Chevy Cruze hatchback unveiled at NAIAS

Borrowing cues from Ford and Honda Chevy brought to our shores the hatchbacked version of the Cruze.   I like it. Strong lines, nice proportions and a decent enough standard turbo charged 1.4l Four that will return good performance and great mileage.

I really want to like this car for a lot of reasons.  When the manufactures go toe to toe and up the bar we all win.  That's the rub I see with this car and I'd love Chevy to prove me wrong.  Shown here in the RS trim package, its just that a trim package.  Where Ford has the ST and RS versions and Honda with its hot hatch STi coming why would Chevy settle for meeting the bar for standard issue cars and not go out and wow us with a hot hatch as well?  Makes no sense...they have an amply powerful 2.0l turbo used elsewhere in the GM family, that would be the power plant to stuff into the Cruze and make it a competitive hot hatch as well.  I can dream can't I?

Let me get off the rant about not having a hot hatch as part of the Cruze line up.  This hatch as stated earlier is really nice looking in person and will have amply more room in the back seat, especially head room than the standard issue sedan.  Add in the muscular good looks, great ergonomics inside this car is certainly competitive with its mainstream counterparts and that's a good thing. 

All pics by me from my time at NAIAS aka the Detroit Auto Show.  More pics for the show in my flickr album.

Details on the car from the press release after the jump.  

Chevrolet Introduces 2017 Cruze Hatch

HERE’S THE STORY

Ahead of its debut at the North American International Auto Show, Chevrolet today introduced the 2017 Cruze Hatchback. Developed with all the technologies and dynamic driving attributes of the all-new 2016 Cruze sedan, the new hatch adds a functional and sporty choice for customers. It joins Colorado and Trax as the latest Chevrolets to push into new segments.  

PRODUCT DETAILS

The Cruze Hatch has the same, class-leading 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase as sedan models, but features a unique roof and rear-end structure – including wraparound taillamps and an integrated spoiler at the top of the liftgate. It opens to offer 18.5 cubic feet (524 liters) of cargo space behind the rear seat. With the rear seat folded, cargo space expands to 42 cubic feet (1,189 liters).

ON SALE

Fall 2016

QUOTABLE

“With 9 percent market growth in small hatchbacks last year, it’s the perfect time to bring the Cruze Hatch to America,” said Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America and Global Chevrolet. “As Cruze continues to set the tone for Chevrolet globally, it articulates the brand promise of offering cars with the latest technologies, more features and greater efficiency, performance and safety with fresh, distinctive styling.”

ABOUT THE NEW CRUZE

An all-new, more rigid and lighter architecture is the Cruze’s foundation for driving dynamism, while also playing a significant role in safety and efficiency. It is more than 200 pounds (91 kg) lighter than the previous-generation model due largely to a body structure that is 100 pounds lighter and an engine that’s 44 pounds (20 kg) lighter.

The Cruze lineup in North America is offered in L, LS, LT and Premier – and a more expressive RS package, featuring unique front and rear fascias, rocker panels, rear spoiler, fog lamps and – on the Premier model – 18-inch wheels.

The 2017 Cruze Hatch will be offered in LT and Premier trims, and with the RS package.

KEY FEATURES

• Segment-exclusive standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via the MyLink radio systems and available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot
• More standard safety features than any other compact car – including Corolla and Civic – with available adaptive features including Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Park Assist
• Available Teen Driver feature helps support safe driving habits and offers driving statistics for parents
• Standard 1.4L turbo engine with direct injection and Stop/Start technologies, electric power steering and, on Premier models, a Z-link rear suspension
• Interior with midsize-level roominess, including two inches greater rear legroom than Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra
• Available features include a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, Athens leather-appointed seating surfaces, true French seams and halogen projector-beam headlamps with LED signature lighting.

FAST FACTS

• Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling car around the world, with 3.5 million sold since it went on sale in 2008
• Since Cruze’s introduction, Chevrolet’s retail share of the segment has grown from 5.8 to 9.4 percent
• 35 percent of Cruze customers are new to Chevrolet
• In the U.S., Cruze is the segment’s second-best seller to customers under 25.

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. Chevrolet 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.

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