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Back in December, we reported on General Motors' VIN decoder for the 2019 model year. One of the interesting bits was the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze getting a CVT. We speculated at the time that the transmission would appear in a Eco model. But when GM announced the 2019 Cruze in April, there was no mention of the CVT. The only transmission news was that the six-speed manual had been dropped. Was the mention of the CVT a misprint? Nope. “There were a small number of Cruzes built with a CVT for fleet use only which is why the option is disclosed on the EPA website,” explained Katie Minter, Chevrolet spokeswoman to CarsDirect. The CVT option doesn't offer any significant improvement in terms of fuel economy - it only raises the combined figure from 32 to 33. Source: CarsDirect View full article

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

A couple years back, then General Motors' North American president, Mark Reuss said “That was a pre-bankruptcy planning mistake,” when asked why Chevrolet didn't sell the Cruze Hatchback in North America. That appears to changing with the next-generation Cruze. Automotive News reports that Chevrolet showed off a Cruze Hatchback at its national dealer meeting in Las Vegas last week. According to sources, the model was billed as a 2016 model, but a launch date wasn't announced. Chevrolet will be revealing the 2016 Cruze at a media event this week with sales starting sometime in the first quarter of next year. Automotive News guesses sales of the hatchback could start sometime there after. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

Well what do we have here? A new set of spy shots show off the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze without any camouflage - most likely due to the model being part of a photoshoot. The overall shape of the new Cruze is very striking and takes some ideas from the new Malibu and Volt with a rising beltline and sloping roof. Other details to take into consideration is a new design of the split grille, headlights, and flared out fenders. The new Cruze is expected to get the turbocharged 1.5L four-cylinder that was introduced in the Malibu earlier this year. A diesel and plug-in hybrid are rumored to be available as well. The Cruze is expected to debut at the LA Auto Show in November. Source: Left Lane News View full article

There appears to be three different Chevrolet Cruzes in play; the refreshed 2015 Cruze, the Chinese market Cruze, and the upcoming 2016 Cruze that was recently caught by a spy photographer. Caught undisguised, the 2016 Cruze shares a number of design items with the Chinese-market version that give it a somewhat tidy, if somewhat boring design. The front end wears a nose that is similar to the Sonic with the spilt grille and sculpted hood. The overall profile reminds us of the current Honda Civic. What is still unknown is what will power the next Cruze, but one or more of the engines from the Next-Generation Ecotec family going into production later this year is most likely. We expect to learn about that in the coming year or so. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

Chevrolet has revealed their second New York Auto Show showing last night and it happens to be the 2015 Cruze. Now for those who were expecting the automaker to launch the next-generation model will be disappointed as the 2015 model is a refresh. The new model isn't expected for a little longer. Changes for the 2015 model begin with a larger front grille and reshaped taillights. LT and LTZ models get LED running lights mounted below the headlights. Inside is where the big changes are. The Cruze's infotainment system now can read text messages to the driver, has Apple's Siri Eyes Free voice controls if you have an iPhone, and a 4G LTE connection that allows the vehicle to act as a wi-fi hotspot. No mechanical changes have been announced. Pricing and other details will be announced at a later time. Update: I've added a couple shots from the NYIAS floor. Source: Chevrolet Press Release is on Page 2 Styling, OnStar 4G LTE, Siri Updates for 2015 Chevy Cruze Chevy's best-selling car is smarter looking, offers greater connectivity NEW YORK Chevrolet announced today the 2015 Cruze will debut at the New York International Auto Show with revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity including new Text Message Alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with available Wi-Fi hotspot. The new exterior styling cues are inspired by the all-new Impala and restyled 2014 Malibu, while more intuitive controls update the interior. New voice-controlled features enhance safety when responding to text messages in the vehicle. "We've simply made a great, versatile car even better," said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet director of passenger car and crossover marketing. "Chevrolet continues to design, build and sell the most compelling small cars in its history and the 2015 Cruze offers more of the features, connectivity and efficiency that are important to today's customers." The Cruze's facelift for 2015 refreshes the appearance for LS, LT, RS and LTZ models. A prominent dual-port front fascia takes styling cues from Impala and Malibu, contributing a more cohesive look across Chevrolet's sedan range including LED daytime running lamps on LT and LTZ trims. They complement the Cruze's swept-back headlamps, for a sportier presence. Several new exterior and interior colors will also be offered for 2015. Updates on the interior enhance convenience: Revised cupholders make it easier to insert and remove cups Trunk release relocated to the center console Door lock switches relocated from the center console to the front doors. In addition to LS, LT, RS and LTZ models, the 2015 Cruze lineup includes Cruze Eco (EPA-rated 42 mpg highway) and Cruze Diesel (EPA 46 mpg highway), the most efficient non-hybrid passenger car in America. That's about 10 percent greater efficiency than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The Cruze also delivers more horsepower (151 hp) and torque (264 lb-ft), than the Jetta TDI (140 hp / 236 lb-ft). Cruze Diesel's driving range is up to 717 miles per tank. Cruze offers more standard safety features than any other car in its class, including 2014 models of the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla. Cruze has 10 standard air bags including side-impact and knee air bags for front passengers and offers side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear park assist and a rearview camera. "Cruze remains a strong entry in the compact segment, with features that continue to bring new customers to Chevrolet," said Majoros. "Along with Spark, Spark EV, Sonic and Volt, Chevy's lineup of efficient, technologically advanced small cars is one of the industry's most compelling." A mobile hub with greater connectivityThe enhanced connectivity and convenience features for the 2015 Cruze include a new Text Message Alerts feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile (M.A.P.), which reads incoming texts through the vehicle's speakers, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity, to help keep phones in pockets and hands on the wheel. Additional standard and available features include: Seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen and additional USB ports Chevrolet connected by OnStar 4G LTE with built-in Wi-Fi hotspot Next-generation OnStar and MyLink enhancements with natural language voice recognition Available Chevrolet AppShop (later availability) Available navigation. OnStar 4G LTE with available Wi-Fi hotspot provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers with easy access to apps and services that require a high-speed data connection. 4G LTE is the most current and fastest mobile data network 10 times faster than 3G. And with OnStar, it offers stronger, broader coverage than smartphones on the same network and it's easy to use: If the vehicle is on, the connection is on, allowing passengers to connect personal devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, to high-speed wireless Internet. Each vehicle can accommodate seven devices at one time. The Chevrolet AppShop allows owners to view all available apps and download them directly to the vehicle, then organize, update or delete them as needed. Available apps connect drivers to vehicle data, music, news, weather, travel information and more. View full article

We've seen the shots of the new Chevrolet Cruze wearing layers of camouflage, but some new shots out of China could give us our best look of what the automaker has in mind for the next-generation model. Chinese automotive site, auto.sohu.com got their hands on what is reported to be a un-camouflaged next-generation Cruze sitting in a parking lot. Judging from the pictures, Chevrolet is making some dramatic changes. The front end looks to be borrowing some ideas from the SS with two distinctly separate grilles and a large Bowtie emblem. A set of narrowed headlights sit on either side. One other design cue to take note of is the arch in the rear wheel wells, something very reminiscent to the Impala. Inside looks to be a more upscale interior with a new steering wheel and larger screen for the infotainment system. auto.sohu.com says the Cruze will debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April. We'll keep you updated. Source: auto.sohu.com William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article

By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 23, 2013 At first glance, you might be thinking these spy shots are for a refreshed Chevrolet Sonic sedan because of the distinctive front end. You be incorrect as Automobile Magazine says this is the new 2015 Cruze. The Cruze mule caught in these spy shots clearly show the Sonic influences tapered nose, descending hood, narrow headlights, and dual grille surround. The windshield looks be swept back and the roofline has a coupelike styling. In the back, the trunklid gains an integrated spoiler and a set of new taillights. The new Cruze will utilize an updated version of the Delta platform. Its not quite sure what will happen under the hood, but there is a chance that a new nine-speed automatic transmission could be installed. Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article