Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet has unveiled the 2016 Cruze for global markets. This is the second generation model of the sedan and is based on Chevrolet’s new D2 FWD platform.

The new Cruze has a 15 mm longer wheel base and the overall length has increased by 69 mm. It is lighter than the older car by 113 kg. GM says it features one of the ‘most mass-efficient’ chassis systems currently available in the market. It also gets a 27 percent stiffer body as compared to its predecessor.

Chevrolet Cruze

It gets projector headlamps with light-emitting diode (LED) signature lighting on the higher end variants. Lower spec variants gets 15 inch alloy wheels, while the higher spec cars get 17 or 18 inch alloy wheels.  It sports MacPherson strut front suspension design with specially tuned bushings and geometry intended to balance handling with comfort and a torsion beam rear axle on L, LS and LT models; and an enhanced Z-link design on Premier variant.

Chevrolet Cruze

On the interior, it gets a dual cockpit design similar to that on the current car. The dashboard gets piano black or brushed aluminium trims. There is a large 8 inch screen in the centre. There is a heated leather wrapped steering wheel along with wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and rear view camera. It features the next-generation Chevrolet MyLink with smartphone integration capability, including a standard seven-inch-diagonal screen and available eight-inch-diagonal screen (at launch, eight-inch screen only with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto coming later)

It is loaded with safety features: 10 airbags, all round disc brakes, Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert.

Chevrolet Cruze

The Cruze is likely to come with two engine options for India. A new 1.6 litre variable geometry turbo-diesel, will replace the current 2.0 litre motor. GM engineers claim that it is ‘whisper quiet’. It is also claimed to be very fuel efficient. The power figures have not been revealed yet. Chevrolet will also offer the Cruze with a petrol engine in India. The petrol Cruze will feature the Ecotec1.4 turbo-petrol with direct-injection developing 153bhp.

The new Chevrolet Cruze is expected to reach Indian shores in 2017.