General Motors reveals new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Late last night, General Motors pulled the wraps off the new 2016 Chverolet Cruze sedan, which is based on General Motors’ latest D2 FWD platform. Apart from this, the second generation Chevrolet Cruse also comes with upgraded exterior design, new interior and a bunch of powerful engine options to choose from.

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze unveiled in Detroit appears different from the version which was shown closer home in China last year, and looks more like new-age Chverolet models available internationally. The new sedan is 68mm longer and nearly an inch (25mm) shorter in height than the current model, giving it a longer and leaner appearance. A faster windshield rake and a sloping rear profile lend it a sportier stance, while an integrated rear spoiler contributes to the car’s aerodynamics.

“With styling influenced by the acclaimed 2014 Impala and all new Malibu, the 2016 Cruze brings Chevrolet’s new, expressive global design language to the small car segment,” said John Cafaro, executive director, Chevrolet Design.

The sweptback headlamps, stacked dual-port grille and a slight bump on the bonnet give the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze a sportier stance than before. Higher LT and Premier variants also feature projector-beam headlamps and LED signature daytime running lamps

Inside, the second generation Chevrolet Cruze has a roomier cabin which has been designed to offer better comfort and connectivity for the driver and passengers of the car. The instrument panel has layered surfaces and sports a dual-cockpit for the driver. The all-black dashboard comes with various soft-touch surfaces and gets either piano black or matte black trim highlights. Positioned prominently on the dashboard is a standard MyLink screen, with a couple of aircon vents on either side.

MyLink integrates several phone functions onto the Cruze’s seven-inch colour touchscreen, allowing them to call up music, navigation apps and more. One can opt for the optional MyLink radio with an eight-inch display and navigation which also incorporates Apple CarPlay. The top variants also get wireless phone charging, heated rear leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Get latest updates on
the automobile community

Login Now

The 69mm longer wheelbase gives the new Chevrolet Cruze overall length of 4,666mm, carving out 51mm additional knee room for the rear passengers. General Motors also claims to have shed about 113kg off the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze (petrol) as compared to the outgoing model.

According to General Motors, the 2016 Cruze has more rigid and lighter architecture which not just improves its driving dynamic, but also plays significant roles in safety and efficiency. It has approximately 27-percent stiffer body structure that is also 24kg lighter than the current Cruze. The international model will be sprung on MacPherson strut in front and a torsion beam axle at the back on standard variants, but top-end variants will come with more advanced Z-link design suspension.

Big surprise for India could be the introduction of a petrol version of the new Chevrolet Cruze. This seems to be a logical step, going by the growing demand for gasoline powered sedans in our country. We expect the 2016 Cruze to be launched in India with a newly developed 153PS, 1.4-litre turbocharged engine derived from GM’s new family of small gas engines. It features direct injection, stop/start technology and is matched with a standard six-speed manual. The light weight engine is claimed to deliver 0-100kmph in 8 seconds.

The trusted 2.0-litre diesel motor is said to be replaced by a smaller and extremely refined new 1.6-litre variable geometry turbo-diesel. Using low friction parts and latest fuel injection systems, the compact new diesel motor promises to be quite frugal too. The American carmaker hasn’t revealed many details about the new 1.6-litre diesel engine as yet, but expects it to be as potent as the outgoing 2.0-litre oil burner.

In terms of features, the 2016 Cruze will come equipped with ten airbags, ESP, ABS and rollover mitigation as standard. There are plenty of other advanced safety features such as Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert. Wheel sizes would range from 15 to 18 inches depending on the trim, and disc brakes on all four wheels.