Geneva LIVE: Chevrolet Cruze HB5 hatchback adds utility

Chevrolet's Cruze hatchback bowed at the Geneva Motor Show, offering more space and style than its four-door sibling.

Following its concept debut at last year's Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet has finally unveiled the true production version of its Cruze hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed Cruze HB5, the hatchback is identical to the Cruze sedan from the rear doors forward.

Compared to the concept car, the production Cruze hatchback's styling has been slightly toned down, most noticeably in the front fascia lighting. The styling of the hatchback Cruze appears to be much more in line with the fairly conservative style of the Cruze sedan.

Chevrolet says that about 65 percent of the compact market in Europe consists of hatchback models, meaning the five-door Cruze will be right at home in one of its primary markets. The Cruze hatchback is slated to hit European showrooms mid-year, and the united Kingdom by this summer.

Boasting 14 cubic feet of storage with the rear seats folded, the Cruze hatchback benefits from similar solidity to its sedan sibling thanks to what Chevrolet says is a new body-frame integral system. Similar to a typical unibody platform, the Cruze makes extensive use of light weight materials that add strength.

Chevrolet will release pricing information for the Cruze hatchback closer to its on-sale date.

Chevrolet has confirmed that the Cruze hatchback won't be offered in North America.

"While the Cruze sedan will arrive at U.S. dealers in September, the Cruze hatchback will not be offered in the U.S. market," the automaker said in a statement released to members of the media. However, enthusiast support and buyer interest could change the automaker's mind.


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