New Chevrolet Cruze: First look

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze, globally unveiled in Detroit in June 2015, is a big deal for General Motors and there will be a lot riding on its well-sculpted shoulders when it goes on sale internationally in 2016. The Cruze is the best-selling Chevy in the world and is sold in more than 40 markets. It’s a different story in India, where the current Cruze has sold around 1,200 units a year of late and competes in the niche executive sedan segment, which has been shrinking over the years.

It possibly explains why GM India is taking its own sweet time bringing it to our market. Whilst an India reveal is expected at the 2016 Auto Expo next February, the all-new Cruze won’t go on sale till early 2017. The delay is possibly because of the lead time needed for localisation to achieve a competitive price, but the more likely reason is that India isn’t a high priority in the global rollout of the car. So, is it worth waiting for then? It’s actually got all the makings of a winner, provided GM India can breathe some life into the Chevrolet brand by the time it’s launched.

The styling is simply top class and we can’t think of an executive sedan that looks better. The chiselled exterior, replete with creases, gives the Cruze a sharper look. The front looks particularly good, with the creased bonnet, two-part grille, especially the pouty hexagonal lower half that really stands out. The sharp headlights come with LED daytime-running lights and neatly sweep up near the grille.

Not many cars look great in side profile but the Cruze is stunning even from this angle. The proportions are spot-on, the swooping roof gives a sporty coupé-like look and the 17-inch wheels nicely fill up the wheel wells, giving the car a superb stance. There are lots of nice details in the rear as well, and the sharply cut bumper and two-part tail-lights look great. A big thumbs up for the styling then, which is a huge battle won.