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Roomier, More Efficient Chevy Cruze Uncovered
General Motors Co.'s redesigned Chevrolet Cruze will be longer, lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing model.
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General Motors Co.'s redesigned Chevrolet Cruze will be longer, lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing model. The compact car will be launched in the U.S. early next spring and eventually be sold in 40 markets worldwide.
The car's sportier design is influenced by the current Chevy Malibu midsize car. With a one-inch longer wheelbase, the new Cruze gains nearly three inches in overall length and is an inch lower than the current model. The design boasts more rear legroom and trunk capacity.
Chevy says the 2016 Cruze is about 250 lbs lighter than its predecessor, with one-fifth of the savings coming from a lightweight body structure that also is 20% stiffer.
Power will come from a new turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that is 11% more powerful (153 hp) with 20% more torque (177 lb-ft) than the current 1.4-liter mill. Highway fuel economy is expected to be 40 mpg or more.
The engine will get a standard stop-start system and be mated with a lighter, more compact 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. The new automatic also incorporates an innovative accumulator that replaces the electric pump formerly used to keep pressure up during the stop-start cycle.
A 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel will be added later, replacing the current 2.0-liter oil burner. GM hints that the new diesel-powered Cruze will be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car in the U.S. The current 1.8-liter naturally aspirated four-banger is being dropped.
Safety features include 10 airbags, lane-keeping assistance and several other crash-avoidance technologies, including blind side zone, forward collision- and rear cross-traffic-alert systems.
The Cruze also will feature a 4G LTE high-speed Internet connection, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, wireless phone charging and a new, faster iteration of Chevy's MyLink infotainment system. Other interior goodies include a heated steering wheel and rear seats and a 4.2-inch, high-resolution display in the gauge cluster.