New 2010 Chevy Cruze

What: A replacement four-door for Chevy's Cobalt.

When: Will be sold in Europe starting Spring 2009. Expected it to be sold in the U.S. starting mid-2010. 

Price: Unknown. The similar Chevy Cobalt starts at approximately $14,500. 


New for 2010

The 2010 Chevy Cruze's story is a complex one. Initially meant to replace the fuddy-duddy Chevrolet Cobalt, the Cruze is roughly the same size and holds the same amount of people (five) as the 2008 Cobalt. But fuel costs mean small cars with small engines are experiencing a renaissance, and the Cobalt has been given a temporary reprieve. Though the 2010 Chevy Cruze is still in the queue, there is also speculation that GM will continue production of its Cobalt for the immediate future.

The new Cruze is a front-wheel drive vehicle to be built on the new Delta 2 platform, along with the next-generation Saturn Astra.  It has a confirmed 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, and could achieve 40 mpg on the highway.

What the Auto Press Says

Little is definite about the Chevy Cruze, from its release date, to its design and features. Auto writers, however, eagerly anticipate the Cruze's high fuel numbers.

Here is what the press has to say about the coming 2010 Chevy Cruze:

  • "If GM can pull off that mileage, it will surpass the standard gas, non-hybrid offerings on the market today from Honda and Toyota -- Fit and Yaris." -- BusinessWeek
  • "Born from Chevy's global design and engineering team, the Cruze will sport many of the exterior elements we've seen on recent concepts, so expect lots of angular lines, a high belt-line and a squat greenhouse." -- Autoblog
  •  + "Look for greater use of lighter materials despite their higher cost, as weight is the enemy of fuel economy and a car's carbon footprint, not to mention performance." -- Consumer Guide 

Key Details

GM just confirmed the 2010 Cruze's name, though they haven't been very forthcoming with additional details. At an expectations-management conference, GM CEO Bob Lutz did confirm the turbo engine, its high mpg, and its 2010 birthdate.

Stay tuned for more details on the 2010 Chevy Cruze.