CRUZE DEBUT | Next-Gen Cruze is the 5th rebranded Chevy for 2016

DETROIT — The next-generation Chevrolet Cruze is the fifth Chevrolet-branded vehicle to be unveiled this year.

It’s debut tonight followed the earlier 2015 debuts of the new 2016 Volt, Spark, Camaro and Malibu.

“I probably couldn’t think of a better car to cap it off than this vehicle,” said Steven Majoros, Chevrolet car and crossover marketing director.

All five cars revealed this year are leaner, long and more efficient than their previous models.

The better fuel economy in the next-generation Cruze is enabled by the new design, new powertrains and transmission. The 2016 Cruze is about 250 pounds lighter than the 2015 model.

Safety is key in the next-generation Cruze. It comes with 10 airbags, OnStar, and some features that consumers may not think about in compact cars like lane keeping assist, lane departure warning and forward collision alerts.

“It is an exciting time to be a part of Chevrolet,” Majoros said.