Load Up The Chevrolet Wagon And Cruze

Stories of several new bodystyles spun off the Cruze platform have been circulating ever since the car first surfaced more than two years ago.

While talk of coupes seemed to be wishful thinking more than a project to improve the basic appeal of the range, the idea of a station wagon is one idea that gained momentum, to the extent that General Motors has announced that there will be a load-carrying version of the car, which is under the Holden badge here, and is carving a very useful slice of the C-segment market.

In addition to the 2.0-litre turbodiesel power unit in some markets, there will be a new 97-kilowatt, 1.7-litre VCDi diesel engine, with start-stop technology as standard and carbon-dioxide emissions of 119 grams per kilometre. It is expected that the engine will be on the 1.4-litre turbo petrol unit and the base 1.8-litre normally aspirated petrol four, although the latter’s rather gutless performance suggests that its days may be numbered.

The new power unit will continue with the Cruze’s choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The new car will be revealed next month as a Chevrolet Cruze Station Wagon at the 82nd International Geneva Motor Show. The station wagon follows the introduction of the Cruze sedan and hatchback. Measuring 4678mm, the wagon is 168mm longer than the hatchback and longer than the sedan by 119mm.

GM appears to have gone for a plain, uncluttered design for the Cruze wagon and says its main aim was to create load space and ease of use. The extra side glass and tapered rear-end treatment is not dissimilar to that of the Hyundai i40 and Toyota’s Avensis, but less severe, suggesting a taller hatch opening than its two rivals. Australian and New Zealand Cruze wagons will have roof rails and a load volume of 500 litres with the seats in place and luggage kept below the window line. This expands to a maximum of almost 1500 litres if the 60-40 rear seats are folded and the contents taken up to roof level.

The introduction of the Cruze SW will also bring improvements to the range, including a mildly revised external front fascia, some changes to the headlights and fog lamps, and new alloy. GM also says there will be a redesign of the centre console and a larger choice of seat finishes for the cabin.

While it is likely that the Cruze will make it to Australia and New Zealand, it is not known if it will be included on the Holden production line in Adelaide, where the company builds the sedan and hatch version.
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The Cruze design is in the happy position, as indeed are the hatch and sedan, of being large for a C-segment offering and plausible as an alternative for those down- sizing from the segment above.

Thus as well as competing with the existing C-segment wagons in the form of the Nissan Wingroad and the Toyota Corolla, it should stir attention from those who have lacked a product to choose in replacement of the old Hyundai Elantra wagon, which had a large following in New Zealand.

More information will be provided for the new Cruze wagon as it comes to hand, and the vehicle will join the Cruze lineup in New Zealand within 12 months.