2012 Chevrolet Cruze Eco 4dr Sedan (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
IMHO, this is the best compact car GM has ever made (been 25 years since I bought a Chevy compact). A friend (BMW 5 series owner) asked if I wanted to trade cars after he drove it. It is fun to drive, looks contemporary, has outstanding features for the price, and is averaging over 34 MPG for the first 1,400 miles of mostly city driving (47 MPG is best 50 mile average). The Eco 6M is one of the most sophisticated cars GM makes; virtually every aspect of the car was optimized for (MPG) performance to make it lighter, more efficient and more aerodynamic. These changes also improve handling. My only problem with the car is that my wife won't give it back after driving it for several weeks!!
Ordered car with key options: Navigation screen is large, with colorful & sharp readouts and is easy to use; Bluetooth, nice sounding Pioneer 9 speaker 250 watt audio system (good value), rear vision with audible warning, leather wheel & shift knob have quality feel, power driver seat works well, selectable driver info center, stability control, steering wheel mounted cruise, radio and hands free phone controls, configurable driver information screen, controls feel like they are from a much more expensive car, $20K price after discounts - a BMW 3 series doesn't have this much content for twice the price and the Cruze has more interior and trunk room (not that BMW owners cross shop Cruzes)
Add disc brakes at the rear as an option. Put the center rear armrest back in or make it an option Add direct injection to the engine, change the iron block to aluminum and add in a start-stop feature to improve city fuel economy. Offer an Eco performance package including HO software for the engine (current Trifecta tune adds 40 HP and 50 ft. lbs. AND improves fuel economy - enhanced tuning makes engine more efficient although it requires premium fuel), Volt front and rear disc brakes (much larger front rotors, replace ECO rear drums with discs), LRR performance tires to improve handling and magnetorheological (MR) shocks from ZL1 Camaro/Corvette. A high MPG enthusiast package.