Last month we saw the all-new D2XX-based Chevrolet Cruze sporting its American front end while testing. The car features several changes compared to its Chinese-market counterpart, with a front end that prominently features Chevy’s new corporate two-tier grille. Now, Kelley Blue Book spy photographers caught the next-gen America-bound Cruze testing, giving us an even better look at what will be one of Chevy’s most important nameplates in the coming years.
The car spied by KBB appears to be a more high-end model than the black Cruze we saw in April. Whereas that car was missing its front fog lights, this model has them, along with a set of gunmetal grey wheels. From what we can tell, there are no other changes, meaning the Impala-like body lines on the rear quarter panel are still present, along with the high beltline and sloping rear roofline.
As previously reported, General Motors’ new family of Ecotec engines will find their way into this D2XX-based Cruze. The 2.0-liter diesel engine is expected to return due to its relatively recent introduction, while the new 1.4-liter turbo I4 and 1.5-liter naturally aspirated unit introduced in the Chinese model may also appear in the North American version of the car. As far as transmissions go, the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from the Chinese variant will likely carry over, as will the six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic is not out of the question, either, although would be slightly redundant with the dual-clutch auto.
Comments
http://www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/2016-chevrolet-cruze-spied/2000010652/
I dont like this new direction. The last generation of Cruze was fantastic. This looks bland and boring, and looks like its trying to hard to be interesting.
Ugly front end
Yeah, it’s the mother of all pie holes. The Chinese spec one is better looking IMO. And what’s his face Reuss said it was going to blow us away. What a lame a$$ statement.
Thought GM had fired the Aztek design team.
Not unhappy with the rear half but the front end definitely needs work …..
Someone should photoshop the horizontal bar being set back and part of the grill instead of the body ….. think it would look better and they could make it body color for the base model, chrome for LT/LTZ models and black with red trim and RS badging for RS models. Think Celebrity Eurosport — the trimmings not the car — which was a little bit of sporty accent but which made a huge difference in values in the used car market.
I really like the overall look. I am really excited for the power/drive trains and interior the most. The front end is a little weird, but at least it has its own look compared to its competition. With the new 7-Speed Dual Clutch and new Ecotec engines (VVT, SIDI, and IVVL hopefully), I am hoping to see at least 29 City/44 Highway with the 1.5i, 27 City/41 Highway with the 1.4t, and 30 City/50 Highway with the 2.0tdi.
I don’t get calling it more boring than the current one, like it or not. This has more to it, too much so to some eyes.
I’m fine with most of it, except the chrome bar on the rear end. What’s up with that?
It will be mostly the fuel economy and interior that will help it sell, so I hope those will be great. And it needs a top engine option that is nonexistent in the current car.
I will have to see it in person first.
I see it now not any better or worse than what is out there.
Styling a small are is difficult as you have much less sheet metal to be creative with. It also has to be practical, functional and meet many new regulations.
If you look t most new cars they all have this tall flat nose to meet the new crash standards in many countries where they have added space between the hood and the engine to give pedestrians crush space. Some companies are even testing an air bag for under the hood/.
Anyways a informed opinion often is the best one.
Hyundai set the design for many competitors. The Hyundai’s were bought by the public in the hundreds of thousands, even though the undercarriages are inferior. The model Cruze is only jumping on the band wagon, of the X design, for the front end.
Its still a sharp design, but the new autos, like the Cruze are only playing follow the leader. I’m glad that I picked up a 2014.
The General used to lead in design. Now… only Cadillac, and Buick are blazing new territories.
If management board, a director of design, or any crucial decision maker, had a brain,
that prototype would not come out that way. That is not Cruze. Why dump the existing
optimal design parameters and move to completely different, worse way?