GM's Next Next Big Thing: The Chevrolet Cruze

by Robert Farago

Published: August 21st, 2008

gm s next next big thing the chevrolet cruze

While GM PR is milking the plug-in electric – gas hybrid hybrid Chevrolet Volt for all its worth, the automaker is shifting emphasis towards it latest savior. The Camaro. Wait. No. That's not it. The Beat. Nope. Hybrid SUVs? Uh-uh. The Cruze! "Wider and longer than most of its competitors, Cruze has a purposeful stance…" Yada, yada yada. Engines? At its European launch, the Cruze control will feature a choice of a 1.6-liter (112 hp), 1.8-liter (140 hp) or a new 2.0-liter turbo diesel (150 hp) four banger; with a five-speed stick or all-new six-speed auto. U.S. spec? Mpgs? No se. But here's the real news: GM reckons they can

make money on building and selling this sucker in the U.S. "Small cars are becoming a permanent feature of the U.S. market, and the odds of earning a decent return have gone up" for domestic auto makers, auto analyst John Casesa told CNNMoney. "The window of opportunity for GM is now." Only, as Dow Jones' anonymous writer points out, "GM is counting on one more critical – but still uncertain – element to turn small cars into money makers, which is that consumers will ante up thousands of dollars more for a new small Chevy." Now what are the odds?

Click here for Chevy Cruze Press release

Robert Farago

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Bunter1 on Aug 22, 2008

Davey49-most of the press stuff I have seen has as put it at a 2011 model for the US. Perhaps I am wrong. A valid question on why I am so skeptical. Here are some thoughts. Once the new wore off the Aura has shown pretty so-so, the 'Hoe was from day one, the VUE is thirsty and overweight (though improved), the CTS and 'Bu are competitive but I have yet to see either win a head to head against their major competitors. The 'Rado has essentially a split decision in tests vs. the Tundra. Ergo, they are not blowing anyone but true believers socks off. When you factor in that GMs reliabilty is below average (yes they have some individual high scores). Whether you consider JDP VDS, CR or TDs data they all show the same trend. Just saying there are reasons I am not impressed. Take care friend, Bunter

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Davey49 on Aug 22, 2008

I think the Sebring looks good so I'm OK with cars looking like it. I think the Sebring is the best looking midsize sedan. There's a bit of Sonata in the Cruze also. Bunter1- correct about the problem with GM reliability. Compared to the Malibu the Ford Fusion seems very blah and uninspired but it does have excellent reliability so far. Could be a win for Ford in this case. Sales of the Fusion are inching up each year as people are getting the word.

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