Geneva world premiere for Cruze hatchback

[Drew Dowdell]

Geneva world premiere for Cruze hatchback

Cruze Hatch Media Gallery

• New model to build on global success of Chevrolet's favorite car
• Cruze hatchback cements Chevrolet's mainstream credentials in Europe
• One of seven new entries in centenary year

Zurich. Chevrolet's award-winning – and now World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)-winning – Cruze will further enhance its credentials this year when the new hatchback version goes on sale in spring. The full production model makes its world premiere at the 81st international Geneva Motor Show, March 3 – 11.

The timing of the new model couldn't be better for Chevrolet, with the manufacturer being crowned World Touring Car Champions in December for the first time. Chevrolet's racing success proves the dynamic potential and qualities of the Cruze, while the launch of a new 5-door hatchback model in addition to the sedan, is further evidence of Chevrolet's intention to bring value for money to the mainstream segments of the European market.

A show car version of Chevrolet's compact contender was shown at the Paris Motor Show last September, and was warmly received.

Sales of the Cruze last year surpassed the Aveo to become Chevrolet's top selling passenger car nameplate globally. Since its launch in the spring 2009, the Cruze sedan has been warmly welcomed by markets all over the world, greeted as a step change for the brand with customers attracted to its coupe style, build quality, 5-star NCAP rating and driving dynamics. It was also elected the AUTOBEST car of 2010 by a jury of leading auto writers in Central and Eastern Europe.

The introduction of the new Cruze hatchback is critical in Europe, as Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe explains. "Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume.

"The new Cruze hatchback cements that Chevrolet's claim for a place among the mainstream brands in Europe, and it's a vehicle that will bring new levels of value against some of the more established competition."

Hatchback design

With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the new Cruze hatchback has the same dynamic 'stance' as the sedan and will be instantly recognizable.

It will benefit too from the same taut body 'feel' on the road, being built using the new body-frame integral system (BFI) which is complemented by the final tuning to chassis components. The BFI system results in high levels of stability and solidity. Indeed the Chevrolet Cruze is a car particularly well suited to European driver tastes, a fact borne out by sales across many of the markets and where in 2010, it exceeded forecasts.

Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and it will feature 60/40 split rear seating.

The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe in mid 2011 with prices announced nearer the launch date.

[daves87rs]

What's up with the hatch door?

[SAmadei]

What's up with the hatch door?

No, the hatch door is DOWN in that photo. ;-)

I think its ugly and the top of the rear window is cut too low. I think it kind of lame that they didn't continue the lights on to the hatch, to approximate the rear of the sedan.

Shame, it looked so cool from the early side view spy shots. At least it got rid of the Sebring-wanna-be roof line... but not the obligatory add-on plastic filler.

Maybe it'll look better from a lower angle.

Edited March 1, 2011 by SAmadei

[FAPTurbo]

I actually think it looks very fetching from the side. Far more personality than the sedan, and the plastic 'filler' doesn't detract from the overall appearance.

[vonVeezelsnider]

Notice how that picture is of a "Cruze LTZ" which we have in NA but they don't get an LTZ in Europe and Asia...

Hmmmm....

[Robert Hall]

Notice how that picture is of a "Cruze LTZ" which we have in NA but they don't get an LTZ in Europe and Asia...

Hmmmm....

Maybe they are adding that trim level to the European market...

[CSpec]

Not convinced. Has a whiff of Daewoo about it.

[pow]

Ick. Not a good conversion. I do wonder what the sedan would look like with the hatch's C-pillar trim.

[ocnblu]

Lost a lot in translation from concept. Frumpier than a Focus hatch by far. Sigh.

[Cory Wolfe]

The only things to change were obvious... More pedestrian taillights and wheels along with an ever so slightly altered rear bumper. The paint color is biggest change.

[z28luvr01]

The wheels aren't that great, but I think it's way more attractive than the sedan. Kudos to Holden for making a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

[Croc]

Love it. Bring it here!

[Intrepidation]

There are actually very few changes if you compare it side by side (or overlay as I did) with the concept. Only the fascias and lighting elements seem to have changed. Something about the way it was photographed throws it off.

[Drew Dowdell]

There are actually very few changes if you compare it side by side (or overlay as I did) with the concept. Only the fascias and lighting elements seem to have changed. Something about the way it was photographed throws it off.

On GM photography?! NO WAI!

[ocnblu]

Who took the pictures of the concept?

[daves87rs]

Lost a lot in translation from concept. Frumpier than a Focus hatch by far. Sigh.

And don't forget strange looking.

Nothing like what I expected..

[Robert Hall]

It's not bad..the greenhouse reminds me of the previous Astra..

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

"Chevrolet's Favorite Car" LOL

I dunno man, I really want to like it (because I liked the concept and the spy photos) but something about it just doesn't sit well with me.... BOR-ING.

[pow]

"Chevrolet's Favorite Car" LOL

Not sure about "Chevy"... but it is Chevrolet's favorite car, outselling the Spark, Aveo, Lacetti, Orlando, and Captiva.

[ocnblu]

"...coupe style..."

"sweeping coupe roofline..." what are they smoking up there? Good Lord, they sound absolutely clueless.

[regfootball]

It's not bad..the greenhouse reminds me of the previous Astra..

good thing! since i missed buying myself an astra, a cruze hatch with a similar look would be a nice thing.

maybe even liking this more compared to the focus.

Edited March 3, 2011 by regfootball

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

The Focus slays this thing.

I mean, technically, we've already seen the Cruze hatch.

http://img68.imageshack.us/i/16671gj6.jpg

Edited March 4, 2011 by FUTURE_OF_GM

[frogger]

I was a little disappointed in the Focus hatch when I checked it out. It felt a little cramped from the driver's seat and I'm not a big guy.

Edited March 4, 2011 by frogger

[Paolino]

It's hard to tell from the pictures because they're small, but it looks like they would have had to get rid of the Cruze Sedan's CHMSL for something else. I kinda like it on the sedan version--being that it illuminates into a bowtie. Thought it was a nice touch.

[G. David Felt]

This is one ugly car from the side and back view. I would not be impressed to buy it. Europe can keep it.

[Croc]

I really like this and hope it comes to the US. What's really missing, though, is a coupe. Civic coupes are common enough that there is definitely a market for a Cruze coupe.

[ocnblu]

Plus a million, Mr. Croc.

[Z-06]

I really like this and hope it comes to the US. What's really missing, though, is a coupe. Civic coupes are common enough that there is definitely a market for a Cruze coupe.

And Cobalt coupe sales were almost half of the total retail sales.

[Drew Dowdell]

I think there is a huge starving market for multiple body styles. I drive that point home every time I get to talk with Federico or Welburn.

[§carlet §wordfish]

I think it looks great. I can't tell what everyone is saying changed so much from the concept. I hope we get it here and my parents consider replacing the HHR with it.