Drew Dowdell

Geneva world premiere for Cruze hatchback Cruze Hatch Media Gallery New model to build on global success of Chevrolet's favorite car Cruze hatchback cements Chevrolet's mainstream credentials in Europe One of seven new entries in centenary year Zurich. Chevrolet's award-winning – and now World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)-winning – Cruze will further enhance its credentials this year when the new hatchback version goes on sale in spring. The full production model makes its world premiere at the 81st international Geneva Motor Show, March 3 – 11. The timing of the new model couldn't be better for Chevrolet, with the manufacturer being crowned World Touring Car Champions in December for the first time. Chevrolet's racing success proves the dynamic potential and qualities of the Cruze, while the launch of a new 5-door hatchback model in addition to the sedan, is further evidence of Chevrolet's intention to bring value for money to the mainstream segments of the European market. A show car version of Chevrolet's compact contender was shown at the Paris Motor Show last September, and was warmly received. Sales of the Cruze last year surpassed the Aveo to become Chevrolet's top selling passenger car nameplate globally. Since its launch in the spring 2009, the Cruze sedan has been warmly welcomed by markets all over the world, greeted as a step change for the brand with customers attracted to its coupe style, build quality, 5-star NCAP rating and driving dynamics. It was also elected the AUTOBEST car of 2010 by a jury of leading auto writers in Central and Eastern Europe. The introduction of the new Cruze hatchback is critical in Europe, as Wayne Brannon, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe explains. "Hatchbacks play a critical role in many markets. The total compact segment in Europe represents over a quarter of the total market, with hatchbacks representing around 65% of that volume. "The new Cruze hatchback cements that Chevrolet's claim for a place among the mainstream brands in Europe, and it's a vehicle that will bring new levels of value against some of the more established competition." Hatchback design With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short overhangs at both the front and rear, the new Cruze hatchback has the same dynamic 'stance' as the sedan and will be instantly recognizable. It will benefit too from the same taut body 'feel' on the road, being built using the new body-frame integral system (BFI) which is complemented by the final tuning to chassis components. The BFI system results in high levels of stability and solidity. Indeed the Chevrolet Cruze is a car particularly well suited to European driver tastes, a fact borne out by sales across many of the markets and where in 2010, it exceeded forecasts. Cargo capacity for the Cruze hatchback is close to 400 liters and it will feature 60/40 split rear seating. The new Chevrolet Cruze 5-door hatchback will go on sale across Europe in mid 2011 with prices announced nearer the launch date.

haven't heard of them

MiniMax?

He will in a moment. His is a '57 Century, no power brakes, no a/c, no power steering

Getting into any Cruze with the 1.4T, your first question (at this stage of the game while there are still early Cruzes on the lots) should be "Has the transmission TSB been performed?" We had no turbo lag in ours.... in fact I bet most people wouldn't have realized it was a turbo.

DuraMini for the diesel 4-cylinder

they'll get it back in tax dollars from the 2.5 million or so people still employed.

I would recommend you put it into the bank Ocn. Leaving it around the house can be an issue in the event of fire or burglary.

Elantras, Sonatas, and Santa Fes don't age well here at all.

You guys better hurry up before Dodge beats you do it.

I can't wait to hear about Paris Hilton's scientific contribution on her space flight...... should be fascinating when she looks out the window toward the sun and mutters "That's hot!"

The market will handle it.

First things first I think

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Yqx9sUz36Zo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Best reply in the comments: "Note to self-- Wells Fargo's biggest weakness: gay cowboy vampires."

I think we need to reinvest into the space program..... looking around at some of the &#036;h&#33; we pull on each other on this planet and the way we disregard facts, our only hope is taking a group of only the smartest of us and starting over somewhere.

Uh... no. Not really. 8.5 gallons at the EPA 37mpg (which I never got anywhere near as low as that) is 314 miles in gas regeneration mode. Add in 30 miles of EV range, and you're looking at 344 miles of range. 350 miles is a safe bare minimum range for the Volt... rather easily. Do I care if I can find a 120v outlet? I just pull around the corner to the Hess Station and fill the tank up again, for a lot less money than the $66 you'll pump into a Taurus SHO. but since you're wondering.... the cord has about a 25 foot reach... so yeah, you probably could find an outlet for it.

The Volt's range would be greater if it had more than an 8.5 gallon gas tank