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Vehicle Highlights

Fact file: Chevrolet Cruze hatchback

Exceptional value and unique style in compact segment

• Segment: Compact
• Start of sales: Summer 2011

With the arrival of the Cruze hatchback, Chevrolet is present in full force on Europe's hard-fought market for compact cars. The Cruze hatchback  has the same qualities associated with the slightly longer sedan, while offering customers an alternative body-style to the award-winning sedan – Chevrolet's best-selling nameplate globally.

An all-new 1.7L diesel engine now complements the line-up of 1.6 and 1.8 liter gasoline and 2.0 liter turbo diesel engines already available. All engines except for the 1.7L diesel can be matched with either manual or automatic transmissions. The 1.6 and 1.8L gasoline engines deliver 124 hp at 6,200 rpm and 141 hp at 6,200 rpm, respectively.

The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, meanwhile, displays impressive fuel economy – 5.6 liters/100 km over the combined cycle – and has a maximum power output of 163 hp at 3,800 rpm. The most frugal of all engines, however, is the new 1.7 diesel which will become available this spring. Over a combined cycle, this engine consumes a mere 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers while emitting 117 g of CO₂ per km. As of summer 2012, the Cruze hatchback will also be offered with a 1.4L turbo gasoline engine which delivers 140 hp. Both the 1.4L turbo gasoline and the 1.7L diesel engine will come with start-stop technology.

Sporting an attractive sloping roofline, concave shoulder lines that run along the sides of the car, and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the Cruze hatchback conveys the same dynamic stance as the sedan. The design of the hatchback's rear section includes a spoiler with integrated stop lamp which has been fitted to the upper perimeter of the rear window for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency. The rear bumper features a large  recess with the number plate and incorporates a rear fog lamp on the left and a back-up lamp on the right hand-side.

Chevrolet's traditional dual cockpit, flowing, uninterrupted lines and tight gap tolerances are the main characteristics of the Cruze hatchback's interior. Both the Cruze sedan and hatchback have more amenities and technology features than any previous GM compact car in the value segment. Aux audio connections for iPod/MP3 are standard, optional comfort features may include an SD card-updated navigation system, USB audio connectivity and steering wheel audio controls.

A brand new infotainment system, called Chevrolet MyLink, will be launched in higher trim levels of the Cruze line-up as of summer 2012. Chevrolet MyLink aggregates content from smartphones onto the seven-inch diagonal, high-resolution, full-color touch-screen display. Compatible devices can be connected via USB or Bluetooth. There is also a dedicated plug-in outlet for certain personal music devices and smartphones that do not use USB or Bluetooth connections.

Once the smartphone is connected, personal playlists, photo galleries, phone books, videos and other stored media and data, such as a special navigation app, can be accessed through the touch-screen. The seven-inch color-touch-screen infotainment system is produced by LG Electronics.

The hatchback  comes with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and 6 airbags.

Key to the car's safety design, but also to its ride and handling quality, is its highly rigid body structure with strategically applied high-strength steels. A wide track of 1,544 mm (front) and 1,558 mm (rear), respectively, provides first-rate traction while hydraulic suspension bushings and an isolated mounting for the front sub-frame contribute to the vehicle's running refinement.

Status: March 2012