It's not even October yet, but GM's already released images of the all-new 2009 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan ahead of its debut at the 2008 Paris motor show.
Riding on the newly-revamped Delta platform, the Cruze will serve as GM's global small-car, replacing both the Daewoo-built Lacetti (known to the U.S. as the Suzuki Forenza) overseas and the Chevrolet Cobalt here in North America.
Designers claimed they aimed for a "wheels-out, body-in" look, but what we see looks remarkably like a Holden up front, albeit with a split grille tacked in place. It's certainly more aggressive than the tame Cobalt, but we'll wait to see how it looks in person.
Europeans will be able to buy their Cruzes with a 112-hp 1.6-liter I-4, 140-hp 1.8-liter I-4, or a 150-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4 underhood. Transmission choices include either the standard five-speed manual or an all-new six-speed automatic.
They'll also be able to buy a Cruze before we will: the car goes on sale in Europe in early 2009, while we'll have to wait until 2010 or 2011 to see production begin at GM's factory in Lordstown, Ohio.