Cruze rumors swirl while GM prepares for June 24 debut

Staff report

LORDSTOWN

Rumor has it the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze will come in nonsedan versions for the U.S. market.

A group of dealers reportedly was shown a hatchback version of the Cruze last week during a meeting in Las Vegas, according to an Automotive News report published Monday.

The report came just a couple of days before the global debut of the Lordstown-built next-generation Cruze on Wednesday in Detroit.

A hatchback version of the Cruze is available in other countries.

GM hasn’t said whether there will be a hatchback version of the Cruze made for the U.S. market nor when production will begin on the next-generation Cruze.

But GM has said the new Cruze will hit showrooms in early 2016. It will be larger, yet lighter with about 2 inches more in rear legroom. It will feature better integration with Apple and Android phones. It also will have new powertrains and additional safety features.

On Monday, Chevrolet released a media advisory written in emojis on the upcoming unveiling of the next-generation Cruze.

Fun, emotionally expressive digital images spelled out some of the features of the new Cruze.

The Vindicator emoji decoders took a shot at decoding the emoji facts. Here is what they came up with:

The new Cruze will have a “newly-bred style that everyone will talk about.”

The compact car will have WiFi availability for up to seven devices.

It will comfortably seat five.

It will have better fuel economy than the 2015 model.

The 2016 Cruze will come with 10 air bags and OnStar, the hands-free communication system.

Check The Vindicator’s website, vindy.com, today to find out if The Vindicator decoders were right.