All aboard for the European Cruze

Chevrolet has released the first pictures of its redesigned Cruze, a compact family car due to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October. The model replaces in name an earlier five-door hatchback derived from a Suzuki Ignis and sold in Japan and Asia, but the photos show a much larger four-door saloon car which will go on sale next spring in Europe. It replaces the Nubira which has previously been sold - under various brands worldwide - with hatchback, saloon and station wagon body styles. After its launch in Europe, the Cruze will be available with 16-valve, 1.6 litre (112bhp) and 1.8 litre (140bhp) petrol engines featuring variable valve timing (VVT) on both inlet and exhaust sides, giving more power as well as better fuel economy and lower emissions. A new 2.0 litre turbo diesel, developing 150bhp and 320Nm of torque, adds power with even greater frugality. Five-speed manual gearboxes and an all-new automatic transmission, Chevrolet"s first six-speed application in the compact segment, complete the powertrain menu. Chevrolet claim the Cruze has 'compact dimensions featuring bold styling cues, an arching roofline, sloping rear pillars that give it a lean profile and a neatly-styled rear deck providing upmarket and handsome good looks'.