Alan Batey, president of GM North America said that “With 9 percent market growth in small hatchbacks a year ago, it’s the flawless time to bring the Cruze Hatch to America”.
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The hatchback version has the same 106.3-inch (2,700 mm) wheelbase as the sedan version. Developed with all the technologies and dynamic driving attributes of the all-new 2016 Cruze sedan, the new hatch adds a functional and sporty choice for customers. As we saw in earlier spy shots, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch gets a nicely tapered roofline that leads into an attractive sloped rear window. The main change with the hatchback comes when speaking of the cargo space, which is of 18.5 cubic feet (524 liters) behind the rear shelf and going up to 42 cubic feet (1,189 liters) when all rear seats are folded. However, GM officials say the hatchback is being produced in Arzipe, Mexico.
Like the sedan, the Cruze Hatch is powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that uses direct fuel-injection to deliver 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. of torque.
On the road behavior will be dictated by the electric power steering and on Premier models, a Z-link rear suspension as well, which is good considering how there are plenty of models in this segment which offer reasonably sporty drives. It will be offered in LT and Premier trips as well as with an RS package, nearly similar to the Cruze sedan.
The sedan will offer manual and automatic transmissions, but Chevrolet isn’t saying if the hatchback will get the manual.
The Hatch ships with the latest generation of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That includes safety features like Lane Keep Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Park Assist, and other safety features that are more than what rival companies provide in a “standard” package.
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The 2017 Cruze Hatch, which will make its public debut next week at the North American International Auto Show, is scheduled to go on sale by Fall this year. Pricing for the Hatch is unannounced but should be announced in the coming months.
