Since the first generation debuted in 2008, the Chevrolet Cruze (J300) not only replaced the Cobalt, but made the golden bowtie automaker an even bigger player in the compact car segment worldwide. Despite strong sales and general positive consumer reviews, time has come for Chevy to prepare the arrival of the all-new 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
A lot of weight is on the shoulders of General Motors as of lately. The 2016 Camaro, 2016 Volt, 2016 Spark and the 2016 Cruze are the most important of newcomers. It goes without saying that being a volume-oriented model, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has some big shoes to fill in. It has to be more modern-looking, comfortable, efficient, as well as more technologized than its honorable forerunner.
Though the Chinese received the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze last year, the differences between the China-spec model and the US version will be significant. On the aesthetic front, the 2016 Cruze will gain plenty of chrome bits up front when it will debut on June 24th and will ride on the all-new GM D2UX/D2XX vehicle platform. The platform is shared with the 2016 Volt and 2015 Opel Astra K.
Nothing much is known about the US model’s specs, but the Chinese Cruze should give us a glimpse of what to expect. The 1.5-liter direct injection turbocharged engine with 84 kW (114 PS /112 horsepower in US money) and 146 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque has all the chances to arrive in America, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a wheelbase of 104.8 inches (2,662 mm), the 2016 Cruze should be enough to accommodate 5 passengers.
The estimated curb weight is between 2,635 and 2,866 lbs (1,195 - 1,300 kilograms), depending on the engine, transmission, and optional extras. An interesting aspect of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze comes from its infotainment system. GM CEO Mary Barra announced that the outfit partnered with Apple and Google to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on 14 different 2016 model year nameplates.
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze makes no exception. There’s a catch though. While the 7-inch MyLink media system is said to give “owners a smart and simple way to access both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the 8-inch version of MyLink will be compatible only with Apple CarPlay at the beginning of the 2016 model year.” Thankfully, the Cruze will be available with both the 7 and 8-inch MyLink infotainment systems.
For more intel on GM's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, check the release below the videos.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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