2011 Chevrolet Cruze

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet unveils the U.S. production version of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan at the 2009 L.A. Auto Show. It is a global car refined for America, delivering many segment-leading features and details that challenge preconceived notions about what a compact car can be in North America.

The Cruze also affirms Chevrolet's commitment to building refined, fuel-efficient vehicles, with new, small-displacement four-cylinder engines. It is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing - including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model.

"Chevrolet Cruze is already a hit across Europe and Asia; and now, it's coming to America to challenge the status quo," said Brent Dewar, GM Vice President, Chevrolet Global brand. "Along with the Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle, Cruze is the latest tangible example of how Chevrolet is working on exciting products that range from gas-friendly to gas-free."

Leveraging Chevrolet's design and engineering talent in Asia, Europe and North America, the Chevrolet Cruze brings to market a progressive, globally influenced design complemented by exceptional levels of quietness, quality and attention to detail - from precise tolerances between body panels to the use of premium materials throughout the interior.


"The amenities, quietness and roominess you expect in larger cars are what the Chevrolet Cruze delivers," said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet product marketing manager. "This is a car that will shake up the compact segment, with a more spacious interior and more cargo room than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla."

Chevrolet Cruze goes on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2010 but has already logged more than 4 million miles in quality and durability testing worldwide, making it one of the most real world-tested GM products prior to a U.S. launch. The U.S. and Canadian versions of the Chevrolet Cruze will be built in Lordstown, Ohio, where $350 million was invested for their production.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be offered in LS, LT and LTZ trims. Standard and available equipment includes:
New family of efficient four-cylinder engines, including a 1.4L turbo and 1.8L
Six-speed automatic and manual transmissions
Ten standard air bags, including frontal, side-impact, roof rail head curtain, rear seat side air bags and new knee air bags
Electronic stability control with rollover sensing
Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation system
XM Satellite Radio and OnStar
MacPherson strut front suspension and Watts Z-link rear suspension, with a family of 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels
Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes
Fuel-saving, rack-mounted electric power steering
Unexpected levels of quietness, smoothness and refinement for the segment

All models share an interior characterized by premium materials and a lengthy roster of unexpected equipment, including leading infotainment. A stereo system that includes MP3 playback capability, six speakers and an auxiliary jack for personal playback devices is standard. A premium Pioneer sound system is available, as is a USB port for iPod operation. Other available technologies include Bluetooth and a navigation system.

"There's a lot of content in all Chevrolet Cruze models; it was designed to give customers the features they want regardless of the car's size or segment," said Brooks. "At a very competitive price, you'll be able to get a Chevrolet Cruze with leather and heated front seats, 16-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, OnStar, Bluetooth, a USB port for your iPod, cruise control, power locks and power outside mirrors."

Arching roofline

Chevy Cruze's design is distinguished with a bold face - including a two-tier grille with the iconic Bowtie logo - that is Chevrolet's signature look around the globe. An arching roofline connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars to give the car a sporty, coupe-like proportion.

The sporty aesthetic is also seen in prominent headlamp housings that wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and sculpted hood, as well as a short rear deck typically found on sports coupes. The wheels are at the corners, too, with minimal front and rear overhangs. All the elements work cohesively to give Chevrolet Cruze an aggressive look that is complemented by a wide, confident stance.

Indeed, the Chevrolet Cruze is wider and longer than most of its competitors. Taut, tightly drawn bodywork conveys solidity, while restrained use of exterior trim enhances the car's high-quality feel. The overall appearance is one of purposeful precision.

Precision is also seen in the Chevrolet Cruze's build quality. The Lordstown assembly plant's body shop was retooled with the latest in body-framing and welding equipment to optimize the manufacture of a very solid body structure. That strong structure fosters minimal production variance and repeatable gap tolerances of 3 mm or less between most exterior panels. To the customer, this means a better looking car when new and one that feels solid for years to come.

Interior refinement

Chevrolet Cruze's bold design cues and attention to detail carry over to the interior, where a Chevrolet Corvette-inspired twin-cockpit motif is matched with high-quality materials and exceptional assembly tolerances. Grained, soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels exude a quality that is uncommon in the segment.

The instrument panel is an excellent example of how Chevrolet Cruze eschews expectations of compact cars. It features richly detailed instruments that are backlit with light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The LED lights provide a crisp, ice-blue illumination of the analog instruments, as well as lighting for other interior controls. A segment-rare standard driver information center offers a wealth of data for the vehicle owner.

Blending harmoniously with the instrument panels is an integrated center stack that houses the infotainment display, climate controls and radio controls. Flush-mounted components within the center stack have a gap tolerance of less than 1 mm, while the instrument panel-to-door panel gaps are less than 5 mm. Those tolerances are among the best in the class and contribute significantly to the Chevrolet Cruze's aura of refinement and precision.

Chevrolet Cruze's headliner and pillar trim exude craftsmanship, too. The headliner cover is made of a knit material that also serves as one of five layers of an acoustically designed headliner to help make the passenger compartment quieter. The interior pillar and other moldings are color- and grain-matched to the headliner, while seat inserts are color-matched to the color of the instrument panel accent trim, giving the cabin the detailed appearance of larger, upscale sedans.