I had a non-turbo Cruze and absolutely loved it. It was a little sluggish on power even for a six-speed but I still miss it.
I lowered it with 1.2" drop springs and it handled very well on back roads as well as interstates. I was averaging 32-36 mpg too.
Drop Springs, 19% tint and some new 18" wheels they can actually look rather impressive.
Let the modding begin!