Muscat , Oman - The all-new Chevrolet Cruze sedan raises the bar for design appeal, build quality and running refinement in the Middle East ’s compact value segment. Backed by an anticipated high level EuroNCAP crash safety rating and an all-new powertrain line-up, the Cruze also heralds the introduction of a new global design language for the Chevrolet brand.

An arching roofline, extending from the steeply raked windshield into the slim rear pillars, is the defining exterior feature of the Cruze. Combined with a relatively short rear deck, it brings four-door coupé-like looks to this market segment for the first time.

The Cruze has a well-planted, close-to-the-ground stance with its wheels located at the outer edges of the tautly drawn bodywork. A distinctive concave shoulder line flows along the sides of the car into the rear deck lid and is set to become a new signature Chevrolet design feature. The upscale visual appearance is also reinforced by clean, uncluttered bodywork free from moldings or trim.

The signature dual-port grille carries Chevrolet’s gold bowtie with a new air of self-confidence. It is flanked by distinctive headlamp housings, with 'jewel-effect' detailing, that sweep up, arrow-like, to a point in the front fenders. Neat rear styling includes flush-mounted tail light clusters, each molded with two circular shapes, echoing a traditional Chevrolet twin light styling motif.

The svelte looks are backed by a competitive 0.31 co-efficient of drag and a build quality with attention to detail typical of products costing far more.A best-in-class fit and finish for panel gaps and shut-lines contribute to the quality, 'hewn from solid' appearance.

Conveying a sporty yet warm ambience, the five-seater cabin is typified by harmonious, flowing lines and the application of grained, soft-touch materials. It is a high quality execution that transcends the compact value segment.

Class-leading features include the flush fit of panels, with exceptionally tight gap tolerances, and generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room, despite Cruze's signature sloping roofline.

The core interior design theme is a modern expression of a traditional Chevrolet styling cue – the signature 'twin cockpit' layout of the Corvette, a motif designed to bringing driver and passenger closer to a 'shared' experience. On each side of the main fascia, there is a choice of colored fabric or grained vinyl panels, which are complemented by matching inserts in the seats and door trims.

The center point for the 'dual cockpit' symmetry is a neatly integrated center stack, housing the infotainment and air conditioning displays and controls. It is mounted at a shallow angle and has a flowing, free form which eliminates straight lines and the traditional 'picture framing' of panels.

Three-dimensional math modeling was used in the design of the main instrument cluster. The analogue dials are backlit by LED for clear, crisp illumination in white and ice blue.

Wire mesh construction applied on the Cruze distributes weight more evenly, a firmer foam filling and deeper bolstering for the cushions and seat-backs, front and rear.

The fabric upholstery includes high quality French seam stitching that provides excellent durability and eliminates the possibility of a 'stretched-seam' appearance over time. Leather upholstery, with heated front seats, is an option for the top LT trims.

The range of fore/aft adjustment for the front seats has been extended by approximately 50 mm, giving the longest travel in the value compact segment.

Manually-controlled air conditioning is standard on the LS variants, while dual-zone automatic climate control is optional on the LT specification. A particulate and odour filtration system that cleans the air entering the cabin is standard throughout the range, as is a heated rear screen.

An AM/FM/CD audio system, with RDS digital signaling, an MP3 playback facility and two-colour graphic display, is standard the LS variants. The LT system adds an in-dash, six-CD auto-changer, and USB port.

The Cruze's body structure is among the stiffest in its class, with a great torsional rigidity. The tight, strong structure is key to suppressing noise, vibration and harshness ( NVH ), as well as securing a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

The core structure is a unitary construction fabricated from steel beams, pressings and box sections, with an overall torsional rigidity of 17.66 KNm/degree of deflection. About 65% of the structure is composed of high-strength steels (HSS), approximately 50% more than in its predecessor. About 30% more spot welds are also used throughout the structure.

Efficient load paths provide maximum occupant protection in the event of an impact from virtually any direction. Full-length beams and enhancements to the sills, B-pillars and A-pillars, through the use of high-strength steels and tailored blank processing, all contribute to the vehicle's excellent crashworthiness.

The energy absorbing front and rear crumple zones are designed to deform as efficiently as possible in order to maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment, which is protected by a safety cage reinforced with tubular-section members that frame the door openings and support the roof. The combination of a single-piece side structure and ultra-high strength steel door beams also provides effective side impact protection.

At low speeds up to 4 km/h, the front and rear bumper skins are designed to absorb light impact energy, helping to minimize bodywork damage.

Apart from minimizing noise and vibration, a stiff structure also makes it easier to isolate residual powertrain, road and wind noise for even quieter cabin comfort. The Cruze has achieved interior acoustic and wind noise ratings that are both among best-in-class for compact sedans in the value segment.

Three-point seatbelts are fitted for four seating positions. Driver and passenger front airbags and a collapsible pedal assembly are all fitted as standard.

The 1.8-litre engine delivers responsive performance, with 140 hp/ 6,300 rpm (net) and peak torque of 175 Nm (net) at 3,800 rpm, including 85% from just 2,000 rpm right up to 6,300 rpm. In terms of power output-per-liter, this engine is among the most efficient on the market.

The 1.8-litre engine is fitted as standard for the LS and LT variants and comes with a new six-speed automatic transmission, a segment 'first' for Chevrolet.

For all engine applications, a universal front sub-frame, carrying the engine and transmission, is bolted in position via four rubber bushings. This 'isolated' mounting helps reduce the transmission of engine vibration and road noise into the cabin.

Striking a balance between agility and ride comfort, the Cruze offers the driver a high degree of 'connectedness' while also delivering a relaxed and refined ride character. The Cruze benefits from a wide 'footprint' that contributes to more stable handling. The front track measure in at 1,544 mm and the rear track at 1,558 mm while the wheelbase measures 2,685 mm. The proportionately greater increases in track enable an inherently better road-holding capability.

Front suspension is by McPherson strut, with side-load compensation to reduce sliding friction. The front sub-frame provides a firm location for the inboard mounting of the lower A-arms. Hydraulic bushings – a feature commonly found on more expensive vehicles – are used to give a higher degree of ride isolation and a more controlled absorption of road input loads.

At the rear, an advanced, compound crank (torsion beam) layout is used. Apart from enabling consistent wheel camber control, this suspension system offers savings in space and weight that are valuable for a compact segment vehicle.

The beam, double-walled and U-shaped in profile, is attached to trailing links through a patented, 'magnetic-arc' welding process. This production technology allows the beam's thickness and attachment angles to be varied according to different engine and vehicle weights, facilitating the fine tuning of roll-rate and roll-steer characteristics. Disc brakes, ventilated at the front and solid at the rear, are fitted all round, on the LT and optional on the LS.

OTE Group is the exclusive dealer for Chevrolet in Oman with 14 showrooms spread across the Sultanate and offering excellent after-sales service support on par with global standards, with a nationwide service network. Please call 800-77007 / 24566267, for more details on Chevrolet Cruze.