After confirming the new Chevy Cruze RS for South America in early September, General Motors announced that the new variant of Chevrolet‘s compact car is in the final phase of validation testing and will soon arrive in the southern region of the American continent. The manufacturer will launch the Cruze RS for the first time later this month in Brazil as well as Argentina – the only country where the nameplate is still manufactured.
The upcoming 2022 Chevy Cruze RS is in its last testing phase at the GM Alvear complex in Argentina, and will be officially launched over the next few days in South America, where the second-generation model has contributed significantly to improving the brand’s image and maintains stable sales numbers. The RS version seeks to boost the competitiveness of the Cruze and attract a new profile of customers with its sporty look.
As we pointed out in our previous report, the 2022 Chevy Cruze RS will only be available with a five-door hatchback body – called Cruze Sport6 in the Brazilian market – and will stand out for including different styling elements that will highlight the sporty character of its design. Unlike the RS package offered in North America, this is the first time the sporty variant will be a standalone trim level on the Cruze.
“The Cruze RS will have distinct finishes that highlight the aerodynamic lines of the body and give a more exclusive touch to the interior of the hatchback model,” said Product Marketing Director at GM South America, Rodrigo Fioco, in an official press release. As such, the first official photos of the model show that the cosmetic changes to the 2022 Chevy Cruze RS will be subtle, with a darkened treatment on some parts of the body.
On a mechanical level, the 2022 Chevy Cruze RS will keep the same powertrain as the other versions of the compact car, including the turbocharged 1.4L LE2 I-4 engine that develops 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. In all current trim levels, the engine can be coupled to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. It’s unclear if the same will happen with the Cruze RS.
The upcoming 2022 Chevy Cruze RS is expected to be presented this November in Brazil, as the last of the four launches that the Bow Tie brand had announced for the final part of 2021 in the South American country. Notably, the new Cruze RS will be the second member of Chevrolet’s sporty variant lineup in South America’s two largest markets, after the Chevy Onix RS.
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Comments
They better bring it back to the US with the increasing gas prices. Ditch the 1.4 turbo. Terrible turbo lag. Other then that, it was a solid car.
I have a Sonic LTZ turbo with the lower rated 1.4 and agree with you but lag is easily addressed with a Trifecta tune. My Sonic runs like a scared rabbit now. The difference with the tune turned on is startling. It’s literally a different car with it engaged.
56 miles per gallon highway ,1.4 turbo,4 door LT.What say?
Even offers a manual?! Amazing.
The Chevy Cruze is apparently a hit in South America. Small cars such as the Civic, Corolla and Elantra are selling well in the US and are in the same category as the Cruze. Bring the Cruze back to America. With the proper advertising it would also sell well considering it has high mileage figures. Why does GM always treat the USA as CHOPPED LIVER?
Send it to the US or bring it back anyway.
While some cry bring it back they tend to forget the large numbers of 5hese cars sitting on dealer lots as sales of small cars declined rapidly.
As for MPG the small CUV models still get the same or better than the Cruze did when it was here.
Many cried for a hatch and we got a very nice hatch but few bought it.
Time to stop hating GM for selling what is selling and more profitable over trying to force cars on America has no love for on them.
I get it some of you love cars yet just as I but this is pure business anymore.
Maybe if gm put a little effort into the vehicles they would of sold just a thought.
The RS should get the 2.0 turbo that was discontinued for the Equinox: 252 HP & 260 Torque would actually give the RS some real performance. Upgrade the suspension, tires and brakes to take on the Civic Type R.
Of course GM won’t do that because it could not care less about hot hatches. Just give the market to Honda and Kia.
Don’t forget the 1.6 diesel, I have a 2018 with the TD and love it, I hope they bring them back to the US.
Bring it home with the 2.0 and I will buy one .
With spiking gas prices GM will be selling more Trailblazers and Encore GX models but is too stubborn for a sedan. The latest Verano or Excelle would make for a great volume Chevrolet but it will never happen.
GM is unwilling to compete in the iui s lower margin space & just hand those sales to Civic, Elantra, Forte and Corolla.
GM says they need the resources for EV development but could easily import. Thus puts buyers like me in a bad situation and leaves no choice but to buy Honda.
With gas prices spiking GM has no intentions of offering small fuel efficient cars. It runs contrary to Barras goal of pushing everyone into EVs. Psaki said as much recently when asked about high energy prices, they need it to beat people over the heads with their “green” agenda.
Bring it back to the US!
GM was bailed from bankruptcy ‘to keep good paying jobs in the USA’. Then GM closed down its second largest assembly complex in the USA because ‘there was no product.’ This happen as GM placed a new product, the blazer in Mexico.
GM took American taxpayers money and then screwed them.
What another screwing it would be if GM imports this car back to America.
I can’t believe how blind GM is to its base,… this time market the car… I looked for it and came up short all the time. 50+ miles to the gallon. Wow. Nobody I ever spoke to knew about this…????? And I’m in the car market…. Sad. Gas was 40+ diesel 50+