Chevrolet Cruze hatches out

This is the first official picture of the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, which will join the saloon in the line-up.

After a concept was revealed at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the manufacturer unveiled the production-ready car at the Geneva expo this week. 

Short front and rear overhangs, plus a sweeping roofline, provide a much sportier stance, while the hatch tailgate means an even bigger load space than in the saloon, with around 400 litres on offer. 

A new line-up of engines will also be available, including the range-topping diesel already seen in the Orlando MPV. This 2.0-litre unit delivers 161bhp and 360Nm of torque, and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

The Cruze hatchback goes on sale in the summer. Expect to see a similar entry price tag to the saloon’s £13,395 figure. It’s one of five new Chevrolets being released in 2011 – and will join the updated Captiva and Aveo, plus the Orlando and Camaro, in the maker’s revamped range. 

Chevrolet managing director in the UK, Mark Terry, said the car will boost sales in a market dominated by hatchbacks. “It delivers more choice and will give us a far greater presence in the hotly contested fleet market,” he explained.

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