The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze for the US has been spied completely undisguised in Southern California, during what appears to be a commercial photo shoot for the upcoming mid-size compact sedan. The Cruze’s traditional three-box shape has been completely redefined for this new iteration, which gets a slightly cab-forward stance, much akin to the Chiniese Cruze, but with more aggressive detailing.
Styling has been obviously inspired by the new Malibu sedan, making the Cruze in line with the family look. The bodywork is sharp and well chiselled. The front end features angular headlamps bridged by a slim grille bearing the Chevy bow-tie. The front bumper is dominated by the large, chrome lipped intake, which is flanked by fog lamps and chrome highlights. The sides are smooth and flowing, while the rear is rounded off with aggressive bumper-work, a swooping rear window, an integrated boot-lip spolier and LED tail lamps.
The 2016 Cruze could be the first U.S.-market General Motors product to ride on the new D2XX compact platform, which will replace the older Delta II architecture that currently underpins the Cruze. A 1.5-litre four-cylinder, petrol unit from GM’s new Ecotec engine family is expected to replace the current 1.8-litre engine. The turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel introduced with the 2014 model year, is also expected to be carried over. The new Cruze should begin production in December 2015. No word on an Indian launch any-time soon.