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Introduction
Citing a 9% increase in sales of small hatchback models in 2015, Chevrolet believes it is a perfect time to offer the Cruze Hatch, a 5-door hatchback version of the company’s redesigned
Cruze sedan, to North American consumers. The previous-generation Cruze was also available as a hatchback, but that model never made it beyond Chevrolet’s other global markets.
Characterized by Chevrolet as a functional and sporty alternative to the new Cruze sedan, the 2017 Cruze Hatch will come in LT and Premier trim levels, each available with an optional RS package for a sportier appearance. It goes on sale in the fall of 2016.
Exterior Features
If you like the way the Cruze Hatch looks in the accompanying photographs, credit two things. First, this is the top-of-the-line Premier trim level. Second, it has the optional RS package, which includes 18-in. aluminum wheels, revised front and rear styling, fog lights, and a racy body kit with a rear spoiler. Upgraded projector-beam headlights and LED running lights are also shown in these images.
Interior Features
Inside, the new Cruze Hatch employs a dual-cockpit design finished in soft-touch surfaces, matte black and gloss black trim, and bright-finish accents. Instrumentation includes a 4.2-in. driver-information display nestled between the gauges.
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Seats are fitted with premium fabric boasting French stitching, and Chevrolet says the Cruze Hatch supplies two extra inches of rear legroom compared with two of its key competitors, the Ford Focus hatchback and Hyundai Elantra GT.
By Chevrolet’s measurements, the Cruze Hatch supplies 18.5 cu. ft. of cargo room behind the rear seat, and 42 cu. ft. with the rear seat folded down.
Optional Features
Somewhat of a rarity, heated front seats are an option when the Cruze Hatch is equipped with its standard cloth upholstery. Leather is available, and once installed buyers can then specify heated rear seats. A heated steering wheel is also available for the new Cruze Hatch.
Under the Hood
A turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine is the only power plant available for the 2017 Cruze Hatch, rated to make 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque and paired with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. Chevrolet estimates that the Cruze can cruise to 60 mph in 8 seconds.
An automatic engine start/stop system conserves fuel by shutting off the engine when the car is idling in traffic or at an intersection. Aerodynamic design helps the Cruze to return a predicted 40 mpg on the highway.
Rack-mounted electric steering is standard, along with 4-wheel-disc brakes featuring long-lasting Duralife rotors. The Cruze Hatch Premier features a more sophisticated Z-link rear suspension, while the LT makes do with a torsion beam setup. Up front, MacPherson struts tackle ride and handling duty.
Safety
Chevrolet installs 10 air bags into every new Cruze Hatch, along with a reversing camera. Options include a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning system, and a forward-collision warning system. Available Teen Driver technology is designed to encourage safe driving habits and to provide parents with a teen driving report card.
TechnologyTwo versions of Chevrolet MyLink infotainment technology are available for the Cruze Hatch, each upgraded for faster response to inputs.
Standard equipment includes a 7-in. display screen and OnStar subscription services including a 4G LTE Wi-Fi connection. An optional system comes with a larger 8-in. display and smartphone projection technology in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless smartphone charging and a navigation system are options with the upgraded version of MyLink.
