We've been hearing rumors about the possibility of GM adding a third body style to the range of its Chevrolet Cruze for quite some time now.
Well, there's no need to speculate any longer as this morning, the Detroit automaker officially revealed the all-new Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon ahead of its global premiere at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show early next month.
"The Cruze station wagon caters to an important market segment," said Chevrolet Europe President and Managing Director Susan Docherty. "It ticks all the boxes for European drivers in terms of distinctive design, dynamic driving, space and economy".
The Station Wagon variant follows the introduction of the Cruze four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. At 4,678mm long (184.2-in), the estate model is slightly longer than both the hatchback (4,510 mm) and saloon (4,597 mm) variants.
Chevrolet opted for a no thrills-design, as its main priority was to improve space and practicality. Looking at the Cruze SW from the rear, one could easily mistake it for a Toyota Avensis Estate, for example.
According to Chevrolet, load space ranges from 500 liters up to the window line in the rear to nearly 1,500 liters if you fill it up to roof and drop the rear seats.
The new addition to the Cruze's European range will be offered with a similar engine lineup to the sedan plus a new 130bhp 1.7-litre VCDi diesel engine, with start-stop technology as standard and CO2 emissions of 119g/km.
GM said that the introduction of the Cruze SW also brings a number of exterior and interior enhancements in 2012 for the sedan and hatchback variants. These include a tweaked front fascia, modified headlights and fog lamps, and new alloy wheels wheel on the outside, and refinements to the center console and a larger choice of seat finishes for the cabin.
We'll have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show to find out when the Cruze SW will go on sale in Europe and if GM has any plans to offer it in other markets around the world.
16 Comments:
GM needs to brings this to the United States. They are retarding there abiliy to sell to people under the age of 55 with there current lineup. Yes they have the Sonic. But its just a very small teen car. This wagon would sell to the more of late 20's to low 40's age bracket.
GM needs to let sell this car in the United States. Preferably in the diesel format. GM has retarded there line up with only offering the teen Sonic and SUV's. They need a wagon like this to appeal to the late 20's to upper 40's age bracket. Not everyone wants to be forced to purchase a VW, Subaru, or other import cars.
I would have to disagree. I love my BMW wagon but the fact is that wagons are simply not popular in the US. They never sell well. Hatchbacks are finally making a good comeback but I'm highly doubtful the same will ever be said about wagons. Even minivans are more popular.
GM should bring the Cruze hatchback to the US. Now that is one hot car that the kids will like.
The Malibu is no slouch of a car and definitely appeals to buyers between 25 and 45. And don't forget that other car they have, oh yeah, the Camaro. The Cruze wagon would definitely help, but with American buying tendencies, a wagon is not going to be the savior. the Cruze sedan is selling like hotcakes though.
Love the wagon. Can't wait to see more pics of other angles. I really like the Cruze and would really like to see the wagon sold in NA. A baby brother to the CTS wagon. I really don't know why America doesn't like wagons and hatchbacks very much. When I am able to make my next car purchase a wagon or hatch will definitely be on my shopping list.
Wagon+Diesel...I'm ready to order!
They never sell well because the brands that fail always target pear-shaped mommies and middle management men who will always opt for a larger minvan as they kiss their hopes and dreams goodbye. There is a sportier audience that really finds these vehicles appealing. Look at the Subaru Outback. In spite of their calling it an SUV (to avoid tougher crash protection standards of cars) it really is just a wagon with AWD. And it sells very well because of their youthful approach and sporty appearance. There is a market for wagons. Just not necessarily the young family demographic that may at first seem like the obvious target.
Very nice looking, and I also appreciate the hatchback.
Feel like a Skoda Octavia (but with a lower quality, of course at lower price too)
It looks a lot like the latest generation Renault Laguna station wagon on that 3/4 rear view.
Am i the only one that thinks this car is a piece of shite?? Rubbish plastics, foul panel fits, cheap everything... Is that why its popular? Its cheap?
I do agree that the Cruze should come in the hatchback. Also, the BMW wagon is a no go for the next 3 series. You could be right on the wagon in USA. BMW wagons are worth crap right now, very low resale value. But, if the Cruze came in a diesel sedan, hatchback, and wagon. VW would be very stressed out right now.
Not saying the Cruze is a perfect car. But, it is one of the best shifting manual transmissions made today. I would also have to add that it blows away the honda civic, toyoda corolla, or nissan when it comes to fit and finish. If GM would wake up a make it in a wagon and hatchback diesel, even the anti-American crowd would love this car. Maybe the fact the it is actually made in the United States with union workers is why the anti-american, anti-union American's won't ever like this car.
The car isn't out yet for a day and you say it has the best shifting manual box??? And it blows its direct competition??? I think someone is paid to be positive here...
BMW has confirmed the Wagon version of the next 3 series... They learned all their customers went to Mercedes...
Different body styles does not mean different transmissons.
The Cruze has been out since 2008.
Love to have this car here in Canada...but GM morons will wait for someone else to take market share before they decide to step in...they never take risks...
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