Shanghai GM reveals interiors of next-gen Chevrolet Cruze

The Chinese arm of General Motors, Shanghai GM, has released pictures of the interiors of the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze which was unveiled at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show in April.

The new Cruze's interior is based on Chevrolet's flowing dual cockpit design. It has a black and brown dual tone theme with blue and chrome accents. There is a three-spoke leather multi-function steering wheel, dual gauge instrument cluster, 8-inch touchscreen display with built-in applications and Chevrolet's MyLink II system which allows customers to get directions, access their personal contacts and stream music and images using their smartphone via Bluetooth.  Voice controls can be used to access features like hands-free calling.

Chevrolet claims that the car's interior space has been expanded by moving the cowl forward and extending the curve of the roof. The downsizing of the engines has also helped in increasing the interior space.

The Cruze will be available with a choice of two engines - 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol and 1.4-litre, direct injected, turbocharged petrol. Both are a part of GM's new Ecotec small displacement engine family. There will be a choice of three transmissions - 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCG) developed by GM and SAIC, 6-speed automated manual transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission developed in Europe. GM expects the new Cruze to be 14-21% more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

Chevrolet's target customers for the Cruze are the youth.