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Photo of a Chevrolet Cruze

Chevrolet Cruze

The 2011 Cruze racer won 21 of 24 WTCC races with a 1.6 turbo.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 27 sources

At a glance

0100200
111–181 hpPower
0510
8–8.2 s0–60 mph
0125250
209–212 km/hTop speed
0200400
146–380 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,366–1,576 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.23591112

Engine
1.4–1.8 L gasoline I4s; 1.6–2.0 L turbodiesel I4s29
Layout
Front-engine, front-wheel drive2
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual; 6/9-speed automatic; China 1.4 turbo: 7-speed DSG259
Built at
J300: Lordstown Assembly, United States; GM Korea Gunsan, South Korea2

The story

Conceived as a global compact and mainly developed by GM Korea, the Cruze reached North America for the 2011 model year. Regional badges included Daewoo Lacetti Premiere, Holden Cruze and Holden Astra Sedan.2

2008: Korean debut as Daewoo Lacetti Premiere20082011: Eco: shorter welds, 42 mpg highway20112012: Third straight WTCC double title20122014: China gets two Cruzes at once20142015: Malibu face, 4G LTE hotspot20152016: Roomier redesign, lighter automatic20162017: Diesel automatic scores 52 mpg20172019: U.S. and Mexico stop building the Cruze20192023: Argentina builds the final Cruzes2023 Daewoo Lacetti / Chevrolet Optra (J200): 2002–2024J200Chevrolet Cobalt: 2004–2010Chevrolet CobaltChevrolet Cruze (first generation) (J300): 2008–2016J300 20052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones22122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2002–2024Daewoo Lacetti / Chevrolet Optra (J200)
2004–2010Chevrolet Cobalt
2008–2016Chevrolet Cruze (first generation) (J300)
2008Korean debut as Daewoo Lacetti Premiere
2011Eco: shorter welds, 42 mpg highway
2012Third straight WTCC double title
2014China gets two Cruzes at once
2015Malibu face, 4G LTE hotspot
2016Roomier redesign, lighter automatic
2017Diesel automatic scores 52 mpg
2019U.S. and Mexico stop building the Cruze
2023Argentina builds the final Cruzes
  1. 2008

    Korean debut as Daewoo Lacetti Premiere

    The Cruze starts life in South Korea as Daewoo Lacetti Premiere; the local switch to the Chevrolet Cruze name comes in 2011.2

  2. 2011

    Eco: shorter welds, 42 mpg highway

    Shorter welds and thinner sheetmetal help the Eco manual shed weight; aero changes help it achieve an EPA-rated 42 mpg highway.3

  3. 2012

    Third straight WTCC double title

    Rob Huff’s 2012 WTCC crown seals Chevrolet’s third consecutive drivers’ and manufacturers’ title double.4

  4. 2014

    China gets two Cruzes at once

    China gets a separate Cruze, distinct from North America’s 2015 model; the older car stays on as the budget Cruze Classic.5

  5. 2015

    Malibu face, 4G LTE hotspot

    The 2015 refresh adds a Malibu-inspired front end and new connections: Siri Eyes Free and an OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.67

  6. 2016

    Roomier redesign, lighter automatic

    The 2016 redesign brings more cabin space, a 153-hp engine and Android Auto; its new automatic sheds about 11 kg.8

  7. 2017

    Diesel automatic scores 52 mpg

    The 2017 sedan’s 137-hp 1.6-liter diesel with an automatic records 52 mpg in highway testing and sheds about 165 kg versus the previous diesel.9

  8. 2019

    U.S. and Mexico stop building the Cruze

    Production ends in the United States and Mexico. China follows in 2020, while Argentina continues building the Cruze.2

  9. 2023

    Argentina builds the final Cruzes

    Argentina ends Cruze and Sport6 hatchback production in December, closing the family’s global manufacturing run.210

Every generation

  • Chevrolet Cavalier
    Chevrolet Cavalier
  • Daewoo Lacetti / Chevrolet Optra
    J2002002–2024
  • Chevrolet Cobalt
    Chevrolet Cobalt2004–2010
  • Chevrolet Cruze (first generation)
    J3002008–2016
  • Chevrolet Monza / Cavalier
    Chevrolet Monza / Cavalier

Power over the years

From 111 hp to 181 hp in 3 years.

050100150200 200820102012201420162018 hp 2008 · 111 hp · 1.6 Ecotec2008 · 139 hp · AU/EU 1.8 Ecotec2008 · 148 hp · 2.0 VCDi, VM Motori2011 · 138 hp · U.S. LS 1.82011 · 138 hp · U.S. LT/LTZ 1.4 turbo2011 · 161 hp · AU/EU 2.0 VCDi2011 · 181 hp · China 1.6 turbo2012 · 129 hp · EU 1.7 VCDi2014 · 148 hp · China 1.4 turbo2014 · 151 hp · U.S. 2.0 diesel2016 · 153 hp · Redesigned 1.4 turbo2017 · 137 hp · Sedan 1.6 turbodiesel 181 hp China 1.6 turbo 111 hp 1.6 Ecotec
25789111314
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20081111.6 Ecotec
2008139AU/EU 1.8 Ecotec
20081482.0 VCDi, VM Motori
2011138U.S. LS 1.8
2011138U.S. LT/LTZ 1.4 turbo
2011161AU/EU 2.0 VCDi
2011181China 1.6 turbo
2012129EU 1.7 VCDi
2014148China 1.4 turbo
2014151U.S. 2.0 diesel
2016153Redesigned 1.4 turbo
2017137Sedan 1.6 turbodiesel

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    LS / LT / LTZ (first generation)

  • Hatchback / station wagon (first generation)

    Standard

    Hatchback / station wagon (first generation)

  • L / LS / LT / Premier (2016 sedan, 2017 hatch)

    Standard

    L / LS / LT / Premier (2016 sedan, 2017 hatch)

  • Eco

    Standard

    Eco

    2011–2015

    138 hp

  • Standard

    2.0 Diesel (U.S.)

    2014–2015

    151 hp
  • 1.6 Diesel (2017 sedan)

    Standard

    1.6 Diesel (2017 sedan)

    2017

    137 hp
  • RS package (2011–2015 U.S.)

    Special

    RS package (2011–2015 U.S.)

    2011–2015

    138 hp
  • RS package (2017 hatchback)

    Special

    RS package (2017 hatchback)

    2017

    153 hp
  • RS hatchback (2022)

    Special

    RS hatchback (2022)

    2022

  • Midnight sedan

    Special

    Midnight sedan

    2022

  • Limited

    WTCC Edition (China)

    2012

  • Special Edition (1.8 LT)

    Limited

    Special Edition (1.8 LT)

    2011

    140 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: headlights taper back along the sides of the car.220
  • First-generation sedan: an upturned trunk-lid lip doubles as a spoiler.220
  • First generation: strong side crease, with upper doors inset and lower doors beveled outward.220
  • 2016 redesign: a straight beltline meets a curved roofline and rear pillar.8
  • 2015 North American facelift: a divided grille and swept-back headlights.56

Year by year

  1. 2012–2013

    The facelift reshapes the fog-lamp air vents, lightly revises the grille and headlights, and introduces new alloy-wheel designs.2

  2. 2015 (North America)

    More angular, Malibu-style grille; LT and LTZ gain LED running lights below the headlights.56

  3. 2016 redesign

    A smoother, lower front fascia pairs with a straight beltline, curved rear pillar and curved roofline.8

  4. 2017 (U.S.)

    The U.S. gets its first hatchback; it matches the sedan ahead of the A-pillars and has a shorter rear body.16

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Chevrolet Cruze
    Cruze
    Photo of a Chevrolet Cruze / Holden Cruze (2001–2008)
    Chevrolet Cruze / Holden Cruze (2001–2008)

    Chevrolet Cruze / Holden Cruze (2001–2008)

    The earlier namesake is a tall Suzuki Ignis-derived five-door hatchback, marketed as a light-duty SUV; the global Cruze began as a compact sedan.2

Against its rivals

  • Cruze vs Volkswagen Jetta TDI (2013)

    Rated highway economy

    Cruze46 mpg (US)
    Volkswagen Jetta TDI (2013)42 mpg (US)
    11

  • Cruze vs Honda Civic EX (2016)

    Combined economy

    Cruze31.9 mpg (US)
    Honda Civic EX (2016)34.4 mpg (US)
    12
  • Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 turbo

    Cruze vs Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 turbo

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Cruze8.2 s
    Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 turbo8.4 s
    12

Prices

Price when new
$0$10K$20K$30K 20102012201420162018 2011 · $19,175 · US Eco manual base2011 · $19,895 · US Eco manual as tested2017 · $23,065 · US LT hatchback base2017 · $24,670 · US Diesel manual base2017 · $26,270 · US Diesel automatic base2017 · $26,870 · US Premier hatchback as tested2017 · $27,395 · US Diesel automatic as tested 2011 · $19,175 · US Eco manual base, 2011 model year
391316
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2011Launch price$19,175US Eco manual base, 2011 model year
2011Price when new$19,175US Eco manual base
2011Price when new$19,895US Eco manual as tested
2017Price when new$23,065US LT hatchback base
2017Price when new$24,670US Diesel manual base
2017Price when new$26,270US Diesel automatic base
2017Price when new$26,870US Premier hatchback as tested
2017Price when new$27,395US Diesel automatic as tested

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “First past 1,000 WTCC points”
    • “On the podium at 21 of 22 races”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 27 sources
  1. Автопрес 2001: Video highlights Chevrolet success in WTCC auto-press.net
  2. Chevrolet Cruze - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  4. Huff and Chevrolet Crowned at Gala | Federation Internationale de l'Automobile fia.com
  5. Chinese Chevrolet Cruze hits the Chinese car market carnewschina.com
  6. 2015 Chevrolet Cruze refresh adds Malibu's face and upgraded tech - Autoblog autoblog.com
  7. 2011-15 Chevrolet Cruze | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  8. Cruzing the countryside: A day out in Chevrolet's redesigned compact sedan newatlas.com
  9. Tested: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Sedan Automatic caranddriver.com
  10. Chevrolet Cruze e Cruze Sport6 saem de linha no Brasil após 13 anos | Quatro Rodas quatrorodas.abril.com.br
  11. 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI caranddriver.com
  12. The Big Test: 2016/2017 Compact Sedans motortrend.com
  13. 2011 Chevrolet Cruze U.S. Spec — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  14. Chevy Cruze 2016-2019: pros and cons, common problems samarins.com
  15. Chevrolet Cruze (2009-2014) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback First Drive: Hatching a New Body Style motortrend.com
  17. Chevrolet Cruze RS vira única opção do hatch; sedã ganha versão Midnight | Quatro Rodas quatrorodas.abril.com.br
  18. Chevrolet launches Cruze WTCC edition in China - CarWale carwale.com
  19. Chevrolet Cruze Special Edition: 300 units, from RM97,888 - paultan.org paultan.org
  20. Kudos for the Cruze in Detroit | Vindy Archives vindyarchives.com
  21. Chevrolet Cobalt - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Daewoo Lacetti - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. R3E Chevrolet Cruze WTCC 1.6T previews - Bsimracing bsimracing.com
  24. 2014 Chevrolet WTCC car in development - Racecar Engineering racecar-engineering.com
  25. Plato and RML - success breeds success | Crash.net crash.net
  26. Chevy Cruze gets the Tron treatment in Beijing - Autoblog autoblog.com
  27. Chevrolet Cruze Problems and Recalls (2011-2019) - Haynes Manuals – Haynes Manuals North America us.haynes.com
  • auto-press.net
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • fia.com
  • carnewschina.com
  • autoblog.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • newatlas.com
  • quatrorodas.abril.com.br
  • motortrend.com
  • samarins.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carwale.com
  • paultan.org

Photo credits

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