Compact sedans are never that interesting to look at. Generally, more money is spent on designing their bigger mid-size brothers, plus they don't have as much tech, power or features. The Focus is uglier than the Fusion and the Corolla is but an afterthought compared to the Camry. But if this is what the 2016 Cruze looks like… "don't mind if I do".
The Malibu's little brother is going to be all-new soon, with rumors suggesting the debut is likely to take place during the upcoming New York Auto Show. But even if we won't be able to see it this month, this next video will give us a pretty good idea of what to expect. Chevrolet engineers are trying to put hundred of thousands of miles into their 2016 Cruze prototypes and a couple of them were spotted testing in Colorado, doing altitude assessments.
The cars were part of a larger convoy, which included some SUVs hidden under tarps and believed to be prototypes for the upcoming Buick Anthem. GM's men weren't too happy to see TFL filming their prototypes, but there's not much they can do since this is happening on public property.
Production of sedans sold in the US will take place at Lordstown Assembly in Ohio. Engine choices should continue to include a 2.0-liter Clean Diesel and the 1.4 turbo, but the big surprise could be the arrival of a 1.6-liter with somewhere in the region of 160 hp.
The new Cruze has already been spotted fully undisguised in China, just ahead of the 2014 Beijing Auto Show where it will debut. The engines offered there will be slightly less inspiring, namely a 112-hp base 1.5-liter and a 1.4-liter turbo with 148 hp.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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