Chevrolet found the perfect opportunity at the Donington race of the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) to launch the hatchback version of the Cruze in Britain. While Yvan Muller was winning both rounds of the race in the Cruze WTCC, further advancing his lead on the championship, journalists were able to use the country roads around Donington to get their first taste of Chevy’s new hatchback. Read more »

We’d heard rumors that a diesel-powered version of the Chevrolet Cruze was being readied for the U.S., but now it’s official as General Motors announced today that the diesel variant will be added to the compact model’s North American lineup in calendar year 2013. Read more »

In the 1960s, customers who could only dream of owning a Corvette often left their local Chevy dealers with the keys to a new Impala or Bel-Air. Now, it seems the same thing is happening with the Chevy Volt don’t-call-it-a-hybrid and the Cruze small car.

Year-to-date sales are up some 32% across the range, though only 567 of the 80,000 plus cars the Detroit automaker sold in June were Volts. The remainder were cars like the Cruze, which has earned the crown of Chevy’s biggest seller.

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Car buyers’ preferences in China are shifting towards European models and away from domestic and even Japanese vehicles, according to a new study published today by JD Power Asia Pacific. This is the third year that the study takes place.

The latest edition included 65 brands and 161 separate models in nine segments and is based on responses from 4,979 potential buyers of new-vehicles located in 53 cities.

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Citing two unnamed people that were briefed earlier this week on GM’s future product plans, the Detroit Free Press reported today that the company is mulling the addition of a diesel engine to the Chevrolet Cruze’s range.

According to the insiders, a diesel version of the Cruze would return a highway fuel economy of around 50mpg rivaling the efficiency of the Toyota Prius hybrid which is rated at 51 mpg (4.6 lt/100 km) in the city and 48mpg (4.9 lt/100 km) on the highway. A diesel Cruze would also help GM meet the more demanding government gas mileage rules.

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It’s a global economy we live in and as such, it doesn’t come to much of a surprise when we see the same vehicles launched under different brands and names in various parts of the world.

Of course, it would be somewhat unfair to Holden if we didn’t mention that it has played a key role in the development and design of several GM products including the 5-door Cruze that will be show in pre-production trim at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS), which takes place in Melbourne from July to 10.

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In Australia, the SS badge has a special meaning to Holden owners. Its most frequently associated with the Commodore large car and to a lesser extent, the ultra-rare Torana SS of the 1970s. It’s all about big Aussie V8’s and rear-wheel-drive. It’s as Australian as Fosters beer and Four’N Twenty pies.

So now, there’s talk of a performance version of the Cruze small car in the works - and insidious rumors this front-wheel-drive econobox may carry the prestigious double ‘S’ moniker previously reserved only for V8 models. “Sacrilege!” you scream, and I’m more than willing to agree. Nevertheless, let’s push on and see what the Australian rumor mill has in store for us.

It’s possible a high performance version of the Cruze would use the same 132 kW, / 180HP and 230 Nm 1.6-liter turbo four from the European Vauxhall / Opel Astra as there drivetrains are readily interchangeable thanks to both using the GM’s Delta II architecture.

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GM has pulled the wraps off its Silverline Chevrolet team’s 2011 cars, with which it will campaign in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship [BTCC]. The two Cruze racers enter the 2011 season with a new livery, consistent with that of the WTCC cars, and featuring prominent sponsorship from Silverline, as well as a series of other sponsors including Dunlop, Holiday Inn, Auto Express and Evo.

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Even though it was Chevrolet that came out first with both a thinly disguised concept in 2010 and this year’s production version of the Cruze hatchback at the Geneva Show, the five-door model was actually penned by GM’s Holden division at the Port Melbourne studio in Australia. Now, it’s finally time for Holden to reap the benefits of its work with the release of the first official photos of the compact hatchback with the Australian brand’s lion logo.

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The final production version of the new Cruze hatchback is the highlight of Chevrolet's 2011 Geneva Motor Show booth. With the addition of the five-door version, Chevrolet hopes to boost sales of the Cruze as hatchbacks represent approximately 65% of all compact segment sales in Europe.

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The final production version of the new Cruze hatchback is the highlight of Chevrolet's 2011 Geneva Motor Show booth. With the addition of the five-door version, Chevrolet hopes to boost sales of the Cruze as hatchbacks represent approximately 65% of all compact segment sales in Europe.

Read more »

Holden, General Motors' Australian division, introduced an updated version of its Cruze sedan bearing the Series II moniker today. The facelift brings powertrain, chassis and some styling changes, but most importantly, it marks the switch to local production starting from March, 2011. Up until now, the Holden Cruze sedan was imported to Australia from Korea. The first locally built compact model in the country in more than a decade will be manufactured at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The styling updates on the Cruze Series II are kept to a minimum and concern the new trapezoidal grille, subtly redesigned front bumper, new headlamp bezels and a different rear fascia treatment.

The facelift brings two new engines, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, while the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine carries over with some minor revisions from the Series 1 model.

Read more »

Holden, General Motors' Australian division, introduced an updated version of its Cruze sedan bearing the Series II moniker today. The facelift brings powertrain, chassis and some styling changes, but most importantly, it marks the switch to local production starting from March, 2011. Up until now, the Holden Cruze sedan was imported to Australia from Korea. The first locally built compact model in the country in more than a decade will be manufactured at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The styling updates on the Cruze Series II are kept to a minimum and concern the new trapezoidal grille, subtly redesigned front bumper, new headlamp bezels and a different rear fascia treatment.

The facelift brings two new engines, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, while the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine carries over with some minor revisions from the Series 1 model.

Read more »

Chevrolet Cruze
The compact Cruze is headed to the U.S. after making its debut in Europe and Asia. Buyers can choose from three trim lines and two four-cylinder engines, including a new 1.4-liter turbocharged version that Chevrolet says will achieve as much as 40 mpg on the highway with a manual transmission. Either engine is available with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. Ten standard air bags, electronic stability control with rollover sensing, and OnStar are among the safety features. The Cruze will be priced between $17,000 and $23,000.

Nissan Juke
Aimed at young buyers, the Nissan Juke is a sporty crossover based on the Versa hatchback and is meant to combine attributes of a small car and an SUV. The U.S. version has a direct-injection, turbocharged, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver 180 hp. It is matched with either a continuously variable automatic transmission or six-speed manual. Front- or all-wheel drive will be available. Pricing is expected to start at less than $20,000. Standard features include six air bags, antilock brakes, and ESC. Optional features include leather seats, push-button start, navigation system, and power sunroof.

Ford Focus

The next-generation Focus will be available as a four-door sedan or hatchback and will be based on a platform used for 10 models around the world. Here it gets a direct-injection, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. New available features include push-button start, a rearview camera, a semiautomatic parallel-parking system, and a new version of Ford's Sync infotainment system. Pricing will start at about $17,000. An electric-powered model will arrive later in 2011.

Fiat 500

Chrysler's new parent, Fiat, returns to the U.S. for the first time since the early 1980s with the tiny 500, a two-door hatchback with seating for four. Sized between a Smart ForTwo and a Mini Cooper, the 500 will be offered first with a 100-hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched with a six-speed manual transmission. A sportier, turbocharged Abarth model is expected to follow, along with a semiconvertible with a roll-up canvas top. An electric version will arrive in 2012. Prices have not been announced, but the 500 starts around $14,000 in Europe.


Scion iQ

Designed for city dwellers who want something easy to park and fuel efficient, the iQ is a tiny two-door barely larger than a Smart ForTwo. The cabin seats four. The rear seat is tiny, but the front is roomy. Space-saving features include a compact air-conditioning system, electronic steering, and slender seatbacks. The engine is a 1.3-liter four-cylinder matched with a continuously variable transmission. Scion claims fuel economy will be in the high-30-mpg range. ESC and 10 air bags are standard, including an industry-first rear-window curtain bag. We expect the iQ to be priced starting at $15,000.

Ford Fiesta

Designed by Ford of Europe, this subcompact is about the size of a Honda Fit and available as a four-door hatchback or sedan. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency for 38 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. A manual transmission is standard; a new six-speed automated manual is optional. The interior has an upscale look and feel and seating for five. High-end models have a leather interior. Safety features include front, side, and curtain air bags as well as a driver's knee bag. ESC is standard, and prices start around $14,000, including destination charges.

Mazda 2

This subcompact provides seating for five and is available only as a four-door hatchback. It's already a hit in Europe, and the version sold here has a 100-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Mazda claims the 2 will get up to 35 mpg on the highway. Two trim levels are offered. Standard safety features include ESC and curtain air bags. Prices start at $14,730, including destination charges.

Mini Countryman

The largest Mini yet has four doors, roomier rear bucket seats, available all-wheel drive, and the look of an SUV. The cargo area has generous underfloor storage, folding rear seatbacks, and a pass-through. Powertrain choices include the 1.6-liter naturally aspirated or turbocharged four-cylinder engines found in other Minis, matched with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Both engines get a slight horsepower increase for 2011. The Countryman is expected to sell for about $30,000.

Honda Odyssey

Honda says its redesigned minivan has more interior room and better aerodynamics and rear visibility and gets up to 28 mpg on the highway. The engine is the same 3.5-liter V6. We're told there are no plans for an all-wheel-drive version, so the Toyota Sienna is the only minivan offering AWD. Pricing will start around $27,000.

Volkswagen Jetta

The redesigned Jetta sedan, measuring 3.5 inches longer overall, has more rear leg room and a lower base price of about $16,000. Gasoline and diesel engines are carried over, and a hybrid version is coming. Most versions will have the 2.5-liter, five-cylinder that got 24 mpg overall in our Golf. The Jetta wagon is unchanged; Volkswagen says it will retain the sporty demeanor and upscale interior.

Kia Optima

This midsized sedan has been redesigned with a wider, lower stance; a 3-inch-longer wheelbase; and a more spacious cabin. The new 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine is good for 200 hp, and the optional V6 has been replaced with a turbocharged, 274-hp version of the four-cylinder. A hybrid model will arrive early next year. The Optima is expected to be priced in the low-$20,000 range.

Kia Sportage

This small SUV has grown longer, lower, and wider. Kia claims its 176-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will deliver more power and better fuel economy than the outgoing V6. We got 22 mpg overall with the similar Hyundai Tucson. A more powerful turbocharged version will arrive later. The engine is mated with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Curtain air bags and electronic stability control are standard. Pricing starts at about $19,000.

Ford Explorer

The Explorer has shed its trucklike, body-on-frame platform for a carlike unibody design shared with the Taurus and Flex. It will seat up to seven in three rows of seats. Ford promises much better fuel economy, thanks to improved aerodynamics, reduced weight, a six-speed automatic transmission, and the turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost engine that's optional on front-wheel-drive versions. Safety features include available rear inflatable safety belts claimed to provide better protection for children. The base price is about $29,000.

Latest Hybrids

Of several new hybrid models, the Honda CR-Z and Lexus CT 200h are the only dedicated hybrids, with no conventional counterparts.

The CR-Z, now on sale, is a small two-seater for buyers who want sporty looks with their fuel economy. But an early drive shows that it's not that sporty to drive or very fuel efficient for a hybrid. Pricing starts at $19,200.

The 200h, expected in early 2011, is a premium compact hatchback that's about the size of an Audi A3. Its hybrid powertrain is similar to the Prius', but it's based on a Toyota Corolla version sold in other countries. Pricing is expected to start around $30,000.

Created in collaboration with the tuner Irmscher, the special edition Chevrolet Cruze Bumblebee pays tribute to the Bumblebee Camaro, the automotive icon that played a staring role as an Autobot in the two Transformers movies with its rally stripes and flashy running gear and will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

No matter what angle you look at the Cruze Bumblebee from, the car’s design is stunning. The new orange on black compact Chevrolet benefits from being lowered by 30 mm increasing handling performance and simply aesthetically pleasing. The mirror covers, fog light housings and rear diffuser have also been finished in the same bright shade of orange as the silver lined racing stripes. Out back the exhaust is finished off with a pair of unique stainless steel tips. Continueing the orange theme are a set of 18 inch Irmscher designed Turbo Star wheels wearing a set of sticky 225 mm wide tires, specially prepared for this unique Cruze. The Cruze Bumblebee is based on the automatic 1.8 LT version of the new Chevy and will be built upon request.