Rumormill: Volkswagen greenlights Bulli for production

What did you think of Volkswagen's Bulli concept, which was just shown for the first time at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show? VW is apparently hoping you liked it, because rumor (via Autocar in the UK) has it that it's going into production.

The concept version is powered by a 113-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack, which can reportedly be charged in less than an hour. We don't know if the electric powertrain will make it into the production vehicle (our guess would be no, but who knows?), and there is no word on pricing. Still, how cool would it be to once again see a modern Volkswagen Microbus prowling the streets of America? The mind reels at the possibility.

[Source: Autocar]

Tesla Model S Update: Pricing to start from $57,000 before credits

Tesla recently held a celebration in honor of its newest store, located in Milan, Italy. At the event, customers and company-folk mingled while chatting about their favorite electric car company. One of the key talking points was the upcoming Model S, and Tesla took the opportunity to answer a few questions.

Deliveries of the North American-market Tesla Model S are scheduled to begin in the mid-2012. The first 1,000 vehicles peeled off the assembly line will be Signature Series cars, which means they’re fitted with 300-mile range batteries and identifying options. Once the Signature Series run has been sold, Tesla will continue to produce 300-mile range cars while optional 230-mile and 160-mile Model S sedans will follow later in the year.

The base 160-mile range Tesla Model S will start at $57,000, but a $7,500 tax credit will cut that price to $49,500. Stepping up to the 230-mile range Model S will add $10,000 to the bottom line. The range-topping 300-mile Model S adds $20,000 to the base price. Tesla plans to produce 5,000 units in 2012 before going full-tilt in 2013 with a 20,000 vehicle production run.

Not limited to just the North American market, Tesla will being selling the Model S in Europe during the latter half of 2012. By the middle of 2013, the company will have a right-hand-drive version for the rest of Europe and Asia. Those launches will also features the Signature Series edition.

[Source: Tesla]

Report: Jaguar passes on Bertone’s B99 concept

Italian design studio Bertone came to the 2011 Geneva Motor Show with the B99 concept, a design study for a prospective Jaguar rival to the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The sleek show car fostered rumors that perhaps Jaguar itself, which has been considering a successor to the discontinued X-Type, had commissioned Bertone to design the purple machine that graced the Geneva stage. According to new reports, however, Bertone was apparently on its own with this one.

Speaking with Jaguar’s global brand director Adrian Hallmark, Automotive News reports that the British automaker is passing on the concept car. “We appreciate the fact that Jaguar is interesting enough for people to do a concept around,” says Hallmark. “It is just not for us.”

[Source: Automotive News – sub. req.]

Veritas RSIII Hybrid does the electric slide

Vermot AG is on the cusp of unleashing a hail of all-new models, including a fully-electric vehicle and a coupe version of the delicious Veritas RSIII. But before we get a taste of those, the company is dipping a pinky toe into electric waters with the introduction of the Veritas RSIII Hybrid. The vehicle basically throws a 105 kilowatt electric motor into the already delectable mix that makes up the standard RSIII. That means that you still get the sounds and feel of the 507-horsepower BMW-built V10 engine in the standard RSIII, but with a little extra electron punch.

Even with the additional drivetrain components and a stack of lithium-ion batteries, the Veritas RSIII Hybrid tips the scales at 2,821 pounds, which is around 500 pounds heavier than the standard version. Even so, Vermot says its battery-operated speedster can do away with the 0-62 mph sprint in a skinny 3.1 seconds thanks in part to the fact that the electric motor kicks power to the front wheels, effectively making the machine an all-wheel drive terror. For reference, that's .1 seconds faster than its predecessor.

[Source: Translogic]

Volvo Ocean Race limited edition models get nautical by nature

Volvo is celebrating the start of its fourth Ocean Race by releasing special edition models of its V60, XC60 and XC70 in the UK. The cars will be available to order starting in April, with the first deliveries expected to take place in July.

Engine options are yet to be determined, but the cars will have special interiors in sail-reminiscent off-black or beige, and the seatbacks come embossed with the Volvo Ocean Race logo. There will also be two special exterior colors available, dubbed “Volvo Ocean Blue II” and “Electric Silver.”

Along with the seats, the door panels and cargo covers get the Ocean Race treatment, with special script and stitching. If that isn’t enough Nautical madness for you, you can rest your Sperrys on a set of textile sail-inspired floor mats to cap it all off.

Volvo is expecting to move about 7,500 of the special editions per year, targeting England, Germany and Italy in particular. No word yet on pricing or whether the cars come with a stuffed parrot for full-on pirate effect.

[Source: Volvo]

PRESS RELEASE:

VOLVO OCEAN RACE LIMITED EDITIONS - THREE MODELS INSPIRED BY THE WORLD’S MOST CHALLENGING SAILING RACE

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most grueling sailing adventure, testing the sailing prowess and human endeavour of its participants and competing in all four corners of the globe. To celebrate the start of the fourth Volvo Ocean Race, Volvo Cars have launched three limited edition models specifically designed with the sailing adventure in mind. Design details inspired by life on board a boat help distinguish these models from their standard counterparts with unique interior and exterior refinements.

Launched at the Geneva Motorshow, three of Volvo’s models will be available in the UK with this special Ocean Race inspired specification, allowing customers to own a piece of Volvo’s involvement in the world’s most challenging of sailing events.

The Volvo Ocean Race Editions will be available to order in the new Volvo V60, XC60 and XC70 from April 2011 with customer cars expected to be delivered in July 2011. Engine availability and pricing have yet to be confirmed in the UK.

Customers can choose between two luxurious exterior colours, Volvo Ocean Blue II or Electric Silver, in conjunction with the sail-inspired leather upholstery in off-black and soft beige with embossed Volvo Ocean Race Logo on the backrest of the front seats.

Other features are the uniquely designed aluminium wheels, chromed detailing and the Volvo Ocean Race emblem on the front wings.

Inside the car, the seats and door panels feature an added level of craftsmanship. The load cover displays the Volvo Ocean Race logo in print with stitching and sheet detailing, there are textile floor mats with clew-inspired (lower corner of a sail) details in aluminium and the tread plate in aluminium is embossed with the text “Volvo Ocean Race”. In addition, the Human Machine Interface start-up display shows the Volvo Ocean Race logo and text.

Volvo Cars estimates to sell about 7,500 cars globally. The four largest markets are expected to be Germany, Sweden, Great Britain and Italy. Other markets outside Europe that will be involved in the race will also sell the Ocean Race Editions.

Facts about the race:

The Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s most gruelling ocean adventure. An extreme race that consists of 9 legs. The Volvo Ocean Race starts in Alicante on October 29 and finishes in Galway, Ireland, on July 7, 2012. The Volvo Ocean Race will also stop in Cape Town (South Africa,Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Sanya (China), Auckland (New Zealand), Itajaí (Brazil), Miami (the USA), Lisbon (Portugal) and Lorient (France). The event also includes exciting inshore races in all the ports.

For more detailed information about the Volvo Ocean Race, visit http://www.volvooceanrace.com/

First Drive: 2012 Nissan NV

Nissan has been a player in the world’s commercial vehicle market for a long time. In fact, 2011 marks the company’s 75th year in the industry, and these workhorses represent 20 percent of Nissan’s total annual sales volume. Nissan’s commerical trucks and vans are used around the world, with over 700,000 units sold in 2010 alone. Yet, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve ever even seen a Nissan commercial vehicle.

Nissan doesn’t sell its commercial vehicles in the United States and Canada – instead, General Motors and Ford own the market. Things could change very quickly, however, because the 2012 NV commercial van is poised to hit the U.S. market. The Japanese automaker set out to build a commercial van to the exacting needs of this country’s small business owners. It asked them questions and incorporated the thousands of answers it received. GM, Ford and even Mercedes-Benz should pay close attention, because the NV could be just what this country’s blue-collar workforce ordered.

The 2012 Nissan NV is offered in three versions with a choice of two roof styles. The NV1500 is offered only with the Standard Roof, while the NV2500 HD and NV3500 HD can be ordered with either the Standard Roof or a High Roof. In Standard Roof guise, the NV looks like the automotive equivalent of a pit bull – it’s handsomely ugly. The High Roof model still looks like a pit bull, but this pooch prefers a high-top fade that would make Kid and Play jealous. Neither version will win any vehicular beauty pageants, yet either one might just win you over should you press it into service. That’s because the NV is basically a slab-sided cargo shed on wheels designed to maximize interior space. Its designers were only allowed to only throw in so many curves before Nissan’s engineers stepped in and took away their pencils.

Those designers were granted a few of their wishes for the production model, as seen in the flared front fenders, sinewy hood bulge and set of 17-inch styled-steel wheels. The nose is filled out with a super-sized Nissan grille and large headlamps, while sharp lines traverse across the flat plains of the NV’s side and converge at a crisp edge that sets up the rear end. Out back the design is more function trumping form, and the upright rear doors stand straight at attention. Particularly on the High Roof model, the van’s substantial posterior takes on a monolithic appearance, and when wearing black paint, the whole thing looks downright Kubrickian.

The exterior proportions start to make far more sense when you see the inside of the NV, which is an engineering odyssey for interior space. Once you open the sliding side door and 243-degree-opening rear doors, you’re treated to 234.1 cubic feet of cargo space in the Standard Roof NV, while the High Roof model adds an additional 89 cubic feet up high for a grand total of 323.1 cubic feet of storage. Both versions feature a low floor for easy loading and easy-to-reach grab handles for simple entry and exit. You’ll have to bend down when standing in the Standard Roof NV but, at six-foot, three-inches tall, your author had an inch or so to spare standing straight up in the High Roof.

You’ll want to take a seat, however, in the front cabin of the 2012 Nissan NV. Instead of stuffing the NV with the cheapest seats in its factory, Nissan fitted a pair of thrones covered in premium cloth. The material is waterproof and has wear-resistant patches built-in to help the seats survive the grueling indignities of commercial duty. Traditionally, full-size work vans are fitted with stereos plucked from Wal Mart’s bargain bin. In this Nissan, the base S trim NV gets a simple AM/FM/CD audio system with an auxiliary input as standard equipment. Opt for the SV trim level and you get an additional two speakers (four in total), power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat and rear parking sensors.

The ideal interior specification, however, come courtesy of the available Technology Package. A five-inch color touchscreen featuring the Nissan Navigation System and XM NavTraffic gets mounted into the center stack. When in Reverse, that five-inch screen shows you exactly what’s happening behind the big-butt NV thanks to a rear-mounted camera. Bluetooth, USB ports and XM Satellite radio round out the optional upgrades and the entire bundle costs just $950. Nissan is quick to remind that a similar setup in a 2011 Ford E-Series will run you $3,275.

Regardless of how the 2012 NV is equipped, the driver’s seat is comfortable and offers a high level of visibility from its perch. Large side mirrors enable clear views of both sides of the NV, and built-in convex spotter mirrors help reduce blind spots. If you want to increase visibility further, an all-around window package is offered. It’s not entirely necessary thanks to those side mirrors and optional rearview camera, plus the sheetmetal keeps prying eyes away from your tools and cargo.

Pushing those tools and cargo around requires an engine with some grunt and Nissan has two options available. The NV1500 and NV2500 HD are equipped with a 4.0-liter V6 that produces 261 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 281 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. A stout 5.6-liter V8 is optional on the NV2500 HD and the only engine offered with the NV3500 HD. The eight-cylinder engine develops 317 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 385 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm. Both engines are paired with a five-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually from the column shift lever.

The six-cylinder engine is perfectly qualified for the task of lugging a loaded NV. Throttle response is a tad sluggish, but after a quick beat, the 4.0 leans back and powers forward. The 5.6, however, is a very different animal and responds instantly to a light touch of the gas pedal. It roars like a linebacker leaning into a vicious sack, and with the optional Tow Package equipped is capable of pulling 9,500 pounds, the same GVWR as Ford’s E-Series.

Around town, both Standard and High Roof Nissan NV vans are surprisingly easy to maneuver. Up front sits an independent double-wishbone suspension, while out back the NV sports a solid rear axle surrounded by rigid leaf springs and a stabilizer bar. Driving a full-size van often feels like hustling around a scaled-down city bus, yet the NV feels more like a full-size pickup truck. If it starts to rumble down the road a little too quickly, the NV is easily reeled in by its four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake force distribution.

Nissan is positioning the 2012 NV as a step above the full-size offerings from Chevrolet and Ford, yet the company is also aware that the NV sits a notch below the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Both the E-Series and the Express are offered in 1500, 2500 and 3500 versions just like the NV, yet the Ford and Chevy have higher base MSRPs across the board. The NV1500 starts at $24,590 compared to $24,860 for the Blue Oval and $26,055 for the Bowtie. The price discrepancy is similar as you climb up their respective trim ladders. On the flip side, the Sprinter is available as a 2500, 2500 High Roof and 3500 High Roof, costing $35,995, $38,350 and $39,915, respectively.

Thus, the 2012 Nissan NV represents a real value for business owners. It’s offered with attractive standard features, affordable options and pricing starts just below the competition. Nissan isn’t stopping there, however, as NV buyers can choose between a free interior cargo system upfit or an Original Wraps custom graphics package with their purchase.

Nissan has also gone out and spent time with business owners to determine what they need from a commercial van. This wasn’t a marketing ploy where Nissan simply jotted down notes and collected emails to spam later. Nissan listened to what people were saying and then incorporated their needs into its heavy-duty work vehicle. The 2012 Nissan NV is easy-to-drive, offers a huge volume of usable cargo space and comes with a choice of free upgrades that should help ease the pain felt in a business-owner’s wallet when making a big investment like this. It’s also built in America in Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant, something that many business owners are particularly conscious keen on.

Since those owners will need to work with dealers, it’s also vital that Nissan lays the ground work for a strong network of support. A number of dealers are already eager to be a part of the new Nissan Commercial Vehicle network. By the end of 2012, Nissan expects to have 300 locations around the country ready to handle the unique demands of selling and servicing commercial vans. It already has 250 dealers signed up.

Nissan Commercial Vehicle dealerships will feature dedicated service bays, heavy duty vehicles lifts, in-stock parts, extended service hours and priority service scheduling. The company’s commitment to serving business owners is evident in both the design of the NV and amount of support at the dealership level, but it will take at least a few years to know if Nissan has well-and-truly nailed the commercial brief… or if they’ve made a costly misjudgment.

[Source: autoblog]

Nissan has been a player in the world’s commercial vehicle market for a long time. In fact, 2011 marks the company’s 75th year in the industry, and these workhorses represent 20 percent of Nissan’s total annual sales volume. Nissan’s commerical trucks and vans are used around the world, with over 700,000 units sold in 2010 alone. Yet, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve ever even seen a Nissan commercial vehicle.

Nissan doesn’t sell its commercial vehicles in the United States and Canada – instead, General Motors and Ford own the market. Things could change very quickly, however, because the 2012 NV commercial van is poised to hit the U.S. market. The Japanese automaker set out to build a commercial van to the exacting needs of this country’s small business owners. It asked them questions and incorporated the thousands of answers it received. GM, Ford and even Mercedes-Benz should pay close attention, because the NV could be just what this country’s blue-collar workforce ordered.

[Source: autoblog]

Holden Series II Cruze checks in Down Under

Holden has unveiled the Holden Series II Cruze, the latest edition of its locally-built compact car. If the name and face look familiar, that’s because the Holden is nearly identical to our good ol’ American Chevrolet Cruze.

The Aussie version, however, gets a wider range of options, and some interesting versions we won’t see Stateside. In particular, Australia will get two performance variants of its locally-built small car, the SRi and the SRi-V. There’s also a 2.0-liter turbodiesel version available, which joins the 1.4-liter turbo and 1.8-liter naturally aspirated gas engines. Holden claims the diesel mill is good for 42 mpg, making the diesel Cruze the most fuel-efficient car built in Australia. The entire range meets strict Euro5 emissions standards.

The SRi-V is the top-dog Cruze in Australia. While it doesn’t carry a much bigger punch than the others under the hood, it’s loaded down gadgets and an complex infotainment system. The SRi-V sports keyless entry and start and remote key technology. The stereo has a 10-gig internal hard-drive, which Holden says will hang on to 2,000 of your favorite tracks.

Power is up across the range, starting with the 2.0-liter diesel, which now churns out a more impressive 160 horsepower and 265 pound feet of torque. The 1.4 turbo, which powers both the SRi and the SRi-V puts out just 138 horsepower, but has 147 pound-feet of torque available between 1,850 and 4,900 rpm.

[Source: Holden]

PRESS RELEASE:

Powerful and efficient new turbo engines
* New model line-up and advanced technology
* Sharp new styling
* More feature-packed value

Holden has unveiled its new locally-built Series II Cruze sedan range that includes the most fuel-efficient car built in Australia.

The new Cruze, built at Holden’s Vehicle Operations in Elizabeth, South Australia benefits from a multi-million dollar manufacturing and engineering investment.

With powerful, responsive and fuel-efficient new powertrains, a smooth styling makeover, wider model choices and keen pricing, Holden’s ‘big small car’ is expected to build on the success of its predecessor, Australia’s top selling small sedan in 2010.

Two new sports models, Cruze SRi and range topping Cruze SRi-V, join the line-up alongside the high-feature Cruze CDX and popular Cruze CD.

Performance options now include GM’s new generation 2.0 litre turbo diesel which returns fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km when paired to its six-speed manual transmission (ADR81/01). The combination makes it Australia’s most fuel-efficient locally-built car.

The range also boasts an outstanding all-new 1.4 litre intelligent turbo induction (1.4 iTi) petrol engine with variable valve timing which returns fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100km on manual models.

Meanwhile the 1.8 litre DOHC powerplant, already available on Cruze CD and CDX today, delivers fuel economy of 7 litres per 100km.

All engines meet the high Euro 5 emission standard and have been engineered to better match Australian driving preferences with a balanced blend of responsiveness and fuel economy.

A range of refinements, among them the fitment of Watts link performance suspension with all 1.4 iTi models, results in even more controlled and predictable handling qualities and a smoother, quieter ride.

New-look Series II Cruze styling continues to reflect European design influences, blended with bold Holden signature front and rear fascia treatments and new wheel designs. Cruze SRi models are distinguished by new sports-styling cues.

The Cruze SRi-V comes complete with luxury marque innovations such as passive entry and start with Sensor Key technology. Other smart technology features on the Sri-V include integrated satellite navigation with full colour widescreen display and a premium multimedia audio/DVD system with 10GB hard drive enabling owners to store around 2000 songs. The system also has the ability to pause live radio for up to 20 minutes.

Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said the locally-produced Series II Cruze gave buyers an even more persuasive mix of style and substance.

“We have worked hard to improve on the current model by tailoring the Cruze to better meet the needs of Australian motorists,” Mr Devereux said.

“We think our locally-developed range ticks all the boxes for people who appreciate style, comfort and convenience, as well as high-tech performance options and great interior space.

“Cruze also remains one of the safest small cars on the market and more than ever it represents exceptional value for money in true Holden tradition.”

Performance and Fuel Economy

GM’s sophisticated new generation 2.0 litre DOHC common rail turbo diesel engine is optional on Cruze CD and CDX.

Power output increases by 9 per cent and torque is up by 12.5 per cent compared with the previous model. The 2.0 litre turbo diesel now produces 120 kW at 3800rpm and 360 Nm at 1750 rpm.

Even with the performance boost, fuel economy improves to a frugal 5.6 litres per 100km (with new six-speed manual transmission) and remains at 6.7 litres per 100km with optional six-speed auto.

Meanwhile, an all-new and highly efficient 1.4 iTi DOHC engine with variable valve timing comes standard on SRi and SRi-V models and is optional on Cruze CD.

Also a member of Holden’s Ecoline family, the four-cylinder 1.4 iTi produces peak power of 103 kW at 4900 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm between 1850-4900 rpm; the wide maximum torque range contributing to an enjoyable driving experience.

Matched to a new six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with Active Select, the 1.4 iTi optimises performance and fuel savings. Each model with the 1.4 iTi also comes paired with electronic power steering.

With manual shift, the torquey turbo returns a fuel economy figure of 6.4 litres per 100km and with optional six-speed auto 6.9 litres per 100km.

The 1.8 litre ECOTEC engine standard on Cruze CD and CDX models benefits from Holden engineering refinements that result in a more lively launch feel and all-round improved driveability.

The 16 valve four-cylinder 1.8 litre produces 104 kW of power at 6200 rpm and develops 176 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm.

With five-speed manual transmission, the 1.8 petrol returns 7 litres per 100km; with six-speed auto that includes an improved final drive ratio, it delivers 7.4 litres per 100km.

Feature Highlights

Cruze is a genuine five-seater with a spacious and well-appointed cabin that contributes to its popular appeal.

The smart twin cockpit layout, quality finishes, flush-mounted soft touch components, integrated centre console and ice-blue LED illuminated instrument panel reflect careful attention to detail. Storage, functionality and convenience features include 60/40 split rear seats, CD player, small item storage as well as four cup and four bottle holders.

Series II Holden Cruze CD standard feature highlights:

* Engine options of 1.8L ECOTEC engine, 1.4 iTi DOHC turbo petrol or 2.0L DOHC turbo diesel.

* New 16-inch wheel trims

* Six-speaker multimedia audio system with radio, in-dash CD, USB flash drive/iPod/MP3 compatibility
* Steering wheel remote audio and cruise controls

* Graphic information display

* Six airbags – front driver and passenger, front side impact, side curtain

* Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

* Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
* Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

* Traction Control

* Collapsible pedal assembly system

* Air conditioning

* Power windows all round

* Automatic headlamps

* Body-coloured door handles
* Wattslink performance suspension (paired to 1.4 iTi model only)

Series II Holden Cruze CDX additional feature highlights:

* Engine options of 1.8L ECOTEC or 2.0L DOHC turbo diesel

* New 17-inch alloy wheels

* Fog lamps

* Leather-appointed seat trim

* Leather-wrap steering wheel and shifter

* Rear park assist
* Heated front seats
* Chrome exterior highlights

Series II Holden Cruze SRi additional feature highlights over CD:

* 1.4L iTi DOHC turbo petrol engine

* Front and rear sports fascia and rocker covers

* Rear lip spoiler

* Sporty five-spoke sports 17-inch alloy wheels

* Chrome door handles

* Sonic blue cloth trim (standard on Voodoo and Karma exterior colours only)

* Watts link performance suspension

* Front fog lamps

* Leather-wrap steering wheel and shifter

Series II Holden Cruze SRi-V additional feature highlights over the SRi:

* Leather appointed seats

* Heated front seats

* Integrated satellite navigation

* Passive entry and start with Sensor Key technology

* Integrated 7-inch colour LCD screen

* Premium audio system with 10GB hard drive, CD/MP3 rip and store capability, DVD player and pause live radio functionality

* Rear park assist

Styling

The Series II Cruze is distinguished by a bold new face with Holden’s trademark trapezoidal grille and strong chrome accents. There are new headlamps with bright jewelled bezels and new rear fascias feature sharp aero detailing.

New Cruze SRi and SRi-V models emphasise a sporty aesthetic with stand-out styling cues including exclusive front and rear fascia treatments, aero decklid lip spoiler, sports rockers and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Cruze’s coupe-like proportions are accentuated by a steeply raked windshield, arched roofline and fast-sloping rear pillars. These dynamic design elements, together with minimal front and rear overhangs that emphasise a wide stance, set it apart from the pack.

Colour Selection

Local production of Series II Cruze at Holden’s world-class vehicle manufacturing facility enables an expanded selection of 10 brilliant exterior finishes and highlights family ties to top-selling Commodore, Sportwagon, Ute and Caprice ranges.

Phantom Black*
Alto Grey*
Nitrate Silver*
Karma*
Mirage Glow*
Voodoo*
Poison Ivy*
Sizzle
Heron White
Red Hot

* denotes prestige paint

Note - Mirage Glow and Sizzle not available on SRi and SRi-V

Safety and Strength

Series II Cruze boasts the highest possible five-star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to across-the-range standard fitment of a comprehensive range of high-technology active and passive safety features.

Cruze also benefits from a robust body structure which comprises 65 per cent high-strength steel and a technically advanced chassis systems which deliver enhanced accident avoidance capabilities. Energy-absorbing load paths protect the passenger safety cell and offer optimum protection in the event of a collision.