We weren’t exactly sure what to think of the all-new D2XX-based 2015 Chevrolet Cruze when it debuted in China earlier this year. For starters, the all design of the new model brought such a big departure from the first-gen’s instantly-identifiable and generally tasteful styling that it left no trace of its predecessor. Even worse is the initial lack of “real world” photos of the new Cruze, as the computer-generated images don’t seem to do the new model justice. Luckily, that’s neither here nor there for the next-generation Cruze that will come to America.
As it stands, the next-gen Cruze bound for North America (and for Europe, had Chevrolet not pulled out of the region), will be the same model as the one sold in China (complete with the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and new-generation of Ecotec engines), but with a few minor differences. Here are the three biggest distinctions that our sources have told us about so far:
1. Front Fascia
Though both, the North American-market 2016 Chevy Cruze and the Chinese-market 2015 Cruze will sport versions of Chevy’s signature dual-port grille, the Chinese model features a different grille and bumper cover treatment. The most prominent variation lies in the grille of the Chinese-market model, which has a thinner upper portion compared to American-market Cruze. It’s this upper portion that wears the Chevrolet Bow Tie in China, rather than sitting on the body-colored piece that runs across the grille, separating the top from the bottom grille treatment, as it is in the North American Cruze. The disparity in the styling carries into the bottom portion of the front grille, with that of the Chinese-market Cruze having more rounded corners at the top end of the lower grille. Meanwhile, the lower grille of the North American model will taper off with sharper upper corners. To note, the North American version of the Chevrolet Sonic features a slightly different facia compared to the Chinese-market model, which is exactly the same vehicle, save for a different face.
2. Hatchback Body Style
Though Chevrolet offered the first-generation Cruze in four-door sedan as well as five-door hatchback and wagon body styles in Europe and as a sedan and hatch in China, the compact was offered exclusively as a sedan in North America. This will change with the second-gen model, with North America being the first market to get the (yet-to-be-unveiled) second-generation Cruze hatchback, according to our sources. And for Chinese hatchback fans: not to worry, you’ll receive the five-door hatch after its North American launch. Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra have been put on notice.

The first-generation Chevrolet Cruze hatchback never made it to North America
3. OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi
Although GM’s OnStar telematics service has been around in China since 2009 (and to great success), the new OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi service has yet to launch in the country. Meanwhile, OnStar 4G LTE is off to a great start in the United States, having launched this summer in the U.S. As such, the North American-market Cruze will have OnStar 4G LTE with Wi-Fi, while its Chinese-market brother won’t. At least initially. Other Minor Differences Likely
At the end of the day, the second-generation D2XX-based Cruze is a global vehicle that will be common to all areas where it’s sold, while featuring some minor market-specific differences. We’ll know about what those are, specifically, when the all-new 2016 Cruze is officially announced, most likely at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit (in January of 2015), and when it’s announced for other markets, including South America, Russia, and the CIS. Luckily for Chinese car buyers, the first-gen Cruze will remain on the market (in China) as the Cruze Classic.
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Comments
Good call on the front fascia being different. It now looks more like the Chevy tru140 concept than Ford Focus copy cat. I also like that we are getting a hatch. Hopefully a performance variant will be offered this time around as well.
Yeah, as much as I like the Chinese nose, the one said to be the American version is growing on me in it’s likability factor. Lord, I also hope you’re right GM Authority on the US finally getting a hatchback Cruze. 🙂
I went back and looked, the original story on this posted by you guys was Nov. 6, 2013. I still have it on my saved/favorites file(about the hatch version that is).
It’s coming Paul. It really is! 🙂
Will the diesel be available with a manual transmission? GM is missing the boat by not pairing the diesel with the manual.
We’ll see. But the demand for such a diesel compact is low already… throw the manual in, and it shrinks even more. Just a though…
In China sells the hatchback version of the Cruze!
Another difference, said a spokesman for the Chevrolet itself, is that the new Cruze will come to North America will have a longer wheelbase.
Yes, China currently offers both the sedan and hatchback of the first-gen Cruze. But North America will likely get the 2nd-gen hatch before China does.
As for the wheelbase being different: this is highly unlikely. What’s the source?
Gotta say the China version looks somewhat sportier then the bullet nosed American version.
I think the Chinese fascia is more aesthetically pleasing. A hatch will also be a big plus.
I also think that Chinese front facia is more attractive!
Not gonna lie, I think the Chinese market one looks better. Looks more aggressive.
It’d be easy to swap bumper covers and grilles, right?
Sorry folks – I’ll miss the first generation Cruze and I can’t fathom buying a second gen. If I’m brutally honest, it’s disgusting. Far too much like Toyota or Hyundai. When my 2012 dies or it’s time to trade-in/sell, I’m gonna check VW or Nissan. Hate saying it but I can’t see coming around to this new, odd curiosity from Chevy. Dual-clutch or not, it’s a no from me.
You haven’t even seen it in person! Grow up and quit complaining…
You’re quite right.
First generation design had already reached optimum point from which
GM should have moved very little from existing one in changing
design parameters determining the image of a car.
Second one truly seems to have started from first gen, but it has gone too far to lose original identity,
posing itself as totally different “class”.
Look at how Corvette designer(s) has struggled not to lose consistency with 5, 6 gen.
Oooo a hatch! Can’t wait to hear about the new 1.4 turbo more than anything else!
The body sculpting looks good , neat how the upper ridge line runs through the door handles and along to the headlites . Flow through design with good sized greenhouse . Hopefully the ; rear , side pillars and windshield corner posts aren’t too massive which will help open up the interior . Its amazing how some vehicles today look small on the outside but when you sit in them , you are amazed at how spacious they are . To me , this is is the ultimate compliment to a designer .
Both version are ugly. I have to say the NA version is uglier still. Completely inelegant and unoriginal. Not even sporty, just lazy styling that looks worse than the current version (before the hideous MCE).
Hopefully the seats will be wider and deeper with lumbar. The current seats are awful.
First generation Cruze’s design is way way better than second generation.
Video New Cruze 2016 in China: