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Chevrolet Cruze
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The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car produced by General Motors (GM) since 2008, replacing two unrelated cars—the Chevrolet Cobalt and Daewoo Lacetti. First introduced in 2008 for the South Korean market as the the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere, this replaced the car of the same name sold since 2003. The previous generation Lacetti was sold throughout Asia, Europe and Oceania as either a Buick, Chevrolet, Daewoo or Holden. GM will replace the previous Lacetti model with the new Cruze throughout 2009; using the same badge engineering strategy employed before.
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Encyclopedia
The Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car produced by General Motors (GM) since 2008, replacing two unrelated cars—the Chevrolet Cobalt and Daewoo Lacetti. First introduced in 2008 for the South Korean market as the the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere, this replaced the car of the same name sold since 2003. The previous generation Lacetti was sold throughout Asia, Europe and Oceania as either a Buick, Chevrolet, Daewoo or Holden. GM will replace the previous Lacetti model with the new Cruze throughout 2009; using the same badge engineering strategy employed before. Australasian-market versions will be sold as the Holden Cruze from the second quarter of 2009, with a closely-related, and more upmarket locally-produced model to be sold alongside from 2010. Also in 2010, the North American Chevrolet Cobalt will be phased out and replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze.
The first renderings of the Cruze were revealed by GM at a press conference on July 15, 2008. GM released the of the Cruze on August 21 at GM Lordstown Assembly plant in Lordstown, Ohio.
Engineering
Underpinned by the GM Delta II platform, GM claims the Cruze was, "developed by a global design and engineering team and will be built in multiple locations around the world". Such locations include Bupyong, South Korea; St. Petersburg, Russia; Shenyang, China; and Lordstown, Ohio; where GM is investing more than US$350 million. The Cruze's body structure is, according to GM, 65 percent high-strength steel.
Powertrains
The Cruze launched in South Korea with the 1.6 L Family 1 four-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic featuring Active Select. 1.8 litre Ecotec petrol and 2.0 litre turbocharged common rail diesel engine followed next. These engines will be fitted with identical transmissions to the abovementioned. Following the 2010 commencement of North American production, a new turbocharged 1.4 litre Family 0 engine with gasoline direct-injection will be fitted.
Market
Australasia
The Australian arm of GM, Holden, announced on 27 February 2009 at the Melbourne International Motor Show that from the second quarter of 2009, sales of the South Korean-produced Cruze will be begin under the Holden brand. Given the model designation JG, the Holden Cruze will launch with the 1.8 litre Ecotec petrol and optional 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine. Either way, both engines will be mated to the five-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic. Electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), seat belt pretensioners and six airbags will be standard across the board. Specification-wise, a price-leading CD will open up the range, along with a more upmarket CDX. The CD will come equipped with 16 inch steel wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, power windows and automatic headlamps. CDX versions add 17 inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and upholstery, heated front seats and rear parking sensors.
Prior to this, on 22 December 2008, Holden announced that its Elizabeth, South Australia production line would be split, and local production of a more upmarket Cruze-based sedan and hatchback would commence in 2010. This was a response to the slowing sales of the larger, locally-produced Holden Commodore range. The Australian Government has committed AU$149 million to the programme, with a further $30 million given by the State Government of South Australia. GM Holden will match both grants, however, chairman and managing director Mark Reuss would not reveal Holden's total investment. What was revealed was that the vehicle will be produced with four-cylinder direct-injection petrol and diesel engines. On top of this, Reuss announced that liquid petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and ethanol (E85) flexible-fuel powertrain technologies, and a hybrid start-stop system are all under consideration. One or more of these "alternative" fuel systems would allow Holden to take advantage of the Australian Government's AU$6.2 billion "Green Car Innovation Fund".
Europe
Four-cylinder 1.6 and 1.8 litre petrol and 2.0 litre diesel engines will hallmark the European-specification Cruzes. Exports from the South Korean factory began on February 24, 2009.
North America
North American versions of the Chevrolet Cruze will not enter production until 2010, replacing the Chevrolet Cobalt. These will feature the turbocharged 1.4 litre direct-injection gasoline engine.
South Korea
South Korean-market Cruze models entered production there in 2008 as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere. The Lacetti debuted on October 30, 2008, featuring the 1.6 litre naturally aspirated engine. On January 30, 2009, GM Daewoo introduced the turbodiesel engine variant.
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