The new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback coming in Europe

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.

Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and will feature 60/40 split rear seating.

Chevrolet’s participation in the World Touring Car Championship with the Cruze is also currently paying great dividends. With four races left in the season, it currently leads both the drivers’ and team championships while also showcasing the dynamic qualities of the car to great effect.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback study

What you see in these pictures is the production version of the thinly disguised Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback study, which was presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. The more compact sized, hatchback version of the Cruze has lost some of the cool features of the concept car like the LED strips on the front bumper, the blue-tinted headlamps and the clear crystal tail lights, but other than that, nothing else has changed.

The new body style looks a bit sharper and sportier than the four-door saloon, but due to the shorter rear overhang, cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters, which is some 50 liters less than the sedan.

The reason why Chevrolet decided to build a five-door version of the Cruze is because 65 percent of all compact cars sold in Europe are hatchbacks.

The Cruze 5d will share its engine lineup with the four-door model, which means buyers can choose between 1.6-liter and 1.8-liter gasoline units producing 124HP and 141HP respectively, while there's also a 163 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Sales in Europe will start in mid 2011, with pricing to be announced closer the launch date.

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Interior

Chevrolet Cruze Interior

Chevrolet Cruze interior has been designed well, so did the selection of material-material. Interior Cruze themed 'Twi-cockpit', where the dashboard split by the center console which "wrap" the driver and front passenger. Twin cockpit interior is inspired alerts Corvette 1953. The buttons scattered around the dashboard quite ergonomic and easy to reach, though not without flaws. For example, the play button sensitive AC fan, often tersenggol driver's left knee, so a few times without accidentally adding fast fan speed.

 

Chevrolet Cruze Interior

Baggage Cruze presents a good shape for easy access. The back seat can be folded separately also add storage in the trunk configuration. Lucky too, that our test car equipped with a cargo net (optional). However, lever or the trunk release button inside the cabin absent. In its place is a remote button integrated on the ignition key to open the space stuff.

Chevrolet Cruze Interior

In addition, the cabin feels spacious leg room because it has relieved. The cabin crammed with a variety of interesting features that are designed to provide comfort. For example, climate control feature that is equipped with a water quality system (AQS), although still apply a single zone. AQS serves as a filter from the outside air that enters the cabin, so that more fresh air for its passengers.