GM Korea unveils Cruze hatchback in Seoul

GM Korea Co., the South Korean unit of U.S. automaker General Motors Co., on Monday introduced its all-new hatchback, the Chevrolet Cruze5, in South Korea, adding what it called a "sexy and smart" vehicle to its Chevrolet lineup. Based on GM's mid-size passenger car the Chevrolet Cruze, the hatchback comes in two trims -- with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine or a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine. The 1.8-liter engine produces maximum horsepower of 142 at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 17.8 kilogram-meters at 3,800 rpm while achieving fuel economy of 13.7 kilometers per liter. The 2.0-liter turbo engine boasts maximum horsepower of 163 at 3,800 rpm and maximum torque of 36.7 kilogram-meters at 1,750-2,750 rpm, with fuel economy of 15.9 km/l, according to GM Korea. "Based on the popular Chevrolet Cruze sedan that has been praised for its great design, excellent ride and handling and benchmark safety, the all-new Cruze5 adds the sportiness and practicality of a hatchback to the nameplate," GM Korea president and CEO Mike Arcamone said at a ceremony marking the launch of the new vehicle in Seoul. "The key words for the new Cruze5 are "sexy and smart" because it looks sexy and its practical hatchback style is a smart choice for car buyers. The new hatch will strengthen our Chevrolet product lineup and continue to draw people to the Chevrolet brand in Korea," he added. The Cruze5 is the fifth Chevrolet vehicle to be launched in South Korea since GM Korea introduced the Chevrolet brand here earlier this year as part of efforts to boost its market share in the country and throughout the world. The vehicle, along with its original sedan version, will be sold in 70 countries throughout the world, according to Arcamone. The company will introduce three more Chevrolet vehicles in South Korea before the end of the year. The most significant change from the Cruze sedan to the Cruze hatchback comes, naturally, from its style with its coupe-like roofline and its sporty appearance, making the vehicle stand out from its competitors, the company said. Its bold headlamp housings that wrap around the front corners and sweep up into the fenders also help enhance its dynamic and sporty appeal. The vehicle's interior design, which GM says is as functional as it is stylish, boosts the car's competitiveness in its segment. The car is also one of the safest with a multi-crash load path structure on both sides and rear of the body that provides maximum occupant protection in the event of impact from virtually any direction, according to GM Korea. The Cruze5 is also equipped with an array of technically advanced chassis systems, including the Sensitive Electronic Stability Control system, which incorporates the electronic brake distribution system, anti-lock brake system and traction control system to allow the car to automatically sense slipping of its wheels and prevent the vehicle from sliding. The 1.8 gasoline model is priced between 17 million won to 19 million won (US$15,600-$17,500), depending on basic features that come with the vehicle. The 2.0-liter diesel model is priced at 20 million won.