Geneva reveal for SA-bound Cruze 5dr

Published Feb 1, 2011

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Chevrolet will pull the covers off the production version of its Cruze hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show in early March, but don't expect any big surprises - it's going to look almost identical to the concept car you see here, which was revealed in Paris last year.

Of course, you can count on them trimming back on some minor details on the concept, like those blue headlights and 19-inch rims.

However, since the concept was first revealed, we have found out some more information on the car.

Most importantly, we can confirm that the Cruze five-door will be launched in South Africa some time during 2012. Our GMSA spokesperson could not confirm when in the year it's expected, nor the local engine line-up as it is still in the planning phase at this stage.

Interesting news, though, is that GM's UK division has said that the hatch will be offered with a new range of engines, albeit they haven't disclosed much detail, except that the range-topping diesel will boast an output of 116kW - 6kW up on the current motor.

Our guess is that one of the new motors is the 103kW 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit that is already available in American-market Cruze sedans. We do know that GMSA has been trying to get approval to source this version for the South African market for some time now and the engine would make great sense for both the hatchback and sedan here.

GM is also confident that the styling of the Cruze hatchback will prove a strong point: “With its attractive sweeping coupe roofline and short front and rear overhangs, it enjoys the same dynamic stance as the saloon model, but with even greater sleekness.”

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