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CHEVROLET Cruze - 5 doors Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2011
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Hatchback
CHEVROLET Cruze Hatchback photo gallery

Chevrolet introduced a significant facelift for the Cruze lineup in 2018 for the 2019 model-year. Besides the new visual changes, the carmaker introduced new transmissions and revised trim levels.

Chevrolet found an intelligent way to cut the development costs of the Cruze and took the European Opel/Vauxhall Astra K, adapted it to the North-American market, and sold it as the Cruze. It was something it had tried before with the Saturn Astra, but the timing was so bad that the brand had to be deleted from GM's inventory.

With the introduction of the refreshed lineup, the Cruze received a front fascia that followed the same design language as the Camaro. The swept-back headlights incorporated sharp lines for the daytime running lights fitted inside the headlamps. A wide grille with horizontal slats adorned the lower bumper, and it was flanked by extended, taller side scoops that hosted the foglights. The hatchback featured a new roof spoiler mounted at the top of the tailgate. At the same time, the rear bumper was redesigned and sported a new black trim that decorated the lower and the sides of the rear valance.

In 2019, Chevrolet introduced the Cruze Hatch LS. The car's interior received a new 7" touch-screen for the infotainment system. For the LT trim level, Chevrolet offered cruise control, aluminum wheels, and a six-speaker Sirius XM Satellite radio. Moreover, the Cruze was available with a keyless entry and push-button start option.

Under the hood, the carmaker offered just two options: a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a 1.6-liter turbo-diesel. The former was paired to either a six-speed automatic, while the oil burner got paired to a nine-speed automatic.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Cruze Hatchback photo gallery

Chevrolet introduced the second generation of the Cruze at the 2016 North American International Auto Show in Detroit based on the same platform as the European Opel Astra.

GM introduced the hatchback as an affordable alternative for import vehicles with a similar shape. But, unlike the first generation, this model was carefully designed following the latest trends in the automotive industry. In addition, it was packed with improved technologies, on par with its competitors.

With its sharp look penned by Stuart Cooper, the Cruze Hatchback featured narrow headlights that flanked the slim upper grille. In addition, the automaker placed a second, broader grille on the lower part of the apron. The car's aggressive stance was even more visible from its profile, where the car looked like it was moving even when it was standing still, thanks to the sculptured door panels and the raked-forward C-pillars. Finally, at the back, the five-door Cruze featured wide taillights that emerged from the quarter panels to the tailgate.

The interior boasted a modern design focused on the driver, with a tall center console. Atop the center stack, GM installed the touchscreen display for the infotainment unit, available as an option for higher trim levels. To further emphasize the car's sporty character, Chevrolet installed bolstered seats at the front. In the rear, the split-folding bench could expand the trunk size.

To cut production costs, GM offered the Cruze with only one engine option, a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit. It paired it with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Cruze HB5 photo gallery

Since its introduction on the market in 2008, the Cruze sedan was well received in various markets around the world. The European market asked for a hatchback version, though, which came in 2011 along with a facelift for the entire range.

From the outside, the Hatchback looks exactly like the sedan up to the B-pillar. Same separation bar across the the radiator grille, same aggressive lines and sharp-looking headlights. In the rear part, the C-pillar is wider and makes a connection with the shortened trunk. The taillights are different than those installed in the sedan and are following the side median line, which starts ascending from the front fenders.

From the facelift onward, the driver information center was offered standard on all trim levels: LS, LT and LTZ. In the center console, an USB plug was offered for connectivity with MP3 players or iPod. Android Auto or Apple CarPlay were not available. Also, a navigation system wasn't offered. On the other hand, a 60/40 split rear backseat was offered to extend the 415 l (14.5 cu-ft) trunk space.

Under the hood there were two gasoline units: a 1.6-liter, a 1.8-liter and a 2.0-liter turbodiesel. Manual and automatic transmissions were offered, most of them with 6 speeds. Performance was good for its class, especially if equipped with the diesel engine, which had 163 hp and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque.

full description and technical specifications