A second-generation Chevrolet Cruze has been caught completely uncovered in a parking lot outside General Motors’ plant in Shanghai. This example reportedly represents a China-only model with a shorter wheelbase, which will debut next month at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show.
As pre-production photos suggested, the new Cruze’s front end bears close resemblance to the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu. The two-tier grille features a narrow upper section with a wide-mouth lower part, flanked by two fog lamps and a strip of a LED lights. The body is sharper overall with a higher waistline and a coupe-like sloping roof. Out back, the taillights are slim and angular, with a third center-mounted brake light integrated into the trunk-lid.
The Cruze will debut the all-new Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged and 1.5-liter engines for the Chinese market. The 1.5L will produce 113 hp and 108 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo will make 140 hp and 173 lb-ft. It will be available with either a six-speed manual transmission, or a seven-speed dual clutch automatic unit.
According to Car News China, the mildly refreshed version of the current generation Cruze which was spotted earlier this month will be sold alongside the new 2015 model in China as the Cruze Classic, to serve as a budget alternative to the all-new Cruze, much like what Ford does with the Focus and Focus Classic in the country.
The second-generation U.S. market Cruze was originally scheduled to debut later this year, but the launch was pushed back until December of 2015 due to “engineering changes”. No details on the U.S. model have been confirmed so far.
Comments
That is wrong. That thing better stay over in China.
The Chevy Cruze, as currently designed, essentially works. It is conservative, but it looks solid and like a “real” car (which is what you want in these smaller segments), not like some toy.
If this old Ford Focus rip-off makes it over here, it will be a 2013 Malibu level dud.
I like it a lot! The front fascia is a little Malibu-ish which is awesome! The interior looks best-in-class as well!
That is horrid looking and looks like a Dart with a Chevy Badge stuck on the front. I agree with you Rob.
I’m sorry, but this design is rather disappointing, in my opinion. Upon looking at it I’m instantly reminded of the current generation Ford Focus, with a bit of Dodge Dart in the mix. This whole big, mouthy grille design is getting a bit out of hand. It seems to many automakers are employing it. The interior is handsome though.
Nonetheless I expect it to be successful. The Cruze is perhaps one of the best in its class.
I don’t know, some things I like others not so much. The interior looks good and I like the rear. I think they could have done better with the Malibu/SS looking nose job. Another thing, someone can get close enough for these quality shots but yet completely fail to get a good full side profile of it as well. All we get is this sort of 3/4 angle of the side so cant really put dimensions or character lines into perspective What the Hell?
The rear is somewhat improved.
The rest is disappointing. A wider Malibu-like grille with generic headlights and very bland sheet metal. The upper grille does not look like it fits with the headlights…
This is a 2016 car?? With that very conservative look, it could easily have been the 2011 Model.
The bowtie was put in the wrong spot, whoops.
See, this is why I don’t like the old Chevy grill, it led to the hideous Malibu, and now this, although somewhat improved over the 2014 Malibu. The front fascia would be right at home if it were a dodge or Kia’s lineup.
Actually I take that back, the front fascia looks ripped off a Toyota Avalon, nice one GM, you had the best looking four door sedan in North America and you decided to rip off a car from one of the most worthless automakers.
I am not a fan of the two piece grill and the gold bow tie but to the general public I do not see this being a big issue.
If It looks like a Focus that is not going to hurt it either. Lets face it there are a lot of ugly little cars out there and they all sell pretty well.
I will wait for the American version to pass judgment as this is similar but the American car will have some changes. This is like Judging the Aussie Colorado vs. our new Colorado. I may not like the American one either but I would rather have an informed opinion.
Let’s talk about ugly cars and selling pretty well… ummm…
pontiac aztek
chevy hhr
good luck with that cruze
And things looked so promising with the 2014 Impala…
Yes! I thought the Impala design language would define Chevy.
Mazda has Kodo; Ford has Kinetic; Chevy is all about design trend at this point.
If a Focus, Elanta and Dart had sex this Cruze would be born.
How will this compete with Jetta globally? Why do I feel like Ford is about to over take all four GM brands in sales?
Hello Chevy Focus!
Sorry, I just couldn’t miss it.
It’s not that bad to get some inspiration from the Ford.
I think this car will be fine. Many of the nay-sayers here were the same ones praising the Silverado with all kinds of superlative descriptions. Since my taste in design seems to be 180 degrees from the general consensus (and I’ve thus far proven that my taste basically echoes that of the BUYING public) I am not worried at all.