Chevrolet News:Debut: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

[William Maley]

---

This evening at a event in Detroit, Chevrolet unveiled the second-generation Cruze.

 

The new Cruze looks like a shrunken-down version of the Malibu with similar profiles. There is a reason to this as Cruze was styled only a few feet away from the new Malibu. The Cruze features such details as a lower front end, mesh grilles, and distinctive character lines. Size-wise, the Cruze is slightly larger than current model with overall length up 2.7 inches (183.7 inches vs. 181 inches) and the wheelbase is up 0.6 inches (106.3 inches vs. 105.7 inches).

 

The interior has been updated with more soft-touch materials, and the latest version of Chevrolet's MyLink which offers compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Rear legroom is increased to 36.4 inches, but worryingly headroom sees a slight decrease by half an inch.

 

Power for the Cruze comes from all-new turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder with 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A choice of either a manual or automatic, both six-speeds, helps get the power to the front wheels. Chevrolet has also cut a bit of weight out of the Cruze - 250 lbs to be exact, which allows the Cruze to achieve 40 MPG on the highway and a total range of 530 Miles. There is also a diesel option coming, but not until 2017.

 

The 2016 Cruze arrives at Chevrolet dealers early next year.

 

Source: Chevrolet

 

 

Press Release is on Page 2

---

 

Sophisticated Sophomore: All-New 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

• Larger and lighter; all-new compact car is more agile with a dynamic driving experience
• All-new, standard 1.4L turbo engine with direct injection offers a GM-estimated 40 mpg highway; stop/start technology contributes to efficiency in stop-and-go driving
• New Chevrolet MyLink offers better performance, plus compatibility with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, for smart, simple smartphone integration
• Advanced safety features include Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert
• On sale in the U.S. in early 2016; diesel model follows in 2017
  

DETROIT – Chevrolet today introduced the all-new 2016 Cruze – a larger and lighter, more efficient and more sophisticated evolution of the brand’s best-selling global car.

 

Packed with new technologies such as available Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and new active safety features, as well as a more spacious interior and an athletic, aerodynamically optimized design, the 2016 Cruze elevates the compact car segment – from San Francisco to Shanghai and from Boston to Buenos Aeries.

 

It will be offered in more than 40 global markets and goes on sale first in North America in early 2016. A new, standard 1.4L turbocharged engine with direct injection and an SAE-certified 153 horsepower (113 kW) helps enable a General Motors-estimated 40 mpg on the highway with the available six-speed automatic transmission. Stop/start technology helps enhance the Cruze’s efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

 

The new turbo engine and a leaner architecture that reduces up to 250 pounds (113 kg) also contribute to the new Cruze’s stronger performance, with expected 0-60-mph acceleration of eight seconds.

 

“The 2016 Cruze builds on a very successful program that introduced Chevrolet to new customers the world over,” said Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America. “We retained all the attributes that made the original Cruze a hit around the globe and built on them to make this car more sophisticated, more fun and more Chevrolet.”

 

Vehicle highlights include:

• Next-generation Chevrolet MyLink with smartphone integration capability, including a standard seven-inch-diagonal screen and available eight-inch-diagonal screen (at launch, eight-inch screen only with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto coming later)
• New 1.4L turbo engine with direct injection and stop/start technology matched with a standard six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission (North America)
• Maximum highway range of 530 miles per tank
• All-new, stronger and lighter body structure enhances agility, efficiency and safety – with an approximately 250-pound (113 kg) lower curb weight
• Class-leading 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase enhances roominess, contributing to greater rear-seat legroom and more rear knee room
• Projector headlamps with light-emitting diode (LED) signature lighting – and LED daytime running lamps on uplevel models
• More standard features than most competitors’ small cars such as 10 air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, rearview camera and available OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot
• New, available features including wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Available advanced safety features include Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert
• New model range for North America including L, LS, LT and Premier – and a more expressive RS package.
  

“The new Cruze is truly one of Chevrolet’s most global vehicles,” said Batey. “With content variations dictated mostly by local market demands, customers in every corner of the globe will enjoy the same fundamental dynamics that are making Chevrolet one of the fastest-growing brands around the world.”

 

In 2017, Chevrolet will introduce a new diesel model for U.S. customers that builds on the success of the current Cruze diesel model.

 

Wind tunnel-optimized design
The 2016 Cruze’s expressive design balances the designers’ inspiration and the efficiency-optimizing input of wind tunnel testing – leveraging the aero experience of vehicles including the Volt. The result is one of the sleekest-looking cars in the class, with a 0.29 coefficient of drag – an attribute that contributes directly to a GM-estimated 40 mpg on the highway.

 

Proportionally, the new Cruze is 2.7 inches (68 mm) longer and nearly an inch (25 mm) shorter in height than the current model, giving it a longer and leaner appearance. A faster windshield rake and a faster-sloping rear profile lend a sportier look to the design, while the rear profile culminates in a standard integral rear spoiler that contributes to the car’s aero efficiency.

 

The sleek profile is complemented by detailed, layered line work in the hood and body-side panels, contributing to an overall impression of muscularity – with an athletic stance enhanced by a longer wheelbase.

 

“With styling influenced by the acclaimed 2014 Impala and all new Malibu, the 2016 Cruze brings Chevrolet’s new, expressive global design language to the small car segment,” said John Cafaro, executive director, Chevrolet Design. “The Cruze’s approach to proportion and premium details adds to Chevrolet’s elevation of craftsmanship, content, quality and a fresh interpretation of an identity that is unmistakably Chevrolet in every market around the world.”

 

The headlamps sweep back into the front fenders and an expressive, stacked dual-port grille design offers upscale attention to detail. LT and Premier models feature premium forward lighting systems, including projector-beam headlamps and LED signature daytime running lamps.

 

Additional design details include:

• The center-rear stop lamp is mounted at the top of the roof line for a more refined appearance
• Seamless rocker panels convey upscale attention to detail and contribute to aerodynamic performance
• Polished aluminum, piano black and bright-finished accents provide a more contemporary, upscale aura to the design
• The RS package includes unique grilles, front and rear fascias, fog lamps, front splitter, rocker panels, rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels on the Premier model.
  

Roomier, more-connected passenger space
With greater spaciousness and technology, the 2016 Cruze’s interior is designed to be more comfortable and a better connected environment for the driver and passengers.

 

The greater spaciousness includes more rear legroom (36.1 inches / 917 mm) and two inches (51 mm) more rear knee room – more than Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra. Beyond the quantifiable, there’s greater perceptual spaciousness in the new Cruze, driven by flowing line work in the instrument panel, which blends almost seamlessly with the front door panels.

 

Like the exterior, the Cruze’s interior – and the instrument panel in particular – feature lean, muscular and layered surfaces built around the Chevrolet-signature dual-cockpit theme. It’s a thoroughly modern design that emphasizes human-technology interaction through the prominent, standard MyLink screen in the “center stack.”

 

A mixture of accents, from piano black and matte black finishes to bright trim, along with more premium features such as available heated rear leather seats and wireless phone charging, complement the cabin with an upscale ambience generally reserved for midsize sedans – but one that is becoming increasingly important to customers around the globe who want premium amenities in smaller vehicles.

 

Additional interior features and amenities include:

• Unique center console design for North America with specific user interface details such as a repositioned shifter, more intuitive positioning of the cup holders and enhanced storage
• More soft-touch surfaces and animal-grained, micro-etched surfacing that enhance the premium look and feel of the interior, as well as premium fabrics with French stitching, distinctive for its contrasting stitch colors. Premium leather is available
• 4.2-inch-diagonal high-resolution driver information center in the gauge cluster
• Premium features including heated front cloth seats, heated rear leather-trimmed seats, and heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
  

Through smartphone integration, Cruze’s all-new Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system provides simple and intuitive use of smartphones in the vehicle. It integrates certain phone functions onto the Cruze’s seven-inch-diagonal color touchscreen, allowing them to call up music, navigation apps and more. An uplevel MyLink radio with an eight-inch display and navigation is available and also incorporates Apple CarPlay.

 

Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features owners want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. This allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay-supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. Apple CarPlay is compatible with iOS 7.1 or higher.

 

Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at g.co/androidauto. Android Auto requires a phone running an Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher.

 

Using both applications is simple. A “Projection” icon on the MyLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, then changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected via USB.

 

Compatible apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Apple and Google’s privacy statements and terms of use apply. Data plan rates may also apply.

 

Complementing MyLink to enhance Cruze’s connectivity is available OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

 

Larger, lighter and more dynamic
An all-new, more rigid and lighter architecture is the 2016 Cruze’s foundation for driving dynamism, while also playing significant roles in safety and efficiency. It is constructed of about 8-percent hot-stamped/high-strength steels, which contributes to an approximately 27-percent stiffer body structure that is also 53 pounds (24 kg) lighter than the current Cruze.

 

The lighter structure is also larger than the current model, with the new Cruze’s 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase stretching nearly an inch longer, while supporting front and rear suspensions with wide tracks (60.8-inch front/61.3-inch rear). Aluminum is used strategically in the suspension systems to optimize weight and handling characteristics.

 

“The Cruze’s chassis system is perhaps the most mass-efficient in the segment,” said Ron Arnesen, executive chief engineer. “It is at the core of the car’s dynamic driving character, which is designed to deliver fun with an enhanced feeling of connectivity.”

 

Additionally, the new, more rigid architecture is the primary enabler for exceptional chassis tuning, affording more nimble and direct steering and handling attributes that foster driving confidence through precision. The longer wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks further contribute to a lower, wide “footprint,” which enhances agility and the feeling of control.

 

Additional features include:

• A proven MacPherson strut front suspension design with specially tuned bushings and geometry intended to balance handling with comfort
• A torsion beam rear axle on L, LS and LT models; and an enhanced Z-link design on Premier. It helps deliver a more balanced driving experience, as the rear suspension better follows the lead of the front suspension
• Rack-mounted electric power steering is standard on all models. It enhances efficiency because it removes the conventional power steering pump from the engine’s driven accessories
• Four-wheel disc brakes with Duralife longer-life rotors are standard on all models
• StabiliTrak electronic stability control, with traction control, rollover mitigation and anti-lock brakes, is standard
• Wheel sizes ranging from 15 to 18 inches.
  

Power-dense, efficient turbocharged powertrain
In North America, the 2016 Cruze is driven by an all-new, standard 1.4L turbocharged engine derived from GM’s new family of small gas engines. It features direct injection, stop/start technology and is matched with a standard six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Stop/start technology helps enhance efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

 

The new 1.4L turbo is SAE-certified at 153 horsepower (113 kW) and 177 lb-ft of torque (240 Nm). With more torque than the current Cruze’s 1.4L turbo and a lighter architecture, the new turbocharged engine is expected to deliver segment-best 0-60 performance of 8 seconds. That makes the new Cruze quicker than most competitors, while also beating most of them at the gas pump, with a GM-estimated 40 mpg on the highway with automatic transmission.

 

The 1.4L turbo features an aluminum cylinder block and head, which helps reduce the Cruze’s overall weight to enhance performance and efficiency. Engine efficiency is also enhanced through reduced friction, including low-friction piston rings, a low-friction camshaft drive and a low-friction oil pump.

 

The start/stop feature automatically shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop under certain driving conditions, such as a stoplight. The engine automatically restarts when the driver takes his or her foot off the brake.

 

Advanced safety features
The 2016 Cruze’s safety story begins with the new, stronger body structure that incorporates high-strength steel in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection by helping to prevent intrusion into passenger compartment.

 

Cruze also returns with a segment-leading 10 standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger air bags, roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags that help protect the front and outboard rear seating positions; seat-mounted side-impact air bags (front and rear); and front knee air bags.

 

Available safety features include an expanded range of crash-avoidance technologies, including Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert.

 

Additional safety features include:

• Front passenger seat occupant sensing system and rollover sensing and protection system
• Collapsible pedal assembly to help protect against lower-extremity injuries
• Three-point safety belts in all five seating positions, safety belt retractor pretensioners and lap pretensioners in the driver and front-passenger positions, and safety belt load limiters (with pretensioners) in the front safety belt retractors
• LATCH child seat latching system in the rear seat
• Tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lamps
• Automatic headlamps.
  

Manufacturing
For the United States, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will be built at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant, with locally and globally sourced components. The plant received a $50-million investment in tooling and other enhancements to support the new Cruze’s production.

View full article

[ocnblu]

They've really done a fantastic job here. 

[regfootball]

yes they have!  imagine if every GM car was a home run like this.  5 stars, A+.  Sign me up, perfect car for me.  I might even do the 5 door.  2017, diesel 1.6 too, bet that cracks 50 mpg.

 

This really is my kind of ride, economical, fun, has more oomph now.

 

WHY WOULD ANYONE GET A SENTRA OR COROLLA

[ocnblu]

[loki]

is it me or does it seem it has a lot of 200 in it?

i thought the 1.5L was the next engine?...will this be "bundled" with the 8 speed when it shows?

 

otherwise, like the outside, inside looks nice.

[FAPTurbo]

is it me or does it seem it has a lot of 200 in it?

You're not the only one thinking it. I also see some 200'ishness in it, but that's no bad thing.

 

Sharp looking vehicle and it appears that it'll be very competitive. I'm excited to see it in person.

[oldshurst442]

 

is it me or does it seem it has a lot of 200 in it?

You're not the only one thinking it. I also see some 200'ishness in it, but that's no bad thing.

 

Sharp looking vehicle and it appears that it'll be very competitive. I'm excited to see it in person.

 

Before I get down voted...I REALLY REALLY DIG THIS NEW CRUZE....Mind you, I prefer the next gen. Volt's new design...but I like this 2016 Cruze

 

However...I also see a Chrysler 200 in the rear...but I also see Toyota Corolla...

 

Its probably the shade of blue that confuses me...

 

The thing is... I also like the Corolla. I think the Corolla looks sporty. Well...other than an AE86...Corollas ALWAYS were bland...at least this one...has some ooomph to it...

 

 

Back to the Chevy.

I checked out the video...and the Cruze has some great little details to set it apart from the compact car segment. For a second generation in a row...the Cruze looks and feels like a class higher than its compact car competition...both in looks, quality, details....

[Cmicasa the Great]

Very impressive. Nice bump in power/torque for a lighter car in the 1.4L. 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque in the 1.4L vs 160 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in the 1.5L. I think I understand the logic in this..Smaller engine, even by a little bit yielding just 7 hp and 7 lb-ft less torque is not a big deal.

 

Looks??? I see a New Cruze with new Malibu and current Impala cues. Interior looks class above, maybe two. Technology is definitely above. Chevy just brought A-Game. These are the moments of truth. Cruze, Volt, Camaro...these are the first Chevy cars designed under the new GM

[El Kabong]

It is a powerful statement. Sticking to their guns on the diesel engine is impressive too-this and the Canyonado shows that GM is exploring all possibilities for fuel efficiency. Good stuff!

[hyperv6]

You can see what ever you want here but it for sure will not be mistaken for anything but a Chevy. In a year I will expect they will say the Hyundai looks like a Chevy.

 

This is a big deal here. We are taking a 3200-3350 pound car and cutting 250 pounds that is huge!. while doing that adding more room, More power and More torque and delivering more MPG. Add in more stylish design and more functional better refined interior. What is missing here? And stop with the SS crap as that would account for about 6000 in sales. This is the money car that brings in most of Chevys non truck income and it should do well.

 

I predict top two in sales in 1-2 years in the segment.

The next shoe is about to drop with the Malibu and it should make a lot of noise in the market.

Chevy really has a good line up and only needs to skillfully market now and get the butts in the seats,

While it is a risk the diesel is not a major risk. With the Global sales the financial commitment diminishes much. I just wish all those who begged for the car would put the money where their mouths were and buy one. You asked GM to do it so go buy it, 

Edited June 25, 2015 by hyperv6

[regfootball]

this time offer the diesel in lower trims.  that would help.  I'll be interested heavily in that diesel if i don't have a 14,15, or 16 limited diesel by then.

 

i do think the 16 Limited will retain the 2.0 diesel.

 

Chevy has to resist pushing up the MSRP so hard.  If they price it too high, they will not get the market share this car should get.

 

I see no mention of a 1.8 NA in the base car either, is it gone?  Hope so.  Maybe the base L or LS will be a good buy with the new turbo mill and 6 speed stick.

 

Cruze gets the diesel, Malibu gets the hybrid, VOlt gets the plug in.  Nice job spreading the tech around.

 

"where is the diesel manual all wheel drive wagon"

[daves87rs]

Should stay very close  to the current price.

 

 

I am shopping this segment (and know the compact class very  Iwell) Need to see lower trims here, but a winner is what I see now......

[cp-the-nerd]

I'll go against the grain, I'm not liking the new design. It's cohesive and clean, I'm just not digging the new design language of the Cruze, Malibu, and Volt. Doesn't have the American panache of the Impala, Colorado, Vette, Camaro, or all of Cadillac.

 

It'll sell really well, and I look forward to seeing reviews. Pretty much the worst thing anyone had to say about the outgoing Cruze was the low power, well now it has a stout 153 hp and 177 lb-foot with an NFL linebacker worth of weight removed from the car. Plus they're dropping the total garbage 1.8L base engine, a motor that didn't belong in the car (or the Sonic) at all, ever.

[Cmicasa the Great]

You can see what ever you want here but it for sure will not be mistaken for anything but a Chevy. In a year I will expect they will say the Hyundai looks like a Chevy.

 

This is a big deal here. We are taking a 3200-3350 pound car and cutting 250 pounds that is huge!. while doing that adding more room, More power and More torque and delivering more MPG. Add in more stylish design and more functional better refined interior. What is missing here? And stop with the SS crap as that would account for about 6000 in sales. This is the money car that brings in most of Chevys non truck income and it should do well.

 

I predict top two in sales in 1-2 years in the segment.

The next shoe is about to drop with the Malibu and it should make a lot of noise in the market.

Chevy really has a good line up and only needs to skillfully market now and get the butts in the seats,

While it is a risk the diesel is not a major risk. With the Global sales the financial commitment diminishes much. I just wish all those who begged for the car would put the money where their mouths were and buy one. You asked GM to do it so go buy it, 

 

 

Chevy has been doing an excellent job with its marketing lately. Even their commercials.. the new Malibu with the kids and Wifi is pretty spot on... I expect good things in the coming months with the aforementioned new releases coming

 

Cruze gets the diesel, Malibu gets the hybrid, VOlt gets the plug in.  Nice job spreading the tech around.

 

 

 

 

... Spark gets the EV... the Sonic tho.. what about the Sonic???

[smk4565]

I think the inside is nice for the price point, cutting weight and adding a little power and hitting 40 mpg is all good news.

 

The rear end looks like a Kia Forte though, the front looks like a Corolla, it just looks too Asian to me, and not enough like a Chevy.  And I don't know why every car is going to this 4-door coupe look, it is running rampant right now across multiple brands and multiple segments.

 

I do think there should be an optional engine, like a 1.6 turbo or something more in the 185 hp range, because other brands have optional engines of about that power, and the Cruze having grown in size is almost the size the Grand Am and Alero used to be, and those had like 180 hp 15 years ago.

[cp-the-nerd]

I think the inside is nice for the price point, cutting weight and adding a little power and hitting 40 mpg is all good news.

 

The rear end looks like a Kia Forte though, the front looks like a Corolla, it just looks too Asian to me, and not enough like a Chevy.  And I don't know why every car is going to this 4-door coupe look, it is running rampant right now across multiple brands and multiple segments.

 

I do think there should be an optional engine, like a 1.6 turbo or something more in the 185 hp range, because other brands have optional engines of about that power, and the Cruze having grown in size is almost the size the Grand Am and Alero used to be, and those had like 180 hp 15 years ago.

 

Not going to happen. New engine family only goes up to 1.5L because of the european displacement tax. Same reason Ford switched to the 1.5T in the Fusion after debuting with a 1.6T.

 

Cruze gets the diesel, Malibu gets the hybrid, VOlt gets the plug in.  Nice job spreading the tech around.

 

 

 

 

... Spark gets the EV... the Sonic tho.. what about the Sonic???

 

 

Sonic SHOULD be getting an SS. It's about time GM got back into the sport compact game. The Sonic is BEGGING for it, and the RS was just a tease without more power.

[smk4565]

If you can get a 300 hp Focus, I don't see why 185 hp in a Cruze is too much to ask for.  Heck,they can put the 2.5 liter inline 4 that makes 195 hp in the Malibu into the Cruze as an RS model.  Toyota basically did that with Scion for years, the Corolla had that miserable 1.8 liter, but the Scion tC had the 2.4 liter Camry engine with like 175 hp.

[oldshurst442]

and the Cruze having grown in size is almost the size the Grand Am and Alero used to be, and those had like 180 hp 15 years ago.

I almost agree with the rest of that post...I also see too much Japanese...Korean to be more accurate in the Cruze...I dont mind though.

 

I have an issue with what you said regarding the Grand Am/Alero...

 

In no way does a Cruze...1st gen or 2nd gen. reach Grand Am/Alero size, width and length and interior space. .

Not even close.

The Grand Am/Alero were compacts...sure...but were really closer to mid-sized.

The Cruze...while bigger than their compact car competitors...in no way come close to being mid-sized.

Maybe the late 1980s Grand Am/Cutlass Calais/Buick Skylark-Somerset  on the old N-Platform are what the Cruze is...

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

I think the inside is nice for the price point, cutting weight and adding a little power and hitting 40 mpg is all good news.

 

The rear end looks like a Kia Forte though, the front looks like a Corolla, it just looks too Asian to me, and not enough like a Chevy.  And I don't know why every car is going to this 4-door coupe look, it is running rampant right now across multiple brands and multiple segments.

 

I do think there should be an optional engine, like a 1.6 turbo or something more in the 185 hp range, because other brands have optional engines of about that power, and the Cruze having grown in size is almost the size the Grand Am and Alero used to be, and those had like 180 hp 15 years ago.

 

Not going to happen. New engine family only goes up to 1.5L because of the european displacement tax. Same reason Ford switched to the 1.5T in the Fusion after debuting with a 1.6T.

 

Cruze gets the diesel, Malibu gets the hybrid, VOlt gets the plug in.  Nice job spreading the tech around.

 

 

 

 

... Spark gets the EV... the Sonic tho.. what about the Sonic???

 

 

Sonic SHOULD be getting an SS. It's about time GM got back into the sport compact game. The Sonic is BEGGING for it, and the RS was just a tease without more power.

 

 

 

 

granted.. but THIS is now seriously asking for the 2.0L T 

 

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

 

 

 

definitely 

[smk4565]

So the Alero was 186.7 inches long on a 107 inch wheelbase.  70.1 inches tall, and 54.5 inches tall.

 

The 2016 Cruze is 183.7 inches long on a 106.3 inch wheelbase.  Nearly the same wheelbase, only 3 inches shorter.  The 2015 Cruze is 70.7 inches wide and 58.1 inches tall, I couldn't find what the 2016 Cruze height or width.

 

I am just saying the Cruze has grown nearly to where Grand Am and Alero were, the Cruze is a lot bigger than the Cobalt or Cavalier were, I suppose they want the Sonic to fill in that space, but it sort of squeezes the Malibu.

[oldshurst442]

well...the 2015 Cruze is at 181 inches long, 70.7 inches wide, 58.1 inches high, and rides on a wheelbase of 105.7 inches...

If your 2016 results are accurate...then yeah...I would say that the Cruze is almost as big as the Grand Am/Alero were...I was going off of the 1st gen Cruze as I did not know the 2016 Cruze grew that much bigger. So...yeah...I apologize and I agree with your view....but I think the Malibu also grew in size...especially in interior room...

Edited June 25, 2015 by oldshurst442

[Cmicasa the Great]

So the Alero was 186.7 inches long on a 107 inch wheelbase.  70.1 inches tall, and 54.5 inches tall.

 

The 2016 Cruze is 183.7 inches long on a 106.3 inch wheelbase.  Nearly the same wheelbase, only 3 inches shorter.  The 2015 Cruze is 70.7 inches wide and 58.1 inches tall, I couldn't find what the 2016 Cruze height or width.

 

I am just saying the Cruze has grown nearly to where Grand Am and Alero were, the Cruze is a lot bigger than the Cobalt or Cavalier were, I suppose they want the Sonic to fill in that space, but it sort of squeezes the Malibu.

 

 

Malibu just got a bump up in size as well.. If anything the one that would be feeling the squeeze would be the Impala, and even that is removed enough to feel safe until the next gen is upon us.. possibly in RWD form this time

[bobo]

The weight loss is great, but also the 2 inch increase in rear legroom, which addresses one of the bigger deficiencies in the current car.  Overall, a very nice effort.  

[Cmicasa the Great]

So the Alero was 186.7 inches long on a 107 inch wheelbase.  70.1 inches tall, and 54.5 inches tall.

 

The 2016 Cruze is 183.7 inches long on a 106.3 inch wheelbase.  Nearly the same wheelbase, only 3 inches shorter.  The 2015 Cruze is 70.7 inches wide and 58.1 inches tall, I couldn't find what the 2016 Cruze height or width.

 

I am just saying the Cruze has grown nearly to where Grand Am and Alero were, the Cruze is a lot bigger than the Cobalt or Cavalier were, I suppose they want the Sonic to fill in that space, but it sort of squeezes the Malibu.

 

 

Wheelbase (in / mm): 106.3 / 2700

Overall length (in / mm): 183.7 / 4666

Overall width (in / mm): 70.6 / 1795

Overall height (in / mm): 57.4 / 1458

Front track (in / mm): 60.8 / 1544

Rear track (in / mm): 61.3 / 1557

Front headroom (in / mm): 38.9 / 988

Rear headroom (in / mm): 37.3 / 948

Front legroom (in / mm): 42 / 1068

Rear legroom (in / mm): 36.1 / 917

Front shoulder room (in / mm): 54.8 / 1394

Rear shoulder room (in / mm): 53.7 / 1366

Front hip room (in / mm): 53.1 / 1351

Rear hip room (in / mm): 51.9 / 1319

[Cmicasa the Great]

250lbs lighter than the 3,005 to 3,471 lbs of the current car yields 2755 to 3221

[frogger]

Looks better than I thought it would when seeing the video.  It's getting up there in size, larger than my 1st gen TSX now.

[ccap41]

is it me or does it seem it has a lot of 200 in it?

i thought the 1.5L was the next engine?...will this be "bundled" with the 8 speed when it shows?

 

otherwise, like the outside, inside looks nice.

That is what I saw initially as well, a lot of Chrysler 200 in the shape.

[smk4565]

 

Malibu just got a bump up in size as well.. If anything the one that would be feeling the squeeze would be the Impala, and even that is removed enough to feel safe until the next gen is upon us.. possibly in RWD form this time

 

 

Moving the Impala to RWD and priced around $32k base would move it away from the Malibu, make it different than the LaCrosse and give them 300/Charger competitor, and it would give the market another rwd/awd car.  Would give it better ride/handling than a Maxima or Taurus also.

[Drew Dowdell]

Wow! 250lbs is a big drop in weight for such a small car.   I really like the new design, but I'm especially excited for the new 1.4T because that will likely be the new engine for the Encore when it gets refreshed.

[ccap41]

I'll go against the grain, I'm not liking the new design. It's cohesive and clean, I'm just not digging the new design language of the Cruze, Malibu, and Volt. Doesn't have the American panache of the Impala, Colorado, Vette, Camaro, or all of Cadillac.

 

It'll sell really well, and I look forward to seeing reviews. Pretty much the worst thing anyone had to say about the outgoing Cruze was the low power, well now it has a stout 153 hp and 177 lb-foot with an NFL linebacker worth of weight removed from the car. Plus they're dropping the total garbage 1.8L base engine, a motor that didn't belong in the car (or the Sonic) at all, ever.

I'm with you on the overall chevy car styling. It isn't bad.. but it doesn't make me want to look twice. things may change when I see them in person but as of now.. "meh".

[ccap41]

 

 

I think the inside is nice for the price point, cutting weight and adding a little power and hitting 40 mpg is all good news.

 

The rear end looks like a Kia Forte though, the front looks like a Corolla, it just looks too Asian to me, and not enough like a Chevy.  And I don't know why every car is going to this 4-door coupe look, it is running rampant right now across multiple brands and multiple segments.

 

I do think there should be an optional engine, like a 1.6 turbo or something more in the 185 hp range, because other brands have optional engines of about that power, and the Cruze having grown in size is almost the size the Grand Am and Alero used to be, and those had like 180 hp 15 years ago.

 

Not going to happen. New engine family only goes up to 1.5L because of the european displacement tax. Same reason Ford switched to the 1.5T in the Fusion after debuting with a 1.6T.

 

... Spark gets the EV... the Sonic tho.. what about the Sonic???

 

 

Sonic SHOULD be getting an SS. It's about time GM got back into the sport compact game. The Sonic is BEGGING for it, and the RS was just a tease without more power.

 

 

 

 

granted.. but THIS is now seriously asking for the 2.0L T 

 

 

Too bad Chevy doesn't have the balls to make it..

[Frisky Dingo]

Wasn't thrilled with the looks when the first leaked pics came out, but after seeing better ones, it's a very attractive car. And from the sound of the specs, it's getting quite the improvement under the skin as well. The current car is already very underrated and has held up very well in the market. This thing is going to be a winner.

[Stew]

It looks much better than I imagined.  Another hit, can't wait for the hatch!

[surreal1272]

I think the inside is nice for the price point, cutting weight and adding a little power and hitting 40 mpg is all good news.

 

The rear end looks like a Kia Forte though, the front looks like a Corolla, it just looks too Asian to me, and not enough like a Chevy.  And I don't know why every car is going to this 4-door coupe look, it is running rampant right now across multiple brands and multiple segments.

 

I do think there should be an optional engine, like a 1.6 turbo or something more in the 185 hp range, because other brands have optional engines of about that power, and the Cruze having grown in size is almost the size the Grand Am and Alero used to be, and those had like 180 hp 15 years ago.

It got a bigger engine while losing 250lbs. It is fine as it is.

[hyperv6]

I just love how people are expecting a volume brand model to be a AWD sport sedan when they never factor in the cost and weight penalty.

AWD was left out here and the Bu because 250-300 pounds in weight loss was of more value to 95% of the customers. Also once these features are added it will add to the cost and there is a limit what people will pay for a Chevy before they move on. A Fusion AWD is just over $40K and I would really have to be infatuated to pay that much For a Fusion and Malibu. The fact is if you loo at the numbers AWD is a very small part of their sales.

 

This car is headed for the meat of the market and will provide a very welcomed model to choose from.

FYI even if a RWD Impala happened it would not be $32K. Get real.

 

The Bu will command the $30K-40K range and the Impala will over lap the top end and higher. It's mission is not volume as it once was. The Cruze and Malibu are the volume models as well as the new Trax and Nox. Yes the CUV is the fastest growing segment and last year out sold the sedan segment for the first time.

 

The Cruze is about volume, MPG and just being the best most comfortable car in the segment. Performance will be better than the last and few complained there even with the Eco.

Edited June 25, 2015 by hyperv6

[Drew Dowdell]

AWD is Buick's job... I hope.

[smk4565]

Why couldn't a RWD Impala start at $32?  A Chrysler 300 starts at $31,695.   The Impala starts at like $27k now, use the same interior, same V6, just on a RWD chassis.  I don't think Chevy is going to do it, but it wouldn't be hard.  If they can make a RWD  Camaro for $25k or whatever it is going to cost, I am sure they could make a RWD Impala for $32k.  And I don't mean make it a luxury car, or put a big V8 in it.  Keep it simple, sell based on the benefit of RWD (awd option).  If you want luxury RWD you buy a Cadillac, if you want something like what the current FWD Impala LTZ is, you get a Buick.

 

Since the Civic, Cruze, etc have gotten bigger, the Accord, Malibu, Fusion, Sonata, etc grow and add more content and features.  This is really squeezing out the Maxima, Taurus, Impala, Azera, Cadenza segment.  That is sort of a dying segment.  A RWD Impala would be different than the masses, allow you to sell it to police fleets and discontinue the Caprice, and it hopefully gets more people seeing the benefit of RWD that will later trade up to Cadillac.

Edited June 25, 2015 by smk4565

[Drew Dowdell]

I could totally dig an Impala on Alpha with the current styling and interior. Keep the engine lineup the same and add the LT1 for an RS model and police consumption.

[hyperv6]

SMK you have to be joking?

 

First off Chrysler makes little on the 300 discounted that heavy and it also helps it is bases on decades old parts from Benz. The 300 is Chrysler W body.

Two you have to have a pricing structure. Do you really think it is smart to put a RWD Impala cheaper than a Malibu your volume car? Sorry I know you would think that is good as you have no clue on how to make money on cars in the industry.

 

Just look around see who is begging, scheming and plotting to get someone to merge with them. It is our friend Sergio the master of the big rebates who is going broke not Mary. Chrysler may not be here in 10 years unless someone comes in and bails them out.

 

I bet Chrysler will be gone. Ram and Jeep may be owned by VW.

 

The Impala it on the Alpha would be priced over the Camaro and would remain a low volume car. The Cruze and Malibu are the volume brands just as the Nox and Trax in the faster growing CUV segment.

[Drew Dowdell]

Hyper, I'm trying to figure out why you think the Malibu will be $30k - $40k?  That's the Regal's territory.  I've already been told by GM people that the Malibu will not be increasing in price in any significant way, so that means it will be starting in the 22k range.   The most expensive Malibu LTZ I can build is $34k and I doubt Chevy moves many. 

 

There is basically no "Mercedes" left in the LX platform. Everything has been swapped out. 

[smk4565]

The 2015 Malibu has a base price of $22,465.

 

The 2015 Impala has a base price of $27,060.

 

The Alpha chassis is probably too small for an Impala, which would be the problem, Omega platform maybe too expensive.  If they could figure out a rwd platform to use that cost say $3,000 more to make than Epsilon, but they charge $32,000 they have added $5,000 in price and $3,000 in cost.  They can still use a base 4 cylinder and optional V6, same interior trim and features.  No V8s, or twin turbo V6.  Just like now they don't put the 3.6 TT V6 in the Impala because they want you to buy an XTS V-sport.

 

The Azera, Avalon, Maxima, Cadenza all start around $32-34k, although some have terrible sales.  But Chrysler gets 300/Charger sales, I think a rear drive Impala would work, and it allows them to price the Malibu at $23k base (which the Camry is) and there is basically $10,000 of room for options before the next car.

[Cmicasa the Great]

 

 

 

I think the inside is nice for the price point, cutting weight and adding a little power and hitting 40 mpg is all good news.

 

The rear end looks like a Kia Forte though, the front looks like a Corolla, it just looks too Asian to me, and not enough like a Chevy.  And I don't know why every car is going to this 4-door coupe look, it is running rampant right now across multiple brands and multiple segments.

 

I do think there should be an optional engine, like a 1.6 turbo or something more in the 185 hp range, because other brands have optional engines of about that power, and the Cruze having grown in size is almost the size the Grand Am and Alero used to be, and those had like 180 hp 15 years ago.

 

Not going to happen. New engine family only goes up to 1.5L because of the european displacement tax. Same reason Ford switched to the 1.5T in the Fusion after debuting with a 1.6T.

 

... Spark gets the EV... the Sonic tho.. what about the Sonic???

 

 

Sonic SHOULD be getting an SS. It's about time GM got back into the sport compact game. The Sonic is BEGGING for it, and the RS was just a tease without more power.

 

 

 

 

granted.. but THIS is now seriously asking for the 2.0L T 

 

 

Too bad Chevy doesn't have the balls to make it..

 

 

 

Yeah.. but they have the BALLS to make a Camaro RS, SS, Z28, ZL1 and a Corvette and Z06.. an SS.. yeah.. I would take that over what your boys at Ford shovel us any day of the weak.. 

[Cmicasa the Great]

Hyper, I'm trying to figure out why you think the Malibu will be $30k - $40k?  That's the Regal's territory.  I've already been told by GM people that the Malibu will not be increasing in price in any significant way, so that means it will be starting in the 22k range.   The most expensive Malibu LTZ I can build is $34k and I doubt Chevy moves many. 

 

There is basically no "Mercedes" left in the LX platform. Everything has been swapped out. 

 

 

 

Moves many??? The majority of Malibus I see daily are LTZs. Quite honestly as many Malibus that I see in Balto/Washington I'd swear it was outselling the Camry

[daves87rs]

I just love how people are expecting a volume brand model to be a AWD sport sedan when they never factor in the cost and weight penalty.

AWD was left out here and the Bu because 250-300 pounds in weight loss was of more value to 95% of the customers. Also once these features are added it will add to the cost and there is a limit what people will pay for a Chevy before they move on. A Fusion AWD is just over $40K and I would really have to be infatuated to pay that much For a Fusion and Malibu. The fact is if you loo at the numbers AWD is a very small part of their sales.

 

This car is headed for the meat of the market and will provide a very welcomed model to choose from.

FYI even if a RWD Impala happened it would not be $32K. Get real.

 

The Bu will command the $30K-40K range and the Impala will over lap the top end and higher. It's mission is not volume as it once was. The Cruze and Malibu are the volume models as well as the new Trax and Nox. Yes the CUV is the fastest growing segment and last year out sold the sedan segment for the first time.

 

The Cruze is about volume, MPG and just being the best most comfortable car in the segment. Performance will be better than the last and few complained there even with the Eco.

+1

 

True....

[Drew Dowdell]

Hyper, I'm trying to figure out why you think the Malibu will be $30k - $40k? That's the Regal's territory. I've already been told by GM people that the Malibu will not be increasing in price in any significant way, so that means it will be starting in the 22k range. The most expensive Malibu LTZ I can build is $34k and I doubt Chevy moves many.

There is basically no "Mercedes" left in the LX platform. Everything has been swapped out.

Moves many??? The majority of Malibus I see daily are LTZs. Quite honestly as many Malibus that I see in Balto/Washington I'd swear it was outselling the Camry

LTZs yes, but not $34k LTZs with every box checked.

[regfootball]

Hyper, I'm trying to figure out why you think the Malibu will be $30k - $40k?  That's the Regal's territory.  I've already been told by GM people that the Malibu will not be increasing in price in any significant way, so that means it will be starting in the 22k range.   The most expensive Malibu LTZ I can build is $34k and I doubt Chevy moves many. 

 

There is basically no "Mercedes" left in the LX platform. Everything has been swapped out. 

i have to throw in something here, i do agree in principle with your post here.  but i did recall seeing a loaded to the gills malibu a few months ago where the msrp was pushing closer to 36k than 35......i may have to try to build one myself and see wth you gotta do to load it up like that.  is the 2LZ trim more than the LTZ?

[regfootball]

I just love how people are expecting a volume brand model to be a AWD sport sedan when they never factor in the cost and weight penalty.

AWD was left out here and the Bu because 250-300 pounds in weight loss was of more value to 95% of the customers. Also once these features are added it will add to the cost and there is a limit what people will pay for a Chevy before they move on. A Fusion AWD is just over $40K and I would really have to be infatuated to pay that much For a Fusion and Malibu. The fact is if you loo at the numbers AWD is a very small part of their sales.

 

This car is headed for the meat of the market and will provide a very welcomed model to choose from.

FYI even if a RWD Impala happened it would not be $32K. Get real.

 

The Bu will command the $30K-40K range and the Impala will over lap the top end and higher. It's mission is not volume as it once was. The Cruze and Malibu are the volume models as well as the new Trax and Nox. Yes the CUV is the fastest growing segment and last year out sold the sedan segment for the first time.

 

The Cruze is about volume, MPG and just being the best most comfortable car in the segment. Performance will be better than the last and few complained there even with the Eco.

i do agree with what you say here.  but lets for a moment look at Subaru, its exploding sales, and their prices are damn close to chevy.  With the AWD included.

 

i don't feel a Cruze should have AWD myself.  But there really ought to be a Cruze sized crossover.  To me, the Trax is snug.

 

I love how the Cruze is in fact very much the size of the old Grand Am. In fact way back in 11 I think i said the Cruze is the new age Grand Am.  Really the spirit of the Grand Am lives on in the Cruze.

 

or is it the spirit of this.....

 

[regfootball]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GM_Medium_Diesel_engine

 

 

there is also a good article on the to be new 1.6 diesel motor but its on 'another site'.  very informative about the specs, extremely promising for diesel fans.  I can't not see that 17 diesel NOT cracking 50 mpg highway.

 

Here is a Vauxhall Mokka test drive of the diesel motor too

 

http://www.carscoops.com/2015/03/vauxhalls-mokka-gets-new-16l-diesel-and.html

 

known as 'whisper diesel'

 

http://www.vauxhall.co.uk/vehicles/ecoflex_models/cars0/1-6cdti-spec.html

[hyperv6]

Reg I understand the Subaru point but you also have to factor in other things. Their AWD is something not new and much of the engineering has been paid for over the years. It also is not a Haldex system so while it works it is not by any means class leading and what you get with AWD you lack in other parts of the car. Subaru does cheap out in other areas to keep the price down.

For GM to lose 250 pounds here it will sell many more cars than AWD would and besides GM has Buick to provide not only AWD but a much more advanced system. Also Chevy provides the NOX and Trax with are much more popular to the AWD car.

 

The long and short of it is they may sell 10K-15K AWD cars but are they really needed with Buick and the CUV models? Or are we better off with less weight and better MPG in this segment.

 

AHHHHH An Achiva. Remove it my eyes are burning LOL!

 

I do agree the Grand Am size  car should prove to be very popular if priced correctly and I expect they have that covered.