Auto Channel

The Chevrolet Cruze hatchback will get its production-ready debut at Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed Cruze HB5, the hatchback is identical to the Cruze sedan from the rear doors forward.

Offering customers an alternative body style of the award-winning Cruze Sedan, the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback sports an attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear. It exudes the same dynamic stance as the renowned Cruze sedan yet utilizes body-frame integral system to ensure pleasant driving experience and handling.

The compact segment in Europe represents a quarter of the total market and hatchbacks account for about 65% of the compact segment. The Cruze hatch uses the same structure as the sedan to remain true to the taut ride and handling characteristics preferred by European drivers. The main difference is a cargo capacity of 400 litres, which expands exponentially with the use of 60/40 split folding seats.

Expected to power the Cruze hatchback are the same power plants as in the sedan variant - a 113 PS (83 kW / 111 hp) 1.6-liter petrol, a 141 PS (104 kW / 139 hp) 1.8-liter petrol, and a 150 PS (110 kW / 148 hp) 2.0-liter diesel.




Press Release

Geneva world premiere for Cruze hatchback

• New model to build on global success of Chevrolet's favorite car
• Cruze hatchback cements Chevrolet's mainstream credentials in Europe
• One of seven new entries in centenary year

Zurich. Chevrolet's award-winning - and now World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)-winning - Cruze will further enhance its credentials this year when the new hatchback version goes on sale in spring. The full production model makes its world premiere at the 81st international Geneva Motor Show, March 3 - 11.

The timing of the new model couldn't be better for Chevrolet, with the manufacturer being crowned World Touring Car Champions in December for the first time. Chevrolet's racing success proves the dynamic potential and qualities of the Cruze, while the launch of a new 5-door hatchback model in addition to the sedan, is further evidence of Chevrolet's intention to bring value for money to the mainstream segments of the European market.

A show car version of Chevrolet's compact contender was shown at the Paris Motor Show last September, and was warmly received.

Sales of the Cruze last year surpassed the Aveo to become Chevrolet's top selling passenger car nameplate globally. Since its launch in the spring 2009, the Cruze sedan has been warmly welcomed by markets all over the world, greeted as a step change for the brand with customers attracted to its coupe style, build quality, 5-star NCAP rating and driving dynamics. It was also elected the AUTOBEST car of 2010 by a jury of leading auto writers in Central and Eastern Europe.

The introduction of the new Cruze hatchback is critical in Europe, as Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe explains. "Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume.

"The new Cruze hatchback cements that Chevrolet's claim for a place among the mainstream brands in Europe, and it's a vehicle that will bring new levels of value against some of the more established competition."

Hatchback design

With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the new Cruze hatchback has the same dynamic 'stance' as the sedan and will be instantly recognizable.

It will benefit too from the same taut body 'feel' on the road, being built using the new body-frame integral system (BFI) which is complemented by the final tuning to chassis components. The BFI system results in high levels of stability and solidity. Indeed the Chevrolet Cruze is a car particularly well suited to European driver tastes, a fact borne out by sales across many of the markets and where in 2010, it exceeded forecasts.

Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and it will feature 60/40 split rear seating.

The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe in mid 2011 with prices announced nearer the launch date.