DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Chevrolet Cruze hatch unveiled

GM’s US  brand, Chevrolet, has revealed a new hatchback version of its second-generation Cruze ahead of its official unveil next week at the Detroit motor show.

On sale in the US around mid-2016, Chevrolet already unveiled the sedan version last June. But while the small sedan is tipped to replace Holden’s slow-selling Adelaide-made Cruze, the hatchback may not be sold Down Under.

That's because Holden has already confirmed it will import Opel's new German-built Astra hatch by late this year -- about a year before production at Holden’s Elizabeth factory ends in late 2017.

Cruze production could end even sooner at Elizabeth -- with dire consequences for its workers -- if Holden doesn not receive exemption from the federal government for a requirement to make the engine in the most popular Cruze model meet the Euro 5 emission standard, which comes into effect this November.

Based on the same new GM D2XX small-car platform as the new Astra, Chevy’s new hatch, like the sedan, is said to be significantly lighter than the car it replaces, cutting the kerb weight flab by as much as 91kg.

The new underpinnings also mean the hatch is 68mm longer and 25mm lower than the car it replaces and is claimed to be one of GM’s most aerodynamic cars.

Said to benefit from a significantly stiffer and more rigid body than the car it replaces, the Cruze hatch should also be far better to drive.

Under the bonnet, entry-level Cruze models will come with a new 113kW/240Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with the option of either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Later on in 2017, a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel will join the range.

Interior space – especially in the rear and boot – is claimed to take a big step up thanks to a “class-leading” 2700mm wheelbase that’s about 25mm longer than before. GM says rear legroom, at 917mm, and 51mm greater rear knee room makes it more generous than the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

Interior technology also takes a step up. In the US, the new Ohio-built Cruze will come with a 4G LTE high-speed internet connection, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging and a faster new version of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system.

Other new cabin features will include a heated rear seat and steering wheel, a 4.2-inch high-resolution display in the instrument cluster, and piano-black and matt-black surfaces.

New safety technologies include lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision alert, rear cross-traffic alert and LED daytime running lights on up-spec models.

There will also be an RS sport package including a unique grille, front and rear fascias, fog lights, front splitter, rocker panels, rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels.

Since the first Cruze was introduced back in 2008, Chevrolet has sold 3.5 million sedans and hatchbacks worldwide. Despite being offered in other markets the hatch version of the Cruze has been a non starter in the US market until now, but nine per cent growth in the US domestic small hatchback segment has forced Chevrolet to rethink that decision and offer Americans the five-door version.