Chevy officially revealed the 2019 Cruze back in April, but we have not seen the refreshed model in the wild (on the road) until today. We recently managed to catch a final prototype of the updated model undergoing final testing, and took a whole set of pictures, which we’re showing you here today.
This particular model is the Cruze Diesel hatch (model 1BT68) with the standard equipment group (1SH). It’s essentially the base model Cruze Diesel hatch that has roughly the equipment group of the Cruze LT, albeit with the diesel motor. The model seen here is coated in the Graphite Metallic (paint code GPA), which is only available on the Cruze hatchback – and not on the Cruze sedan.
Front End
A new fascia, grille and headlamps define the updates to the front end. As far as refreshes go, this one is quite minimal, so one may have to pay attention to the details to discern between the updated Cruze and the pre-facelifted model. Even so, the new front end does bear a notable family resemblance to the 2019 Malibu.
We should note that this Cruze Diesel Hatch features LED signature daytime running lamps and halogen dual projector headlamps as standard equipment. The fog lamp cutouts on this model are filled by black blanking panels; opting for the optional RS package replaces those blanking panels with actual fog lamps. Alas, this model rides without the RS appearance package.
Side Profile
The only change to the side of the 2019 Cruze are new wheel designs, and the model seen here appears to be wearing a new set of 16-inch aluminum wheels (RPO code SK8).
We do, however, appreciate the green sticker above the fuel door that serves as a courteous reminder to only put the stuff they call diesel into the tank.
Rear End
At the rear, the 2019 Cruze gets a revised set of “expressive dual-element taillamps”. In other words, a new set of taillamps is in order. Meanwhile, range-topping Premier models get LED accent taillamps instead of the incandescent units seen here. The CHMSL remains untouched.
Inside
We didn’t get a chance to capture the interior of the tester, but we have a pretty good idea of what we would have found: the new Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 radio with a 7-inch color touchscreen, which is standard on all 2019 Cruze models.
2019 models also see a revised port setup, with two USB ports and one auxiliary jack now being included. By comparison, the 2018 model did not have an aux jack but did have two USB ports, one that integrates with the last-generation infotainment/audio system, and another only for charging. The 2019 model also gets two interior color combinations:
- Jet Black / Galvanized in Leatherette
- Jet Black/ Umber in Leatherette
Finally, the 2019 Cruze loses some interior features, including:
- Manual transmission option
- Ambient interior lighting, which was available on LT and standard on Premium
- Dual rear reading lights, which were standard only on Premier
- Seatback pocket on the passenger side, which was the only side of the car that had the seatback pocket in the first place
- Turn signal indicators integrated in the exterior mirrors, which were previously included on Premier trim
Under The Hood
The 2019 Cruze Diesel hatch seen here is powered by the 1.6L Turbo-Diesel LH7 inline four-cylinder engine mated to the GM 9-speed automatic transmission. The combination is rated at 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque.
The only other engine offered in the 2019 Cruze is the 1.4L Turbo LE2 four-cylinder gasoline engine mated to the GM 6-speed automatic transmission. The duo makes 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
Notably, all 2019 Cruze models gain an override for the engine auto stop-start system.
Availability & Pricing
The 2019 Cruze goes on sale later this year.
Pricing has not yet been announced. The 2018 Cruze Diesel Hatch with an automatic transmission had a starting price of $24,845.
About Chevrolet Cruze
The Chevrolet Cruze is a range of compact passenger cars currently consisting of a four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. It slots above the Chevrolet Spark city car and subcompact Chevrolet Sonic and below the midsize Chevrolet Malibu and full-size Chevrolet Impala.
The current model was introduced for the 2016 model year and represents the second generation of the Cruze nameplate. It rides on the GM D2 platform shared with the second-generation Chevrolet Volt and Buick Verano (in China). The second-generation Cruze received a midcycle enhancement, otherwise known as a facelift, refresh or update, for the 2019 model year that consists of updated exterior styling, a new Chevrolet infotainment system, and new interior colors.
Compared to its first-generation predecessor, the second-gen model is an all-new vehicle that is slightly larger, sleeker and more modern. The first-generation Cruze family was produced in sedan, hatchback, and wagon body styles, but only the sedan was available in North America. By comparison, the second-generation model is available as a sedan and hatchback. Though a wagon variant of the second-gen model was never produced, the hatchback model was made available in North America.
The Chevrolet Cruze is produced across the following four GM plants globally:
- GM Lordstown plant in Lordstown, Ohio, USA assembling the Cruze sedan for North America
- GM Ramos plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico assembling the Cruze hatch for North America
- GM Rosario plant in Argentina assembling the Cruze sedan and Cruze hatch (called Cruze6) for Latin America
- GM Gunsan plant in South Korea for Eurasia (the facility has been shuttered)
- GM Norsom II plant in China assembling the Cruze sedan and Cruze hatchback for all markets
- GM Hanoi plant in Vietnam
Chevrolet Cruze Resources & Info
- GM news
- Chevrolet Cruze information
- Running GM sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
- Running Chevrolet Cruze sales results
- Running Chevrolet sales results
Comments
Just another trendy hottie design with tapered down roof to a small rear window . There is no end of the imports with similar features . GM should be so proud , you fit right in with the crowd !
You have it backwards. GM had small wagons before (I had a 1975 Vega Wagon Kammback), but stopped producing them. The foreign brands brought them back as many drivers want the extra cargo and interior space, but not spend more in a SUV or CUV. Now GM has returned the small wagon, and will make a Malibu Wagon next.
Premier models also lose chrome trim on the exterior door handles and side window surrounds (now beltline-only) and leather seats (now leatherette only). There is a gorgeous new blue-green color called Pacific Blue, but it’s only available on the Cruze sedan. Who decides this sh*t??!
I am relieved to finally see that GM has ditched the god awful 16″ flanged wheels with the tacky weight balance on the rim.
Bit of a copout to ditch the manual transmission. Yes, I know it was terrible, but couldn’t they have put a decent one on considering the relatively high sales volume of the Cruze? I’m curious also if the inconveniently high liftover on the rear tailgate on the hatchback is just for styling reasons, or if there’s an engineering reason for it such as crash-safety on the eight-inches-shorter rear end of the hatch. Seems a shame to have all that cargo space confined behind such a small tailgate. With a bit of imagination you could almost make a mini camper out of it; offer an extra electrical outlet in back and some extra tie-down points where you could put a small chest-style fridge or something like that.
Ditching leather on the Premier is a retrograde move. Why does GM fear offering a truly premium small car? Did PETA infiltrate their purchasing department, or did the finance department types that Lutz and Obama fired in the reorganization come slithering back? In any case it now means that if you want the crash-safety stuff which on the Sonic is available on the LT, you’re forced to pay extra and sit on non-breathable upholstery. Or does “leatherette” now breathe properly?
GMs probably cheapening the Cruze due to falling sales. Barra wants her 10% margin and with sales are down this much I’m not surprised they are trying to squeeze pennies out of the costs. Not saying I like it but that’s the reality.
Is this the same “leatherette” that comes in the XT4? If so GM has much to learn
Most photogenic tree ever?
“Ambient interior lighting, which was available on LT and standard on Premium”. Shouldn’t it be “Premier” instead of “Premium”?
The loss of manual trans eliminates me as future buyer. Is this move really necessary? I know small percentage are sold with stick, but is it worth losing customers to comp edition that offers a choice?
Yup, it’s a Cruze. I think the new front end looks better on it too. Dammit GM quit killing the manuals, not that I want one but enough people do.
I know these things are made to suit a particular market and buyer, BUT killing off the manual?? Come onnn!
The last time I looked buyers of compact cars still want a manual in 1 out of 10 buys – isn’t that enough of a demand in a market that demands 10s of thousands of these?
Nothing flashy, just 6-forward and 1 reverse, please GM!
It’s a shame to see them taking so much off of it. I heard the 2019 Cruze is supposed to have an off button for the automatic start/stop system, can anyone confirm this?
Manual mode
It does ..
I’m curious to see what the revised LED tail lamps look like on the hatchback. More so if they’re plug and play with my 2018 RS hatchback diesel?