Chevrolet Cruze launched

The all-new Chevrolet Cruze will be on sale from July 2009 from £11,545 on the road.

The newcomer, which has the stance of a four-door coupe, will be offered with a choice of four engines - both the1.6 (113PS) and 1.8-litre (141PS) petrol designs featuring variable valve timing, plus two diesels, both 2.0-litres and with a choice of 125PS or 150PS power outputs.

The range will launch with the 1.6 S, which enjoys remote central locking, follow-me-home lighting, a quality CD-radio system, electric front windows, a fully-adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel, six airbags, ESC, upmarket soft-touch cabin materials, and premium blue-backlit dashboard dials.

The LS model, expected to be the best-seller in the range, starts at £12,595 for the 1.6 manual variant and includes air conditioning as standard, plus other upmarket features such as 16-inch alloy wheels, a chrome edged radiator grille, front fog lights and reverse parking sensors.

Flagship of the range will be the LT, which comes in 1.8 petrol or 2.0-litre diesel guise, starting at £13,595, including cruise control, climate control, an automatic anti-dazzle rear view mirror, an upgraded high-output stereo, electric rear windows, chrome detailing and 17-inch alloy wheels, plus the option of an integrated satellite navigation system.

The Cruze will also spearhead Chevrolet's campaign in the 2009 World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), which started on March 8th in Curitiba, Brazil.

The UK round of the WTCC takes place at Brands Hatch on July 19th.