2011 Chevy Cruze Looks like a Winner
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Chevy’s Cobalt improved on the old Cavalier in every way possible, and while a strong seller the General knows it can do better.
Enter the Cruze, a car bowtie dealers would like to have in the Chevrolet lineup right now, but will have to wait a while longer. It’s due in North America in 2010 as a 2011 model, after being initially launched in Europe. Yes, the Cruze is a global car, unlike the Cobalt and Cavalier which were only sold in North America, and because of this should move quality up to higher levels expected in Europe and Asia.
With the introduction of its new Saturn Astra, GM has proven that this business model works, at least with kudos from the motoring press. The Astra hasn’t sold in the numbers the import-fighting division had hoped for, partially because it’s only available in a hatchback and secondly because it’s free-revving engine isn’t as powerful as some of its rivals, but as more and more owners of larger cars, which are often better equipped than the majority of today’s smaller cars, start looking for high-quality fuel misers, the Astra should find a stronger following and that quality will pay off in the long run, with customer retention.
If GM’s press release is anything to go by, the Cruze, which shares underpinnings with the Astra, should benefit from association. The cabin will be covered in “grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels” for a “quality ambience that echoes the clean, harmonious design of the exterior.”
And to most eyes the Cruze looks good. The horizontally bisected grille, initiated by the Malibu and followed up by the bold-but-tiny ‘09 Aveo5, is part of the package, ushering Chevy’s compact into the family’s new design language. And where the Malibu is soft and curvy, the new Cruze plays with angles and creases, giving it an edgier, younger appeal. Of note are uniquely shaped headlight clusters that point up towards the A-pillars, and simultaneously forming an elegant wrap outlining the wheel arches. It’s a bold, forward-thinking look that’s bound to initiate imitation. Likewise, side sculpting above the rocker panels contrast with a strong shoulder line, giving the car’s profile character normally associated with premium vehicles.
“Our goal in designing Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary,” commented chief designer Taewan Kim. “We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world.”
If you’re in Paris early October, you’ll get the opportunity to see the Cruze up close and personal, before it goes on sale in Europe on March 2009 as a 2010 model. Three engines will be available from launch, starting with an ultra-thrifty 112-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder and followed up by the same 140-horsepower 1.8-liter mill as found in the Saturn Astra; both gasoline engines feature variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides to reduce consumption, increase performance and improve emissions. Diesel fans will be able to order their Cruze with a 2.0-liter turbocharged oil burner, good for 150-horsepower and more torque, at 236 lb-ft, than its gasoline powered counterparts. Which engine will we get?
The likely base engine will be the 1.8-liter four, although it’s possible the Cruze will introduce GM’s upcoming 1.4-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine, which is expected to combine strong performance with impressive fuel efficiency. Efficiency in mind, the Cruze will also receive the General’s next-generation small-car automatic transmission, sporting six forward speeds for optimizing consumption and performance. A five-speed manual will be standard.
Chevy also brags of the Cruze’s overall size, saying that it’s “wider and longer than most of its competitors.” This should help it fare well in North America, where midsize buyers are looking to downsize in order to save money on fuel, but most likely won’t be willing to go too small. In Europe, however, it may need to appeal in other ways.
Despite the European influence, the new Cruze will be able to tout the “Buy American” slogan as it will be built in the same Lordstown, Ohio plant that currently produces Cobalt and Pontiac’s version, the G5.
Promoting “Made in America” won’t necessarily go over as well in Europe when the car gets launched first, but Chevrolet doesn’t appear concerned. After all, it’s the fastest growing mainstream brand on the Continent, up 23-percent over the first half of 2008, and the new Cruze will only add to this momentum.
“We are proud that Europe is leading the introduction for this global product,” stated Wayne Brannon, Executive Director, Chevrolet Europe. “Chevrolet has always stood for expressive value and Cruze delivers on that promise like never before. It further redefines Chevrolet with its design, quality, materials and great style inside and out. The fit and finish for gaps and interfaces sets a new standard for this segment in Europe and around the world.”
Standard of the world? Wasn’t that a claim another GM brand once made? Maybe it’ll be as true of the new Chevrolet as it once was, and may still be for Cadillac.
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