We're still a few months away from October's Paris motor show, but we're already expecting to have an official look at GM's first new global subcompact, the 2009 Chevrolet Cruze.
Don't let the name fool you; the car is all-new. Although Chevy's planning on ditching the Cobalt name in favor of Cruze, the new compact, slated to ride on the next-generation Delta platform, has nothing to do with the 2000 Cruze, a badge-engineered Suzuki Ignis kei-car sold in Japan.
GM's let few details slip about the new car, but did let it be known the car would measure "around 4.3 meters" in overall length. That transmits into approximately 169 inches, or almost a foot shorter than the existing Cobalt sedan.
In spite of the new car losing a foot in length, GM claims the Cruze will still comfortably carry five passengers and their cargo. We do expect the new turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4, capable of 120 to 140 hp, to appear underhood.
GM says the car uses a new global design language for Chevrolet, although it still will make use of the same split-grille as seen on the 2008 Malibu. The Cruze is slated to hit European showrooms in early 2009, with other markets (including North America) following soon afterward.