Chevrolet Cruze

The Chevrolet Cruze is a General Motors (GM) automobile, spanning two unrelated generational lineages. The first series, a subcompact crossover SUV, was manufactured by Suzuki in Japan between 2001 and 2008 under joint venture with GM. From 2008, the "Cruze" moniker has been applied to a globally developed compact car, designed, manufactured and retailed entirely within GM.

Badged Holden Cruze in Australasia and Daewoo Lacetti Premiere in South Korea, the 2008 onwards model is related only in name to the Suzuki-derived original, and does not serve as its successor. Instead, the new car replaces two unrelated models—the Chevrolet Cobalt and Daewoo Lacetti. This preceding Lacetti was sold internationally as either a Buick, Chevrolet, Daewoo, Holden or Suzuki. GM phased out production of the Chevrolet Cobalt and its badged engineered counterpart, the Pontiac G5 in 2010 upon the introduction of the Chevrolet Cruze in North America.

Chevrolet Cruze Luxury Exterior

Chevrolet Cruze Interior View

Engines fitted to the Cruze are the 1.6-liter Family 1 inline-four, a 1.8-liter version of the same, and a 2.0-liter VM Motori VCDi turbocharged common rail diesel. All three engines are coupled to a five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission featuring Active Select. When the Cruze launched in the United States in 2010, a new 1.4-liter Family 0 turbocharged gasoline engine was introduced. North American models fitted with the 1.8-liter gasoline engine have also been upgraded to a standard six-speed manual.

Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback

White Chevrolet Cruze Side View

The Australian arm of GM, Holden, announced at the Melbourne International Motor Show on February 27, 2009 that sales of the South Korean-produced Cruze would begin under the Holden brand. Replacing the Holden Viva, the Cruze reached dealerships on June 1. The Cruze also became the replacement for the Holden Astra, dropped from the Holden lineup the following August.