First pics - New World class Chevy Cruze bares all

MAKING A STATEMENT: These are the firsat pictures GM has released of the Chevy Cruze, showing its distinctive front treatment with large styling elements and sharp corners.

GM will invest more than $500-million (R3.8-billion) to build a new compact car in the US.

The Chevy Cruze will be unveiled at the upcoming Paris auto show and will first be sold in Europe and Asia. It's due in South Africa in late 2009 and will reach the US market in 2010.


It's the first of a new family of compact cars GM is launching as high fuel prices increase demand for more-efficient vehicles. GM says the same vehicle platform will be used at plants in the US, Asia and Europe and that the car "epitomises the global nature of the automobile industry".

GM chairman and chief executive Rick Wagoner said: "The Cruze was designed and engineered by our global teams in Europe and Asia Pacific and will be manufactured in those regions and at a plant in Lordstown, Ohio.

"Our goal for the Cruze is to lead in fuel economy in this very competitive car segment."

The car has clear, sharp lines with a single shoulder running across from the rear to the front bumper and a bold grille reminiscent of the Lumina SS.

Chief designer Taewan Kim explained: "We wanted to be bold, not evolutionary, to make a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world."

The Cruze will be launched with a choice of three engines – 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol rated at 82 and 103kW respectively and a 110kW, two-litre