All-new Chevrolet Cruze targets 40 global markets

Chevrolet has 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 optimised design, the 2016 Cruze elevates the compact car segment.

It will be offered in more than 40 global markets and goes on sale first in North America in early 2016, where a new, standard 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with direct injection and an SAE-certified 113 kW will contribute to a General Motors-estimated 5.9-liter/100km on the highway with the available six-speed automatic transmission. Stop/start technology contributes to the Cruze’s efficiency in stop-and-go driving.

The new turbo engine and a leaner architecture that contributes up to a 113 kg overall weight reduction also contribute to the new Cruze offering stronger performance, with expected 0-100 km/h acceleration of eight seconds.

It builds on a very successful program that introduced Chevrolet to new customers the world over and retains all the attributes that made the original model a global hit and built on them to make it more sophisticated, more fun and more Chevrolet.

New 1.4-liter turbo engine has direct injection and stop/start technology matched with a standard six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission.

This is truly one of Chevrolet’s most global vehicles 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 it one of the fastest-growing brands around the world.

Cruze’s expressive design is derived from a balance struck between the designers’ inspiration and the efficiency-optimising input of wind tunnel testing -leveraging the aero experience of vehicles including the Volt. Proportionally, it is 68 mm longer and nearly a 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.

Approach to proportion and premium details adds to elevation of craftsmanship, content, quality, and a fresh interpretation on an identity that is unmistakably Chevrolet in every market around the world.

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 a centre-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.

Given its 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 (917 mm) and 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.

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.

It 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.

Available safety features include an expanded range of adaptive crash-avoidance technologies, including side blind zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist and forward collision alert.

Additional safety features include the front passenger seat occupant sensing system and rollover sensing and protection system, collapsible pedal assembly to help protect against lower-extremity injuries. It comes with three-point safety belts in all five seating positions. There is child seat latching system in the rear seat, a tyre pressure monitoring system, daytime running lamps.

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling around 4.8 million cars and trucks a year. It provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value.