Tomorrow is the official debut of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze here in Detroit, Michigan. With that will eventually come the retirement of the current-generation model, which has been on sale globally since 2008. The vehicle line has served GM well, not only in terms of sales, but also as a representation of the best FWD compact car from Chevrolet that anybody can remember. Yes, the first-gen Cruze was highly competitive, thus, leaves big shoes to fill. And while concrete details are still to come, here are eight things to look out for when it comes to the 2016 Cruze.
1. It’s Far More Athletic Looking Than The Outgoing Cruze
If you didn’t see the spy photos showing a completely naked 2016 Chevrolet Cruze yet, you’re missing out. The thing looks pretty sharp. Not to mention angular, and very 2016 Volt-like in appearance. Time will tell if the driving prowess will back up the rakish looks on the road.
2. It’s Very Different From The Chinese Model
The bland Chinese version of the Cruze currently offered in China will thankfully stay there. But differences are more than just skin deep. The interior, as witnessed in teaser videos, is also different from the Chinese Cruze, and it’s likely that the same goes for what’s under the hood as well.
3. It Will Feature Apple CarPlay Along With Android Auto
As announced not long ago, the 2016 Cruze will be one of 14 Chevrolet models to feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, enabling significantly better integration and user experience for iPhone and Android users.
4. 10 Standard Airbags Remain, Along With 6 Months Of Standard OnStar Services
Enough said.
5. Over 35 MPG Highway
According to the emojified press release released yesterday and officially deciphered today, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will feature highway fuel economy higher than the 35 mpg seen on the first-generation model.
6. There Could Be A Premier Trim Level, According To Trademark Filings
According to the USPTO, a Cruze Premier trim level is imminent, mirroring the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Premier. If that’s the case, the LTZ trim level is likely to go away.
7. It Will Likely Share A Similar Powertrain To Its German Cousin, The Opel Astra
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and 2016 Opel Astra are both children of the new GM D2XXÂ compact vehicle platform. This means that whatever engine can fit into the new Astra K will likely be able to fit in the all-new Chevrolet Cruze. Will the all-new 1.4L EcoTec engine find itself in the engine bay of the 2016 Cruze? We’ll find out tomorrow.
8. A Hatchback Model Should Actually Launch In North America
Recently, Chevrolet dealership officials were shown a five-door hatchback version of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze during its annual dealer body meeting in Las Vegas. Executives reportedly said that the hatch will launch in the U.S. at the same time as the Cruze four-door sedan.
Meanwhile, the first-generation Cruze will continue on for at least one more model year as the as the fleet-only Cruze Limited.
Comments
I am wondering if the US Cruze was an emergency face-lift as implied by Automotive News or if two unique models had always been the plan.
I could see see the US spec Cruze stealing Excelle shoppers in China. The Chinese model is worse than Dart, and that says a lot.
Nope, planned all the time.
Cost cutting Chinese model allows profit there. U.S. market hyper competitive.
Who said China won’t have this Cruze as well?
Once again, proper writing dictates Android Auto (A.A.) comes before Apple Carplay (A.C.). Nobody is fooled by your “along with…” sneaky way of not having to follow the rule when reporting lists of names or things. Moreover, 80%+ of the world uses Android so it is globally more relevant.
Your Apple fanboy bias in this site is annoying.
Really? A site is biased based on the order in which they list things? You insecure much, bro?
1. Google Android Auto = GAA vs. Apple CarPlay = AC. Which comes first? Yeah. You’re a dumbass.
2. Really? You seem to have a major insecurity or some other type of idiocy to even care about who gets listed first. This is concerning. See a doctor.
3. Meanwhile, most of the world is significantly more satisfied with their Apple devices, while the rest settle for cheap, low quality Android devices.
4. Why don’t you look at market share of those segments where Apple actually competes (high-end smartphones). Apple is by far the most popular.
5. What share of Android devices will be able to run/be compatible with Android Auto? Given that most Sndroid devices sold today are not smartphones but rather feature phones, your entire comment is useless.
The two things I find most appealing other than it being better looking are the improved gas mileage and the addition of a hatchback to the lineup.
They should just unveil both the sedan and hatchback at the same time
The one thing they have not told us but will impress us when we hear will be the weight loss. This one is much lighter.
As for the hatch I will wait and see how it does. Cars like the Trax will make it a challenge to sell here as Americans if given the choice tend to lean to the CUV.
What have they done to the length and the width of the vehicle , if any ???
Two things got worse;
1. How it looks outside.
2. How it looks inside.
They should have only upgraded Cruze only perfomance-wise.
I hope original design may come back as performance version…
Low traction and no economy in Cruze with wider rear track than front track chassises all forever.
Copy from GM data base.
Taweechai Wongwarapan
Of course, they prefer low traction and fuel consumption below 1 to 5 km/l or 20 to over 100 l/100km with wider rear track than front track chassises.
Wider rear track than front track chassises all : the lowest traction, extreme tail flick, extreme slide, below 1 to 5 km/l forever.
Front track as same dimension as rear track chassises all : medium traction, tail flick, slide, below 1 to 5 km/l forever.
Wider front track than rear rear track in below 10 mm chassises with RWD, AWD all : medium traction, tail flick, slide, below 1 to 5 km/l forever.
From
GM data base and all brands data base
Copy by Taweechai Wongwarapan.
Below 0.90 G traction know as low traction to medium traction.
They never learn to use without three of those.
Ideal to high traction with wider front track than rear track with over 10 mm chassise all are gone.
High traction (over 0.90 G traction) way are wider front track than rear track in over 10 mm chassises.
Of course, they prefer three of those as the worst case.
From
GM data base
Copy by Taweechai Wongwarapan
Petrol engines 1-4 turbo intercooler all : unstable power output, easy damage, below 1 to 5 km/l.
From
GM data base and all brands data base
Copy by Taweechai Wongwarapan
They destroy supercharger intercooler petrol engines all.
Of course they hate ones.
All customers hate 1-4 turbochargers intercooler petrol engines all as the worst engines.
From
Record data
Copy by Taweechai Wongwarapan