Chevy Cruzes in to face Focus

These are the first official pictures of the all-new Cruze, which Chevrolet will launch to take the fight to the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Jetta.

Chevrolet has developed the Cruze from the ground up. And it has a healthy dose of the sort of style that’s been lacking from the firm’s current range.

Up front, the Chevy bow-tie logo sits on a prominent split-level grille. Either side of it are rakish, wraparound lights which lead into sculpted front wings. The sharp, concave shoulder line and tapering rear window add further interest to the side and rear profiles.

The interior also promises to take great strides forward in ergonomics and material quality, which should help to make the Cruze a serious alternative to current leaders in the compact saloon class.

Under the bonnet, three engines will be offered when the car is launched in the UK next spring. There will be two petrol units – a 110bhp 1.6-litre and 138bhp 1.8 – both with variable valve timing. The third powerplant will be a 148bhp 2.0-litre common-rail diesel.

This car marks the start of a new global product drive from Chevrolet, in which a core of fresh models will be launched. All of them can be sold in the same form across every market, ensuring greater profitability for the brand.

The Cruze is set to make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.