Monday, April 18, 2011
2011 Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze marks a shift in the thinking of General Motors, Chevrolet's parent company. The Chevy Cruze also stands out for its safety features -- 10 airbags are standard.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a new model. Check back often for updates on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
The Cruze trim levels I tested at a Washington, D.C., rollout were the 2LT, LTZ and an LTZ with the RS appearance package. Each of the test cars came with leather, a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Cars.com editor Mike Hanley recently drove prototype Cruzes at GM's proving grounds and reported on the high-mileage Eco model and the six-speed manual transmission.
Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard on the Cruze LS and 1LT, and the 1LT can upgrade to 16-inch alloys. The LTZ has 18-inch silver alloy rims. In the Cruze, roominess is the word. The Cruze has a comfortable ride, a nice compromise between world-car firmness and the softness of some American-market cars.
The Cruze's drivetrains mark a change in how automakers power their cars, for a couple of reasons. Chevrolet predicts the longest zero-to-60 mph time for the turbo engine at 10 seconds in the manual Eco trim level, which is tuned for efficiency.
The Cruze features 10 standard airbags: two frontal and two knee airbags for the front occupants, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for all four outboard seats, and a pair of curtains that cover the side windows.
The newest compact C-car from Chevrolet is the Cruze – a globally engineered vehicle designed not just to compete in the growing small-car segment, but to win.
Most notably is the launch of a new turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, designed to deliver the power and driving experience of a larger powerplant with class leading fuel economy. In fact, Chevy claims an ECO model (with a 6-speed manual transmission) will get 40-mpg on the highway. Added benefits of the Z-link suspension include light weight, low cost and compact dimensions, allowing the Cruze to deliver a cavernous trunk volume of 15 cubic feet.
We were impressed with the car’s road holding capabilities without the larger 18-inch wheels, complete with wider, lower profile tires – standard on top-trim LTZ models.
And the Cruze looks like it drives, with a design that’s handsome and that speaks to the vehicle’s size. Technically a mid-size car rather than a compact, due to its spacious interior, the Cruze looks even more impressive when next to the narrow track, tall-bodied competitors.
Base models come well-equipped with power windows, locks, remote entry and AC. We can’t say the interior is high quality, because this is a compact car after all. Improved as the Cruze may be, it still doesn’t deliver the Civic’s driver-oriented feel, although the Cruze was nicer on the highway with less wind noise. The Corolla’s engine/transmission combo was much smoother, although it’s interior and exterior design is lacking considerably when compared to the Chevy.
Which brings us to the Cruze’s price point. Chevy has finally built a compact car to rival the Japanese and they’ve priced it accordingly.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Chevrolet Colorado concept debut at the Bangkok

Chevrolet has releases first details and photos for Colorado concept, which will debut at the Bangkok International Motor Show.
The redesigned Colorado will be larger than the current version, which is a compact. Combined, mid-sized and compact pickups accounted for 16.5 percent of the total U.S. pickup market last year, according to the Automotive News Data Center.
The concept Colorado features a 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, 20-inch wheels and all-wheel drive. Don't expect the diesel here in the U.S.--a range of gasoline engines is far more likely.
The interior gets a Chevy-heritage dual-cockpit design. The instrument panel includes a seven-inch LCD screen for controlling audio, navigation and hands-free phone functions.
The new Chevy Colorado goes on sale in Thailand later this year, so the concept is right-hand drive. But the development program is for a global vehicle, so we're likely to see many elements from the Thailand truck show up on the U.S. version of the Colorado and its GMC counterpart, the Canyon.




















Press Release
Chevrolet Unveils Colorado Show Truck
Boldly styled show truck previews next-generation midsize pickup
BANGKOK, Thailand - Chevrolet today revealed the Colorado Show Truck in advance of the Bangkok International Auto Show, where it is making its global public debut. The concept previews the next-generation Colorado midsize pickup truck, which will build on Chevrolet's strong truck DNA and award-winning heritage. The Colorado goes on sale in Thailand later this year.
"Thailand is the world's-largest market for midsize pickups, so this was the perfect location in which to unveil our new Colorado," said Susan Docherty, vice president, GMIO Sales, Marketing and Aftersales. "Trucks have been part of Chevrolet's core for nearly all of its 100-year history. The Colorado reinforces that heritage with expressive design, refinement and uncompromising capability."
The show truck features an extended-cab body atop a high-stance AWD chassis and rides on large, 20-inch wheels and off-road tires. Power comes from an efficient 2.8L turbo-diesel engine, which produces a broad torque band for excellent cargo and towing capability.
"Although this is a show vehicle, the basic proportions and form convey the vision for the next-generation Colorado that we will bring to market," said Brad Merkel, GM's global vehicle line executive. "It reflects a stylized version of the new truck, one that takes into account rugged dependable truck capabilities for commercial use as well as sophisticated refinement for personal-use needs."
While the new Colorado was developed within GM's global product development organization, engineers took careful steps to ensure it would meet local market needs. Roberto Rempel, GM's global vehicle chief engineer, lived in Thailand for several months during the truck's development, immersing himself in the market and observing how the Thai people use their trucks and the road conditions they experience.
"Pickups are instrumental in the vibrant Thai economy and owners take great pride in their trucks, which are used for both work and personal driving," he said. "These customers ask a lot of their trucks, so the powertrains and chassis must be very robust to earn their trust - and that's exactly what we've delivered."
Design details
The Colorado show truck's purposeful design conveys strength through bodywork that appears tightly wrapped over the chassis and a wide, confident stance. In the front, Chevrolet's internationally recognized gold bowtie and dual-port grille are framed by large headlamps that flow into the front fenders, and an extractor vent on the hood.
"Around the globe, pickup trucks are associated with strength, capability and function - and that's exactly what the Colorado show truck embodies," said Ed Welburn, GM vice president of Global Design. "Its broad-shouldered proportions are derived from nearly a century of Chevrolet truck heritage."
Pepperdust Metallic exterior paint is accented with polished aluminum details in the fascias, as well as integrated side steps and black-masked projector-style headlamps with LED lighting elements. At the rear is a full-width LED-lit taillamp, which creates a striking appearance when illuminated.
Additional exterior details include:
A streamlined "cab collar" design with a body-color hard tonneau cover on the bed
Gray accents on the side, front and rear lower moldings
20-inch aluminum wheels featuring a "liquid metal" finish, with Stone Gray color wheel ports
Cooper 285/50R20 ZEON LTZ tires
Outside mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators.
Inside, there's another signature Chevrolet cue: a dual-cockpit instrument panel design. It flows into the doors, with continuous lines that create a floating, wraparound effect, amplifying the Colorado's feeling of spaciousness. Ice-blue lighting and high-quality, "double-faced" leather-trimmed seats add sophistication and refinement.
"The interior is designed to deliver a premium and inviting environment, with a greater feeling of spaciousness than is typically found in midsize trucks," said Welburn. "There's also great attention to detail in the execution of the features you see and feel."
A brace of motorcycle-inspired, three-dimensional gauges stand out on the instrument panel, projecting a sporty appearance.
Contrasting trim used with the light-colored leather seating, dark wood trim accented with chrome and low-gloss and soft-touch materials are used throughout for a premium feel. A number of storage compartments are located throughout the interior, including a covered center bin for concealment of valuable items, and a large, dual glovebox.
Additional features include a dual-zone, digital climate control system and the latest in "infotainment" technology. The show truck highlights an ergonomically positioned 7-inch LCD display in the center stack, for easy viewing and intuitive control of Web access, navigation, music and hands-free phone features.
More details about the production model will be released later in the year.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sonic Z-Spec Concept 2011 Chevrolet Concept Cars






Thursday, March 10, 2011
2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport

GM is addressing the growing demand for compact crossovers by introducing the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport which will become available to customers in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2011.
The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available in three trim levels – LS, LT and LTZ – with two different powertrain choices. The base engine is GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, while the uplevel powerplant is The General's 3.0-liter direct-injected V6. Having experienced both of these units in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers, we found the four to be far smoother and more refined than the anemic V6. In any case, both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is optional on LTZ models.
All models feature 17-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, six-speaker sound system, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, air conditioning, power locks and windows (with driver’s express down) and remote keyless entry. For fleets opting for the LT and LTZ, those crossovers will gain duel exhaust along with the V6 engine, OnStar and Bluetooth as standard. LTZ models also come with a standard 10-speaker sound system and a sunroof.

Press Release
Chevrolet Captiva Sport to Help Meet Fleet Customer Demand for Compact Crossovers
DETROIT - Chevrolet will introduce the Captiva Sport, a new entry to the U.S market, later this year to help satisfy growing demand for compact crossovers by fleet customers. The Captiva Sport is a variant of the globally successful Chevrolet Captiva compact crossover.
Variants of the compact crossover are sold in more than 50 markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South America. The U.S.-specific version will give fleet customers a contemporary five-seat crossover with a comprehensive range of features and amenities, and will also address their need for roominess, utility and fuel efficiency.
"It says a lot about our ability to draw on international programs and proven, quality crossovers that we were able to identify and federalize a strong new entrant such as Captiva Sport for the U.S. market," said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. "We turned to our global network for a solution to quickly meet the rising demand from local fleet customers and continue to meet strong retail demand for the Equinox."
The Captiva Sport will be available for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011, as a 2012 model.
The Chevrolet Equinox continues to show strong retail sales growth, with retail sales up 98 percent in February compared with the same month last year. Chevrolet expects sales retail sales to remain strong, in part due to its 32 mpg highway fuel economy rating, higher than the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Ford Escape.
The Captiva Sport features either an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder or 3.0L direct-injected V-6 engine - each matched with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Because the crossover is based on a proven GM global architecture, only minor revisions are required to meet federal standards, allowing Chevrolet to fast-track the Captiva Sport for the United States.
The Captiva Sport will be offered in LS and LT models, with four trim packages, including an all-wheel-drive model (LTZ). All models feature 17-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, six-speaker sound system, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, air conditioning, power locks and windows (with driver's express down) and remote keyless entry.
Uplevel LT and LTZ models include the V-6 engine (with dual exhaust), along with OnStar and Bluetooth phone connectivity. A rear-view camera and leather trim package - including leather-trimmed and heated front seats - are standard on LTZ and available on other trims. The LTZ trim also includes a 10-speaker sound system and a sunroof.
"The range of features offered by the Captiva Sport is as rich as any Chevrolet vehicle," said Batey. "Our fleet customers will find it to be a versatile vehicle that gives them the cargo capacity they need, in a fuel efficient package that will help keep their ownership costs in check."
Under the skin
At the core of the Captiva Sport is a European-inspired driving character, with a stiff, steel body-frame integral structure complemented by a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension. An isolated engine cradle enhances quietness and contributes to a smooth ride.
Standard on all models are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control - systems that work together to provide outstanding vehicle control
In addition to handling features such as StabiliTrak that help drivers avoid crashes, the Captiva Sport helps protect occupants with its high-strength steel structure and a long list of standard occupant-protection safety features. Dual-stage front-seat air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags and rollover capable head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models.
Other standard safety features include front-row safety belt pretensioners, Pedal Release System that decouples the brake pedal in a crash to avoid injuries, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system, automatic power door locks and side turn signal lamps.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
| Model: | Captiva Sport (LS and LT) |
| Body style / driveline: | 5-door, 5-passenger front engine transaxle, FWD, AWD compact sport-utility vehicle |
| Construction: | steel body-frame integral |
| EPA vehicle class: | sport utility vehicle |
| Manufacturing location: | Ramos Arizpe, Mexico |
Engines
| Type: | 2.4L DOHC I-4 DI | 3.0L DOHC V-6 DI |
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 145 / 2384 | 183 / 2994 |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98 | 3.50 x 3.15 / 89 x 80.2 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum | sand-cast aluminum with cast-in bore liners |
| Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing | DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing |
| Fuel delivery: | direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control | direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control |
| Compression ratio: | 11.4:1 | 11.7:1 |
| Horsepower | 182 / 136 @ 6700 | 264 / 197 @ 6950 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): | 172 / 233 @ 4900 | 222 / 301 @ 5100 |
| Recommended fuel: | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Emissions controls: | close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O 2 sensor | close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor |
| Estimated fuel economy | TBD | TBD |
Transmissions
| Type: | Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select | Hydra-Matic 6T50 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select |
| Application: | 2.4L | 3.0L |
| Gear ratios: (:1): |
|
|
| First: | 4.58 | 4.58 |
| Second: | 2.96 | 2.96 |
| Third: | 1.91 | 1.91 |
| Fourth: | 1.45 | 1.45 |
| Fifth: | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Sixth: | 0.75 | 0.75 |
| Reverse: | 2.94 | 2.94 |
| Final drive ratio: | 3.23 | 3.23 |
Chassis/Suspension
| Front: | independent, strut-type with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (27-mm with all engines) |
| Rear: | independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links and one trailing link, indirect-acting stabilizer bar, specifically tuned coil springs |
| Traction control: | all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention |
| Steering type: | 2.4L: specifically calibrated hydraulic-power-assisted (HPS) rack-and-pinion |
| Steering ratio: | 2.4L: 17.2:1 |
| Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: | 2.4L: 2.7 |
| Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): | 40 / 12.2 |
Brakes
| Type: | front and rear vented disc with power assist and ABS; traction control and stability control; dual piston caliper front/single piston caliper rear |
| Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): | front: 11.7 x 1.14 / 296 x 29 |
| Total swept area | front: 67 |
Wheels/Tires
| Wheel size and type: | 17 x 7-inch aluminum alloy |
| Tires: | P235/60R17 |
Dimensions
Exterior
| Wheelbase (in / mm): | 106.6 / 2707 |
| Overall length (in / mm): | 180.1 / 4576 |
| Overall width (in / mm): | 72.8 / 1850 |
| Overall height (in / mm): | 67 / 1704 |
| Track (in / mm): | front: 61.4 / 1562 |
| Minimum ground clearance | 7.8 / 200 |
| Step-in height (in / mm): | front: 17.8 / 453 |
| Approach angle (degrees): | 18.2 |
| Departure angle (degrees): | 22.7 |
| Curb weight (lb / kg): | 2.4L: TBD |
| Weight distribution (% front / rear): | 58 / 42 |
Interior
|
| Front | Rear |
| Seating capacity: | 2 | 3 |
| Headroom (in / mm): | 40.2 / 1023 | 39.3 / 1000 |
| Legroom (in / mm): | 40.7 / 1036 | 36.9 / 939 |
| Hip room | 52.6 / 1338 | 52.9 / 1344 |
| Shoulder room (in / mm): | 56.0 / 1424 | 55.9 / 1422 |
Capacities
| EPA interior volume: (cu ft / L): | 126.9 / 3596 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / L): | 56.4 / 1598 (behind front seat) |
| Passenger volume (cu ft / L): | 97.7 / 2769 (est.) |
| Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): | 2.4L: 1500 / 680 |
| Fuel tank (gal / L): | FWD: 19.2 / 73 |
| Engine oil (qt / L): | 2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7 |
| Cooling system (qt / L):
| 2.4L: 9.0 / 8.5 |
Sunday, March 6, 2011
2011 Hennessey HPE600【Video】
Hennessey Performance Engineering is offering a 602-horsepower supercharger upgrade for the 2011 Camaro SS Convertible, This 602 bhp street monster makes its power by way of a TVS2300 supercharger system with cold air induction, stainless steel long tube headers,high flow catalytic converters, stainless steel mid-pipes and high flow fuel injectors. The suspension has also been massaged by way of a KW adjustable coil-over suspension system.
The 2011 Hennessey HPE600 Camaro convertible is a bit less potent than last year model. It is based on the 2011 Camaro SS convertible, which Hennessey added a supercharger to the V8 engine to produce 602 horsepower. That’s about 172 horsepower more than the Camaro SS production model.
The HPE600 package is priced from $15,995 (€11,470) but customers can add a variety of options including a carbon fiber body kit, an adjustable KW coilover suspension, and 20-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport or Pirelli P-Zero tires.
Press Release
Introducing the 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro Convertible
SEALY, TEXAS - Hennessey Performance (HPE) introduces the company's first 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible. Pounding the pavement with a 602 bhp supercharged V8, the HPE600 is also the first 2011 Chevrolet Camaro convertible to hit the streets with a full treatment of aftermarket performance upgrades.
Hennessey began offering its power-addicting upgrades to the latest Chevy Camaro when the car was introduced in April of 2009. Since that time, HPE has built hundreds of Camaros with over 550 horsepower for owners across the globe.
"We were excited to receive one of the first 2011 Camaro SS convertibles from Chevrolet," says company founder and president, John Hennessey. "It was only natural that we would take the new Camaro SS convertible and upgrade it with our very popular HPE600 Supercharged upgrade. If having a 602 horsepower Camaro is cool and fun to drive then being able to drop the top takes the sensation of speed and the classis sound of American-muscle to a whole new level."
The 2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible puts its additional power to the ground with the help of a lowered (1 inch) KW adjustable coilover suspension system. Combined with wider 20 inch wheels (9.5 x 20 inch fronts, 10.5 inch rears) riding on Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires (275/30-20 fronts, 305/30-20 rears), the HPE600 Camaro convertible is capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds while running through the quarter mile in 12.0 seconds @ 118 mph.
"The new convertible Camaro is about 250 lbs heavier than the hardtop," states Hennessey CEO, Don Goldman. "But when you add nearly 200 horsepower, it more than makes up for the increased weight. When you are cruising down your favorite road with the top down, the combined sound of supercharger and exhaust makes it all worth it!"
The base cost for the HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible is $56,495 (base Camaro SS convertible MSRP of $40,500 plus $15,995 for the HPE600 Supercharged upgrade). All HPE600's come with a 3-year / 36,000 mile powertrain warranty from Hennessey. All-in, the HPE600 Supercharged Camaro convertible with upgraded wheels, tires, suspension and CarbonAeroTM carbon fiber front splitter and side sills costs $74,950 plus tax, title and license.
Camaro hardtop and convertible owners can send their vehicles to Hennessey facilities located near Houston, Texas and Lake Forrest, California. New vehicles can also be purchased through authorized Hennessey dealers such as Parkway Chevrolet (www.parkwaychevrolet.com ) in Tomball, Texas.
2011 HPE600 Supercharged Camaro Convertible
Vehicle Specifications
Power:
- 602 bhp @ 6,300 rpm
- 605 lb-ft torque @ 3,800 rpm
HPE600 Supercharged Upgrade Includes:
- TVS2300 Supercharger System (Black)
- HPE Cold Air Induction System
- Stainless Steel Long Tube Headers
- High Flow Catalytic Converters
- Stainless Steel Mid-Pipes
- High Flow Fuel Injector Upgrade
- Professional Installation
- HPE Engine Management Calibration
- Dyno Tuning & Road Testing
- Hennessey & HPE600 Exterior Badging
- Serial-Numbered Dash & Engine Plaques
- Hennessey Premium Floormats
- Hennessey Embroidered Headrests
- HPE Modified Engine Cover
- 3 Year / 36,000 Mile Limited Warranty
Options Include:
- CarbonAero Front Splitter (real carbon fiber)
- CarbonAero Side Sills (real carbon fiber)
- Hennessey / KW Variant 1 Suspension Upgrade (lowered 1 inch)
- Hennessey Blue Hood Stripes
- Hennessey 3-Piece Alloy Wheels (20×9.5 in. front, 20×10.5 in. rear)
- Pirelli P-Zero Tires (275/30-20 front, 305/35-20 rear)
- Hennessey Carbon Fiber Door Sill Plates
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Chevrolet Cruze hatchback
The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback will get its production-ready debut at Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed Cruze HB5, the hatchback is identical to the Cruze sedan from the rear doors forward.
Offering customers an alternative body style of the award-winning Cruze Sedan, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback sports an attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear. It exudes the same dynamic stance as the renowned Cruze sedan yet utilizes body-frame integral system to ensure pleasant driving experience and handling.
The compact segment in Europe represents a quarter of the total market and hatchbacks account for about 65% of the compact segment. The Cruze hatch uses the same structure as the sedan to remain true to the taut ride and handling characteristics preferred by European drivers. The main difference is a cargo capacity of 400 litres, which expands exponentially with the use of 60/40 split folding seats.
Expected to power the Cruze hatchback are the same power plants as in the sedan variant - a 113 PS (83 kW / 111 hp) 1.6-liter petrol, a 141 PS (104 kW / 139 hp) 1.8-liter petrol, and a 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) 2.0-liter diesel.
Press Release
Geneva world premiere for Cruze hatchback
- 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.
