Next gen 2016 Chevrolet Cruze teased, will be revealed on June 24 - IAB Report

Was launched in China last year with localized design and powertrains.

General Motors has begun teasing the next generation 2016 Chevrolet Cruze mid-size sedan for the North American market, ahead of its confirmed unveil on June 24. According to GM, the new Chevrolet Cruze will be larger and lighter, and come equipped with new technologies, new powertrains and additional available safety features.

The teaser image reveals the front end, which is more sculpted and sharper than the China-exclusive 2015 Chevrolet Cruze which launched last year off the new platform. Unlike the 2-part grille of older Chevys, the new Cruze features a separate hexagonal air intake flanked by new fog lamps. The sleek swept-back headlights with LED DRLs flow into the single-slat grille above the hexagonal intake.

Although the side profile and rear haven't be revealed, spyshots have shown the former to feature new wing mirrors and updated C-Pillar design, while the latter is fitted with new horizontal tail-lamps and a sporty bumper.

Coming to the interior, Chevrolet had revealed the console design of the 2016 Cruze when they announced that the said car would offer both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The design is identical to the Chinese-spec Cruze's interior, which features a familiar dual cockpit design, more up-scale leather upholstery and trim, new 3-spoke steering wheel and instrument cluster with a large MID. Chevrolet will offer a 7-inch MyLink infotainment display as standard for the 2016 Cruze, as well as an optional 8-inch MyLink display for top variants.

It rides on an all new D2XX FWD platform, which replaces the Delta II platform of the outgoing model. On the engine lineup, the teaser stated that the Cruze will be offered with new engines and transmission.

It's unclear if Chevrolet will copy the engine lineup from the second generation Chinese-spec Cruze, which is offered with two four-cylinder petrol engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit that delivers 112 PS (110.42 bhp), and the range-topping 1.4-litre turbocharged motor generates 148 PS (145.9 bhp). The base engine is offered with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission while the turbo petrol comes paired either to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT.

Also Read: IAB reader snaps the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV on test in Manesar

Despite the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze making its debut on June 24, prospective customers will have to wait until early next year for the next generation model. It will continue to be manufactured at GM's Lordstown, Ohio plant, as well as roll-out from the firm's revamped Coahuila facility in Mexico.

GM India has not revealed plans to introduce the new Cruze though the current model has been updated thrice in its six-year tenure, both for looks and drivetrain. Its next two products are the Trailblazer SUV this year and the Spin MPV next year, the company confirmed in February.

2015 Chevrolet Cruze (China-only) - Image Gallery

Next generation Chevrolet Cruze - Press Release

[Can’t see the press release? Head over to Slideshare]