Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback: 2011 Geneva Preview

The production version of the new Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback has finally been revealed less than a week from its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The new 5-door hatchback will draw styling influences from the Cruze Hatchback concept previewed at the Paris Motor Show last September.

The Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback range will come with two gasoline and one diesel engines. The 2.0l diesel unit is the same as that of the newly-launched Orlando MPV, with 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque / 320 Nm, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The gasoline options come in the form of a 1.6-liter 16V and a 1.8-liter 16V developing 124 (80kW) and 141 (104kW) horsepower, respectively.

The front end of the Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback is identical to that of the Cruze sedan, while the profile and rear design are completely different, a highlight being the coupe-like sweeping roofline.

Cargo capacity for the Cruze Hatchback is close to 400 liters and it will feature 60/40 split rear seating.

The Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback will go on sale across Europe in mid 2011, with more details and prices to be confirmed nearer the time.

The introduction of the new Cruze Hatchback is critical in European market where hatches account for 65 percent of the volume in the compact segment.