors could observe the transformation in the environment of mechanical workshops, which have begun using technology to perform diagnoses and solve problems more quickly. This modernization is essential to keep up with vehicle advancements; in the last five years, vehicles up to R$ 150 thousand have incorporated direct injection, turbo, ADAS features, and more sophisticated electronic management, in addition to the presence of hybrid and electric models.
Oficina Brasil Conecta provided practical classes on these technologies and challenged participants. Additionally, the 2026 edition was pioneering in including content on heavy-duty vehicles, which have complex emission control systems to meet Proconve P8 requirements.
One of the highlights of Oficina Brasil Conecta 2026 was the launch of the iCar application. This platform aims to facilitate the life of the driver when needing mechanical service. Michel Dell Vechia, creator of iCar, reported that the idea came about after he experienced problems with his vehicle in an unknown location during a trip.
iCar operates as a platform where users can locate nearby workshops, schedule maintenance, or request emergency assistance via an SOS button. For professional mechanics, the application offers benefits such as increased visibility and customer retention. The creator emphasized that the platform does not charge fees to workshops for participation, as registration is free, and payments occur directly between customers and service providers, supported by a private initiative with partner brands.
Another relevant launch was the E-Coolant additive, developed by Tirreno for the cooling system of electric car batteries. This product is the first of its kind developed in Brazil and the fourth globally. The cooling systems for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries are analogous to those of a traditional engine, but the difference with Tirreno's additive is its inability to conduct electricity, which eliminates the risk of fire in case of accidents.
South Africa has officially allocated the entire upper 6 GHz frequency band for use in mobile networks for the first time. This provides operators with a potential 700 MHz of valuable mid-band spectrum and somewhat resolves the global dispute between cellular industry representatives and Wi-Fi proponents regarding the most sought-after unused frequencies in telecommunications.
This decision is enshrined in the National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP) for 2026. The document was approved by Communications Minister Solly Malatsi on July 2 and published by the communications regulator Icasa on Thursday. The plan replaces the 2021 edition and represents the main map of radio frequency spectrum usage in South Africa in the range from 8.3 kHz to 3 THz, updated every four years according to the results of the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) of the International Telecommunication Union.
A significant change is contained in the plan's distribution table and its national footnotes: the upper 6 GHz band, covering the range from 6.425 GHz to 7.125 GHz, is now designated for IMT—a term ISO uses to denote broadband mobile communication technologies such as 5G and future 6G. This band appears for the first time in the official list of IMT bands for South Africa, alongside working bands such as 1.8 GHz, 2.1 GHz, and 3.5 GHz, and is marked for TDD (time-division duplex) mode use for mobile devices according to WRC-23 Resolution 220.
Icasa stated that it intends to conduct a feasibility study and develop a radio frequency spectrum allocation plan—the regulatory stage before licensing and possibly auctioning this band, as well as creating a channel plan for the entire range from 6.425 GHz to 7.125 GHz.
This allocation is a clear victory for South African mobile operators, who, together with the industry body GSMA globally, actively advocated for reserving the upper 6 GHz band for licensed mobile use. They argued that this band is critical for the growth of 5G capacity and future 6G networks. It was also a defeat for the Wi-Fi industry and wireless internet service providers, who had pushed for opening this band for unlicensed use as an extension of already available spectrum for Wi-Fi.
Compensation for Wi-Fi is the lower 6 GHz band. The plan confirms that the range from 5.925 GHz to 6.425 GHz remains available for unlicensed Wi-Fi following Icasa's 2023 decision to open this band. This decision allowed the implementation of Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 in South Africa. It is also noted that regulation of dynamic spectrum access in this band is under development, and a distribution plan for the lower band is planned.
According to a recent TechCentral report, actual Wi-Fi usage in the 6 GHz band in South Africa remains minimal, accounting for only 0.2% of Wi-Fi connections in the first quarter of 2026.
Through this division, South Africa has taken a position in the unresolved global dispute: the US has allocated the entire 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi, China has reserved it entirely for cellular communication, and the European Radio Spectrum Policy Group recommended last year giving the majority of the upper band to mobile operators, leaving a smaller portion for Wi-Fi pending WRC-27. South Africa's approach—lower band for Wi-Fi, upper for mobile—is closest to the European compromise.
Nevertheless, the upper 6 GHz band is not free. It is actively used for licensed microwave point-to-point links, including operator backbone lines, and partially for satellite uplink channels. Existing users must either adapt to the future mobile designation or migrate, which will be the subject of study within the promised feasibility study.
Despite the victory of mobile operators in the fight for the upper 6 GHz band, they have made no progress on the opposite end of the spectrum. The plan preserves the 470–694 MHz band, which includes 600 MHz frequencies targeted by some countries for mobile communication, and continues to allocate it for digital terrestrial television broadcasting. Furthermore, this band allows for secondary use, including TV white spaces and wireless microphones. Since this band is absent from the plan's IMT list, South African broadcasters retain their home spectrum below 700 MHz for at least the entire four-year duration of this plan.
The South African Reserve Bank decided to keep interest rates unchanged, which provided confidence to consumers, homeowners, and the commercial real estate sector. However, economists warn that oil price volatility remains the most significant risk to inflation and future rate decisions.
The MPC's decision to keep the base rate unchanged at 7% provided positive certainty for various segments of the population and the commercial sector. It was noted that inflation accelerated to 5% in June, largely due to rising fuel prices stemming from the renewed conflict in the Middle East.
During the MPC meeting, four members voted to maintain rates, while two advocated for a 25 basis point increase, highlighting the complexity of the task for decision-makers. Arthur Kemp, chief economist at Sanlam Investments, noted that the Bank's updated inflation forecasts reflect a more favorable outlook for oil prices.
According to Kemp, the Bank's CPI forecast was adjusted downwards: the average for 2026 was lowered from 4.4% to 4.0%, and the peak inflation is now expected at 4.7% in the first quarter of 2027, compared to the previous forecast of 4.9%. He also indicated that the Bank's forecasting model continues to show a rate reduction in the medium term, reaching 6.79% in the fourth quarter of 2026 and 6.24% in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Nevertheless, Kemp warned about persistent concerns regarding inflation expectations, which could lead to secondary effects. He emphasized that if inflation expectations remain high or continue to rise, the Central Bank may need to raise rates again in the future.
The real estate sector welcomed the decision, as stable borrowing costs support investment plans after months of uncertainty regarding further rate hikes. Norman Raad, CEO of Broll Auctions and Sales, stated that holding rates improves confidence in the commercial real estate market, as buyers can rely on previous calculations.
Steven Whitcomb, Managing Director of FIRZT Property Group, believes that the Central Bank correctly identified that current inflationary pressure is mainly imported through rising fuel prices, rather than excessive consumer demand. He noted that the main factors are the sharp increase in fuel prices following the Middle East conflict and the rise in administrative tariffs, such as municipal electricity and water bills.
Whitcomb added that freezing rates helps support the rand exchange rate because crude oil imports are pegged to the US dollar. More attractive rates in South Africa stimulate foreign investment, which supports the currency and limits the impact of imported inflation.
Whitcomb believes that falling oil prices could eventually create conditions for easing interest rates. He mentioned that many international energy analysts expect oil prices to stabilize as supply conditions improve and geopolitical tensions decrease.
The UASA union also supported the decision, stating that households urgently need stability after a long period of rising cost of living. Abigail Moyo, a UASA representative, expressed hope that easing inflationary pressure will allow the Central Bank to lower borrowing costs later this year, thereby alleviating the financial burden on citizens.
