Chevrolet reveals 2016 Cruze

Chevrolet has taken wraps off the next edition of Cruze, with company’s best-seller set to hit North American showrooms early next year.

The new Cruze is 2.7 inches longer and nearly an inch shorter in height than the current model, giving it a longer and leaner look. The headlamps extend to the stacked dual-port grille in all models, while projector-beam headlamps and LED signature daytime running lamps are restricted to selected top-end variants.

On the inside, Chevrolet has managed to eke out more legroom and knee room, while a new MyLink infotainment system has also been added to the sedan. Users can connect their phones and tablets using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the power unit front, the American car maker has deployed an all new 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that delivers 153 bhp and 240 Nm of torque. The company expects the new Cruze to zoom from 0 to 96 km/hr in about eight seconds.

“The 2016 Cruze builds on a very successful program that introduced Chevrolet to new customers the world over,” said Alan Batey, president, General Motors North America. “We retained all the attributes that made the original Cruze a hit around the globe and built on them to make this car more sophisticated, more fun and more Chevrolet.”

Chevrolet has also taken care of the safety side by incorporating high-strength in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection. A total of 10 standard air bags feature in the new Cruze, including driver and passenger airbags, roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags (front and rear), and front knee airbags.

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in more than 40 global markets, with no word yet on its India launch.