Chevrolet has chosen the 2012 Geneva Motor Show to unveil the new Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon. In addition to this long awaited model, the American firm will also present two concept cars and a range of technology solutions that will feature on future models. The main attraction remains the Station Wagon, the new variant of the Cruze range, which brings an aesthetical update to it: among the details are a new front bumper and lateral LED daytime lights. Despite its rather compact size (4.68m), the new model, available from summer 2012, retains the spaciousness typical of these cars.

At launch, in addition to the current range, the Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon will be available in two new engines: 1.6 petrol and 2.0 diesel. Later, a new 1.4 petrol and 1.7 diesel will be added as well. All engines are Euro 5 compliant. The Cruze estate is equipped with keyless entry and starter, rear view camera and Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system. Externally, the front has been slightly renewed, especially in the lower part of the fascia.

The MyLink connectivity device is one of the new features offered by Chevrolet in Geneva. This piece of equipment allows the integration of smartphones, transforming the car into a docking station. It has a 7″ touch screen, USB, Aux-in and Bluetooth. It will be available on Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Aveo. The General Motors manufacturer will also display two new concept cars: Code 130R and Tru 140S. These are two four-seat coupes: the first is a square shaped car with turbo engine and rear-wheel drive; the second has front-wheel drive and sporty lines.

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Czech website Autoforum.cz published the first image of what should be the restyled Chevrolet Cruze, which should become available on the market next year. The picture shows us a heavily modified front end, with a new front bumper with built in LED stripes placed in the re-designed fog lights section on the two sides, while the lower air inlet has now an hexagonal shape. It is rumored that the new Cruze (meaning both 4 and 5 door configurations) will also receive a new engine option in the form of the 2.2-litre VCDI diesel engine already used by the Captiva, which will provide the model with an extra 21 hp over the 163 hp produced by the current 2.0-litre unit.

The new Cruze will make its worldwide debut in March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, whereas a brand new station wagon version - completely developed on the base of the ‘regular’ model - is also expected to appear at some point next year.

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The upcoming 2011 SEMA will see the unveiling of some Chevrolet tunings based on Sonic and Cruze models, a further demonstration of GM commitment towards smaller and fuel efficient cars. Chevrolet vice-president Chris Perry stated that “the heritage of Chevrolet cars like the Corvette and Camaro is being expressed in smaller packages for the next generation.”

The Sonic Z-Spec 1 has upgraded calipers, suspension and exhaust system while red paintjob, rear spoiler, graphic package, unique grille and white 18″ wheels are its most distinctive aesthetic traits. The cabin features red and black finishing and a number of other details accentuating its sporty attitude. The Sonic Z-Spec 2 can be considered an aggressive evolution of the Spec 1, from which it can be easily recognized becuase of the white livery and black rims. These two models will soon be joined by a third variation called Sonic Dusk, which will be quite similar to its two ’sisters’ but with less aggressive looks. A concept called Sonic Z-Spec 4D will also be presented, but this car will underline a more formal vibe of the model thanks to its Ashen Grey Metallic exterior.

Two tuned concepts of the Cruze will also make an appearence at the SEMA: these models will be presented with Z-Spec and Dusk packages, featuring the same changes described for the Sonic. Chevrolet did not provide any more technical info about the models.

View the full 2011 SEMA Sonic and Cruze tunings photo gallery

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Over the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, among the plans for expansion of the Opel brand overseas, General Motors confirmed that models like the Opel Astra will be back on the Australian car market, not as locally-badged Holden models, but as Opel European premium brand vehicles. The move could involve internal competition among the General Motors group, with models like the Chevrolet Cruze being overlooked for the Opel badge, but Opel head Nick Reilly claims that the European models will be headed for a different market segment, with customers unlikely to swap over from brand to another.

So far comments in Australia seem to welcome the move, and the return of European-built models like the Opel Astra and Opel Corsa (originally on the market as the Holden Barina) could prove to be extremely popular. We already analysed how the change from European-produced, Holden-Opel models to Korean-built ones was unwelcome, and how it damaged the brand on that market, and the announcement to bring back Opel models may well be celebrated by those wanting more choice in the European brand offering.

Rather than badging the models as Holdens, Opel will work alongside the Aussie brand, but will likely have its own standalone division and possible dedicated dealerships. Australian customers will have to expect to pay a premium for the Opel models though, as they will be priced in a different bracket from previous Holden branded models. They could prove to be more expensive than Volkswagen models, but will still be placed in front of Peugeot, Citroen, Renault and Alfa Romeo.

The expansion of the Opel brand worldwide is key to its survival, particularly at an international level, and the brand is planning new ventures in China, South America and the Middle East. Plans for the Australian market will likely be clouded somewhat by the history of the Holden brand, and will depend on the success of the premium brand label with past attempts not producing the profits expected. We’re hoping though that this time the move will be successful enough to discourage Opel from importing Korean-made Corsa’s and other models into Europe….

Source | Carsales.com.au

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Europe is to get its own Chevrolet Cruze model in a car that General Motors is backing in a big way. A five-door hatch Cruze will appear at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and it should be a European-specific model with the continuing resistance to (or at least perception of it) hatchback models in the US.

It would provide some competition to the new Ford Focus and not only – there are plenty of hatchback models in Europe to take on if one is so inclined. At the moment, the Cruze is what is described as a show car – between concept and prototype – although it shouldn’t change greatly from what we can see in these pics.

The European Chevrolet Cruze will also be available in Europe by mid-2011, although no pricing has been announced as yet. Judging by the pics, it’s quite a sexy little model and could find itself a niche here, depending on just how good a competitor it will be. Europe is already loving the new Focus and the continent has plenty of other hatchback models to look to, as well.

Source | Autoblog.com

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In a bid for more market appeal of the Chevrolet Cruze in Europe, General Motors has teamed up with Irmscher tuning to produce the Irmscher Cruze RS. Under the Irmscher tuning, the Cruze RS gets a 25-mm lowered suspension, rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels in turbine style. A new exhaust system provides an extra 36 hp for the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, bringing the total to 186 hp.

The Irmscher Cruze RS is especially destined for German customers, with the model available for order directly from Chevrolet dealers. It may not lure many locals away from their beloved German brands, but it’s definitely something to think about when trying to jazz-up foreign brands and give them some added selling points.

Source | CarScoop via Autoblog.com

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