Chevrolet has expanded its Cruze hatch and sedan ranges in South Africa, with the addition of a turbocharged derivatives that add a few minor feature upgrades to the lineup.

The US carmaker’s new 1.4-litre turbocharged ECOTEC petrol engine now resides beneath the bonnet of the Cruze 1.4T LS Hatch and Cruze 1.4T LS Sedan. This powerplant churns out 103 kW between 4900 and 6000 RPM, along with 200 Nm of torque between 1850 and 4900 RPM.

Besides some added oomph when drivers floor the loud pedal, the turbo derivative also delivers some fuel savings, thanks to offering start/stop technology as standard. Both turbo versions are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and return an average combined-cycle (town and highway driving) fuel economy of 5.8-litres per 100 km, according to Chevrolet.

Besides an engine upgrade, there’s a feature list update

Chevrolet has given the Cruze sedan and hatch models a specification update that includes LED side indicators, which are integrated into the door mirrors on all models. Buyers can also opt for optional new 17" alloy wheels, a chrome beltline on the Hatch iterations, or two new colours, namely Mars Stone Blue and Blue Sapphire.

Additional standard equipment applicable to LS and LT-spec models includes one-touch up/down driver and front passenger windows, with the LS-specific options also boasting leather upholstery, a sunroof as well as the ‘Driver’s Pack’, which incorporates automatic climate control and rear parking sensors.

Turbo models the new petrol kings of the Cruze hill

Chevrolet said that its new turbocharged Cruze models - the Cruze 1.4T LS Sedan and Hatch derivatives - will now replace the existing petrol range-toppers, namely the 1.8 LS Sedan and Hatch models. Besides the two new turbo models, local buyers will be able to opt for the Cruze 1.6 Sedan, 1.6 LS Sedan, 1.6 LS Hatch, 2.0D LS Sedan and the range-topping diesel in the 2.0D LT Sedan.

The price of the Chevrolet Cruze 1.4T LS 5 door Hatch comes to R242 100, whilst the recommended retail price of the Cruze 1.4T LS 4 door Sedan is R244 700. All Chevrolet Cruze derivatives come standard with a 5-year or 120 000 km warranty, plus a 3-year or 60 000 km service plan.

In other motoring related news, check out our Top 5 C-segment hatchbacks for 2013 here.