The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is expected to be roomier, lighter, more fuel-efficient and better-equipped.
Chevrolet has released the first of what is likely to be a running series of teaser images and dripped out details for the next-generation Cruze sedan it will formal unveil later this month.
One of the most important products in its global line-up, Chevy is hoping to develop plenty of buzz before General Motors CEO Mary Barra helps pull the wraps off the new model on June 24th. The 2016 Cruze is one of a broad mix of new Chevrolet models coming to market for 2016, along with an all-new version of the Camaro pony car, the second-generation Volt plug-in hybrid and a complete makeover of the midsize Malbu.
“When we introduced the (current) Cruze it replaced 15 other compact vehicles around the globe,” noted Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America and global Chevrolet brand chief. That included the generally unloved Chevy Cobalt, helping the GM brand regain some much-needed traction in a segment of the U.S. market long dominated by the Japanese.
Cruze sales in the U.S. totaled 273,060 last year, a 10% year-over-year increase. Demand has dropped 12% since January, however, a not-unusual trend in the period leading up to a complete vehicle makeover, industry analysts note.
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Among the details already being discussed, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will get a new 1.4-liter turbo engine, Batey said.
The new Cruze infotainment system will feature both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also will feature the new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone app integration systems. Chevy plans to roll that technology out on 14 of its models in 2016. It likely also be one of the new models to get OnStar’s upcoming self-diagnostic technology which will alert a driver to possible problems, such as a faulty battery or alternator.
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While the teaser image released by Chevy doesn’t show much, spy shots of the compact sedan show it migrating to a more coupe-like body style, in keeping with the direction of the 2016 Malibu and the current-generation Impala. A large grille below the bumper – framed by foglamps – echoes the latest Camaro design.
The silhouette of the new Cruze rises from low-angled nose to high upper trunk lid. That not only gives the car a sense of kinetic motion but emphasizes the effort Chevy has apparently put in to enhance aerodynamics. In turn, that will translate into better fuel economy.
Few would be surprised to learn that the 2016 Cruze also comes in lighter than the outgoing model. GM’s global product development chief, Mark Reuss, has said that “lightweighting” is now one of the maker’s top priorities. That should further enhance both fuel economy and performance and handling.
While holding to roughly the same basic footprint, the new model apparently has driven its wheels closer to the corner, and that should enhance interior room – with two more inches of legroom for rear passengers – as well as cargo space. Those were considered weaknesses with the outgoing sedan.
The U.S. version is expected to feature a number of changes compared to the Chinese-market Cruze that launched last year, incidentally.
Overall, GM promises to “bring a higher level of sophistication to the compact car segment” with the new model.
Chevrolet’s top-seller worldwide, the Cruze is now sold in 15 countries worldwide. Sales since its 2011 introduction have topped 3.5 million.
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