By: IOL Motoring Staff
Chevrolet's Cruze hatchback has just evolved into a far sexier machine.
The all-new five-door, which Chevrolet has revealed online ahead of its debut at the Detroit Motor Show next week, follows hot on the heels of the redesigned Cruze sedan that emerged last year.
The new five-door shares the sedan's longest-in-class wheelbase, which should ensure decent rear legroom, and even the boot is rather capacious for a hatch, swallowing 524 litres with the rear seats up, according the Chevrolet.
Yet this one's not all about practicality as the fastback-style rear structure and bold rear bumper that show Chevrolet is also serious about selling this car on sex-appeal too.
The new Cruze is 91kg lighter than the previous model and is fitted with a new 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine rated at 113kW and 240Nm.
North American models will offer a glut of high-tech features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as 4G LET Wi-Fi, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Zone Alert.
The new hatch will go on sale abroad in the third quarter and we're currently awaiting word on the South African launch timing.