If GM’s restructuring plan doesn’t wreak havoc with its upcoming product release schedule, then by this time next year the compact Chevrolet Cruze should be in North American showrooms.
Meanwhile, the model continues its gradual global roll out, having first been introduced to the world as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere in October 2008 (South Korea) and later as the Chevrolet Cruze for the Chinese market. In coming months the Chevrolet Cruze will go on sale in Europe while next month Australia and New Zealand will get the Holden variant. The Holden Cruze sedan is built at GM’s Gusan, South Korea plant, however a five door hatchback model is in the works and will be built in Australia.
Daewoo, Holden, Chevrolet and Opel
The Cruze, in whatever form it is called, is GM’s all new compact car platform. Indeed, the 2010 Opel Astra is also based on the Cruze and will continue to be produced no matter whether GM keeps its stake in Opel or sells some or all of it off. The United States and Canada appear to be among the last markets that will see the Cruze, a car that will likely become GM’s bestseller across its many brand lines once all markets have been penetrated.
The five passenger Cruze is a vast improvement over the Chevy Cobalt, the model it replaces. I don’t have the benefit of having seen the Cruze in person, but photos seem to do it justice — the Cruze is stylish, well engineered and possesses standard safety features not usually found in a vehicle in its segment.
Traction control, brake assist, electronic stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution and anti-lock brakes come with every Holden Cruze, likely the same sort of set up the Chevrolet Cruze will reflect in North America. Also, six airbags including side impact and side curtain airbags are standard along with plenty of cabin amenities including six speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 functionality; power windows; steering wheel audio and cruise controls and for higher end models leather treatments for the steering wheel and seats.
The Holden Cruze is offered with either four-cylinder 1.8L gas or 2.0L diesel powerplants mated to six speed automatic transmissions. Currently, no diesel engine is planned for the US market, but an engine as small as 1.4L will likely power the base North American model, enabling the Chevrolet Cruze to top 40 mpg.
Top Safety Award Given
The Holden Cruze recently aced an important crash safety test down under, with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarding the Cruze its highest rating of five-stars. Structural strength along with active and passive safety systems helped the Holden Cruze finish on top.
GM invested four billion dollars to launch the Cruze which includes new engines and transmissions. The Chevy Volt, GM’s electric car, is built on the Cruze platform and could itself eventually spin off a number of different (Voltec) models in the years to come with the Cadillac Converj being one attractive concept that may someday become a reality.
The North American spec Chevrolet Cruze will be built at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio plant. Production is expected to begin in April 2010.
Source: GM Holden
Photos Copyright: GM Corp.
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