Chevrolet Cruze Gears Up for US Launch

Just before the official launch of the Chevrolet Cruze on the local market, American manufacturer GM drew the line, added the numbers and tried to see how the model performed on the global markets. The result? The Cruze is one of the fastest growing nameplates in the carmaker's lineup.

GM sold worldwide 270,000 units since spring 2009, half of which this year alone. The model is currently available in some 60 countries, led, in terms of most units sold, by China, Russia, Mexico, India and Spain.

“Customers around the world have already made Cruze an international success, setting the stage for it here in the U.S.,” Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet director of marketing said in a statement.

“For U.S. customers, Cruze will be priced to compete with compact cars while offering more interior room, more miles per gallon in the Eco model, and more standard safety features.”

US customers will feel the Cruze vibe this September, the month when the car will be launched States side. The Cruze will be offered from $16,995 for the LS model (10 airbags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control and anti-lock brakes) and from $18,895 for the Eco.

The top of the line LTZ starts at $22,695 (leather seating surfaces, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, ultrasonic rear-parking assist, and 18-inch alloy wheels).

GM announced yesterday the fuel consumption figure for the Eco Cruze: 40 mpg highway for the six-speed automatic version. A figure achievable not only thanks to the 1.4l turbocharged Ecotec engine with variable valve timing, but also thanks to some tweaks to the car's aerodynamics.