Chevrolet releases first official picture of new Cruze
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 21 August 2008
Chevrolet has released the first pictures of its new Cruze small family car ahead of its Pairs Motor Show debut in October.
The Cruze is due on sale in Spring 2009 will two petrol and one diesel engine – 1.6-litre 110bhp and 1.8-litre 138bhp petrol units with variable valve timing and a 2.0-litre 148bhp common-rail turbodiesel developing 236lb-ft of torque. Five-speed manual and six-speed autoboxes will be available at release.
The Cruze will replace the ageing Lacetti, and has been developed by GM-Daewoo. The Cruze and will be an important new part of Chevrolet's global portfolio as it attempts to move away from large trucks and SUVs.
Based on the platform used by the Vauxhall/Opel Astra, Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle and Saab 9-3, production of the Cruze should benefit from economies of scale and is likely to sell in hatch and saloon variants globally. Competitive prices will be expected as GM uses the Chevrolet brand for its budget models.
Outside the styling is fairly sleek, with coupe-like looks and prominent Chevy-branded front grille.
Chevy says the Cruze features a 'twin-cockpit' design, with a centre console dividing the front into separate areas for the driver and passenger – as seen on other Chevrolet performance cars.
“Our goal with the design of the Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary,” said chief designer Taewan Kim. “We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world.”
Chevrolet saw a 23 per cent growth in the first half of 2008 - bucking the industry trend that has seen sales fall across the board in Europe. Chevrolet says UK sales were up by 12.3 per cent in the same period.
“We are very proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product,” said Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. “Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value, and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It redefines value with its quality, design, materials and great style both inside and out.”
The Cruze is set to launch several new models over the coming year, with a new Camaro due. More small models and the all-electric Volt, likely to be badged as a Vauxhall in the UK, will follow in 2010.
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