These are the first spy photos of the all-new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback. Its sedan sister made its US market debut last month at the LA Auto Show, so we should see the version with a chopped trunk arriving next year as a 2017MY.
Despite being heavily obscured by camouflage, the prototype reveals some of its design secrets. The hatchback looks like a cross between the Cruze sedan and the Bolt pure EV that we suspect will be shown in Detroit.
Chevrolet's new design language is all about squinting headlights and a sharply raked front end. We have no idea which is the new target demographic, but the Cruze looks almost like a Scion now.
The American car brand has decided to pull out of the European market, leaving behind only the Camaro and Corvette Stingray that are available through Opel dealers. Nevertheless, test facilities remain in place, which is why the 2017 Cruze hatchback was testing in Southern Europe.
Most of the front end design is carried over from the sedan, so let's focus on the back. There, we see that the taillight design has been completely changed. It's now wide and stretches over the trunk opening. This gives it a sportier look that is only accentuated by the prominent roof spoiler.
In America, the Cruze is powered by something similar to the Astra K, a 1.4-liter turbo that's officially rated at 153 hp at 5,600 rpm and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. The official numbers suggest the sedan runs the 0 to 60 gauntlet in 8 seconds, but nobody has had a chance to test that yet.
The second biggest car market in the world isn't too crazy about hatchbacks, but the Scion brand seems to have revived the segment. The 2017 Cruze could have several advantages over its rivals, including the 2,700mm wheelbase and the fact that the D2 platform will help it shed up to 113 kg (250 lbs).
The Cruze hatchback could also be introduced in China, where sister company Buick has re-badged the Astra and is selling it with the same turbo engine matched to a 7-speed DCT.
Chevrolet's new design language is all about squinting headlights and a sharply raked front end. We have no idea which is the new target demographic, but the Cruze looks almost like a Scion now.
The American car brand has decided to pull out of the European market, leaving behind only the Camaro and Corvette Stingray that are available through Opel dealers. Nevertheless, test facilities remain in place, which is why the 2017 Cruze hatchback was testing in Southern Europe.
Most of the front end design is carried over from the sedan, so let's focus on the back. There, we see that the taillight design has been completely changed. It's now wide and stretches over the trunk opening. This gives it a sportier look that is only accentuated by the prominent roof spoiler.
In America, the Cruze is powered by something similar to the Astra K, a 1.4-liter turbo that's officially rated at 153 hp at 5,600 rpm and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque. The official numbers suggest the sedan runs the 0 to 60 gauntlet in 8 seconds, but nobody has had a chance to test that yet.
The second biggest car market in the world isn't too crazy about hatchbacks, but the Scion brand seems to have revived the segment. The 2017 Cruze could have several advantages over its rivals, including the 2,700mm wheelbase and the fact that the D2 platform will help it shed up to 113 kg (250 lbs).
The Cruze hatchback could also be introduced in China, where sister company Buick has re-badged the Astra and is selling it with the same turbo engine matched to a 7-speed DCT.