chevrolet cruze

Taking design cues from the company's latest Malibu, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze ($TBA) is the auto maker's latest attempt to reinvent its small car. The car, which will debut in Europe before making its way to the states, will feature one of three powerplants ranging from a 112-hp 1.6L four cylinder to a 150-hp turbodiesel, paired to either a five speed manual of a six-speed automatic. GM claims the car's interior will feature "grained surfaces, soft-touch materials and low gloss trim panels" to make it more like a Civic or Jetta and less like, well, a Chevy — which is good news if you ask us. While it'll be built in Ohio, the Cruze will first go on sale in Europe next March, followed by North America and other areas thereafter.

Apparently hoping to duplicate Ford’s success in the compact car market, Chevrolet has revealed their own craptacular version of the Ford Fiesta global-design frame: the new Chevrolet Cruze. Slated to replace the Chevrolet Cobalt in the U.S. in 2011, the Chevrolet Cruze will make its official debut on the road in March of 2009 when it’s released in the European market. The 2010 European Cruze will be offered with 3 different engines, either a 112-hp 1.L, 140-hp 1.8L, or a 150-hp 2.0L turbodiesel. When it hits the United Sates in 2010 as a 2011 model, the Cruze will most likely feature similar specifications.

According to Chevrolet, the Cruze compact car is based on the Delta 2 platform and will serve as the flagship model for Chevrolet’s “Global Compact Vehicle” Architecture. Using the “Global Delta” platform, Chevrolet plans to eventually release 15 cars worldwide, a marketing plan that very closely resembles Ford’s “Global Ford” program.