(February 25, 2011) Chevrolet will pull the wraps off the Cruze hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show next week.

The newcomer will draw styling influences from the Cruze hatchback concept previewed at the Paris Motor Show last September, which achieved plenty of praise from show goers and industry commentators alike.

While the new hatchback body might bring extra practicality to the Cruze, which already has one of the biggest load areas in its class, it brings new levels of style to match its versatility. With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short front and rear overhangs, it enjoys the same dynamic stance as the sedan model, but with even greater sleekness.

It will also be offered with a new range of engines in Europe, with the range-topping diesel unit the same as that of the newly-launched Orlando, with 161 horsepower and a standard six-speed manual gearbox.



“The Cruze hatchback will give us a huge opportunity in the UK,” said Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry. “This year alone, we’ve got four major new model launches that will have a significant positive impact on our product line-up in the UK, as well as the Camaro to cast a halo over the rest of our range."

At present, General Motors has no plans to bring the very attractive hatchback to the U.S. But GM has indicated the diesel engine may find its way into Cruze models.

Chevrolet has worked flat out to keep up with demand for the Cruze four-door since it went on sale in mid-2009, exceeding sales expectations across the globe, including in the USA where it has recently gone into production.

The Cruze hatchback will go on sale in the UK in the summer of 2011, with prices and exact specifications to be confirmed nearer the time.