KUWAIT CITY - Two new car models will soon hit the streets of Kuwait with the introduction Tuesday night by Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons Co of the 2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze in a glittering ceremony held at the Safat Alghanim showroom in Al-Rai. The two new offerings by Chevrolet, the mid-size Malibu and the compact Cruze were greeted with fanfare, materializing out of an artificial fog while drums rolled- by an all-girl drum corps, and a dazzling light show much to the delight of a large crowd of avid car buffs eager to meet and greet the new arrivals.
Also on hand were representatives from Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons led by the president of Commercial Group Samir Kasem, Michael Devereux, President, GM Middle East Operations, local dignitaries and members of the media.
Introduced
The two new Chevrolet models were introduced in dramatic fashion - entering a mock-up of a boxing ring one after the other, with another car supposed to be from a competing brand but all covered up, beside it. Then, video clips were played on the screen touting the "superior" features of the Cruze and Malibu versus that of the competitor, while handlers appear to wipe off sweat and massage their charge in between rounds like in a boxing match, while the crowd watched in amusement; the chevy's all won via KO. Defined as a revolutionary vehicle, the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze has a dramatic and dynamic exterior design and boasts a unique and sleek sporty coupe exterior, with a best-in-class fit for panel gaps and shut-lines, contributing to an upscale, 'hewn from solid' appearance along with the 16-inch rims and alloy wheels.
The Cruze is powered by a 1.8-liter, four cylinder engine featuring Variable Valve Timing (VVT) generating 140 hp at 6,300 rpm and peak torque of 175 Nm at 3,800 rpm. This vehicle also boasts an all-new 6-speed automatic transmission, the only in its class, offering a smoother ride and greater fuel efficiency than its peers. The body structure of the Cruze is one of the stiffest in its class, with a great torsional rigidity. The tight, strong structure is essential to suppressing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), as well as securing a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.
On the inside, the Cruze simply radiates luxury. Conveying a sporty yet warm ambience, the cabin is typified by harmonious, flowing lines and the application of grained, soft-touch materials. Up to five passengers can enjoy the French seam stitching on the seats and class-leading rear passenger space, which is wider and roomier that most competitors.
As a finishing touch, safety is guaranteed when riding in the Cruze. Dual airbags are fitted as standard and Anti-lock brakes (ABS), rear parking assist as well as its high-strength steel structure offers all -around protection.
The Chevrolet Malibu, on the other hand, is a unique mid-sized sedan that can't be ignored. The Malibu comes equipped with a plethora of unique and performance-enhancing specifications, such as highly developed safety car features and special structural integrity. The features on this car helped the vehicle earn more than 30 industry awards such as ' Best American Car' in Consumer Report, 'North American Car of the Year' in the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS)A and one of the revered Consumer Digest's Family Car 'Best Buys' in 2009.
Set to take its segment by storm, the Chevrolet Malibu offers standard features including a remote vehicle start, 18-inch alloy wheels and cruise control. The car will be available in two trims; the LT and LTZ. The Malibu LT is available with a 2.4 liter four cylinder engine and generates 170 horsepower.
The Malibu LTZ comes with an award-winning 3.6 V6 DOHC engine which generates 252 horsepower. Both engines are mated to an exclusive six-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift which permits the driver to shift manually with steering and wheel-mounted controls.
Both the exterior and interior of the Chevrolet Malibu have been designed in a sleek and contemporary fashion. The Malibu's exterior front grille characterizes the global face of all Chevrolet cars. 18-inch wheels, as well as details such as front fog lamps, LED tail lamps, and chrome trim, strengthens the car's expensive feel. The attention to detail of the interior is just as substantial as that of the exterior; with Chevrolet's signature dual-cockpit design attributes intuitive instrument panels, ergonomic layout, and eye-catching range of two-tone interior outline, in addition to USB port, and a spacious trunk.
Standard
As with all Chevrolet vehicles, the 2010 Malibu comes with a complete list of standard and technically advanced features that helps protect passengers before, during and after a crash. The vehicle is capable to assist driver control in all cirscumstances, with 6 standard airbags, four wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Stabilitrak, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and panic brake assist that activates ABS faster in emergency situations.
The introduction of the Chevrolet Malibu and Cruze is yet another tribute to Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim & Sons Automotives commitment to providing its customers only the best and the latest in vehicles in the world of automobiles to cater to everyone's requirements and needs in the form of a sporty Camaro, the beautifully safe Traverse crossover vehicles, a rugged Tahoe, or the full size family sedan, the Caprice.
The company has yet again provided the essence of performance and luxury of its services to their customers with the world's biggest and most advanced service centre, devoted to providing customers with the best after-sales experience.
By Boie Conrad Dublin
© Arab Times 2009
