Shah Alam, 16 April 2009 - General Motors’ new generation of compact notchback sedan, the Cruze, is expected to be launched locally by Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd. This 2009 model is designed, engineered and executed to establish a new benchmark in the global compact car segment. 

It will be manufactured at the GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co.’s centre in Gunsan, South Korea with the new body-frame integral (BFI) four-door and is a five-passenger vehicle which is expected to new standards in exterior styling.

“This car has been designed to have best-in-class quality, outstanding presence, an interior that’s second-to-none among compacts, an unmatched structure and exceptional performance,” said Dwenell Mills, Vehicle Line Director.

“We think the Cruze is better than all the competitors in the compact car segment and literally, it is the best compact car on the planet,” said Sanjeev Garg, MD & CEO, Hicom-Chevrolet Sdn Bhd. 

The Cruze is powered by a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder gas engine (Family 1 Generation 3; RPO = 2HO) that delivers 141PS at 6000 rpm and 176 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm. It is a front wheel drive and is equipped with Vehicle Stability Enhancement System (VSES), Anti-lock Braking and Traction Control.

The McPherson strut type front suspension, sophisticated compound crank rear axle with optional Watts linkage and quick-reacting hydraulic or rack-mounted electric power steering system has been tuned to deliver a smooth, refined ride with responsive handling and solid on-centre feel.

It is expected to achieve the 5-star NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) rating in North America and Europe. In addition, it is also expected to earn the highest rating in front and side crash tests of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS – influential independent safety assessment in North America).