Currently reading: LA show: US Chevrolet Cruze
Wraps off the American market version of the Chevy Cruze

The US-market version of the Chevrolet Cruze has been unveiled.

The car has been eagerly anticipated in North America, both because it uses the same underpinnings as the electric Volt, which will be launched in 2011, and because it promises a leap forward from the Cobalt car it replaces.

 

It's a crucial model for Chevrolet, too, because it must compete in the marketplace with key rivals including the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra and soon-to-be-released Ford Focus.

The Cruze will be available with two engines in the US: a 138bhp turbocharged 1.4-litre unit with 148lb ft of torque, or a naturally aspirated 136bhp 1.8 with 128lb ft of torque. These can be linked to a six-speed automatic or manual gearbox.

Chevrolet says the smaller engine will average 48mpg on the motorway, but has not released any other economy figures.

Stylistically it is little changed from the European version.

Standard equipment includes 10 airbags, stability control, Bluetooth/USB connectivity and sat-nav. It will be sold at three trim levels, although no pricing has been released.

The Cruze goes on sale in the US next autumn.

Advertisement

Read our review

Car review

The Chevrolet Cruze raises the bar for Chevrolet, but not for rivals including Skoda, Hyundai or Kia

Join the debate

Comments
6
Add a comment…
Cheltenhamshire 3 December 2009

Re: LA show: US Chevrolet Cruze

I think the Chevy Corsair was the first turbo car in the US, or at least made by a US maker ... but it bombed. I do know that there are quite a few turbo motors on US cars past and current ... but to launch two engines with the same power but from two different sources of petrol power (as opposed to a diesel motor and a petrol motor) is very odd even for the US!!

jackjflash 2 December 2009

Re: LA show: US Chevrolet Cruze

Uncle Mellow wrote:
Surely GM were the first company to use turbochargers on car engines , back in the sixties.

A little turbo history for the curious.

Just like differentials, transmissions, ignition, and other parts, auto manufacturers source them from companies that specialize because it is less expensive.

Uncle Mellow 2 December 2009

Re: LA show: US Chevrolet Cruze

Surely GM were the first company to use turbochargers on car engines , back in the sixties.