GM has announced plans to officially unveil the production version of the Chevy Cruze hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.
A concept version of the Cruze hatchback was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last year (above). The production version is expected to be very close to the concept thanks to the trademark photos that were leaked. The only significant changes will be to the fog lights, taillights and alloy wheels.
Just in case you love the idea of a Chevy Cruze hatchback, it’s not slated to come to North America, well at least for now.
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Paris 10′ Preview: GM Unveils Chevy Cruze Hatchback for Europe
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.
