New Chevy Cruze Will Reportedly Offer Hatchback Version Too In The US

We’re only a day away from the official launch of the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze sedan, which may arrive in the US as a hatchback too.

GM is reportedly planning a Cruze hatchback for the United States, targeting a niche segment that has a lot of growth potential.

Chevrolet is said to have showed a hatchback version of the Cruze to dealers last week at a national meeting in Las Vegas, three people who attended told Automotive News. The car on display was presented as a 2016 model, but no information about its launch date was offered.

The Cruze hatchback will likely be unveiled later this year, following the world debut of the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Cruze sedan at a media event in the US on June 24.

While a Chevrolet spokesman said the company has not announced other variants for any other markets at this time, it’s no secret that the automaker already sells Cruze hatchbacks in markets including Australia and China.

As a matter of fact, GM product chief Mark Reuss has admitted that not offering the first-generation Cruze hatchback in the US was “a pre-bankruptcy planning mistake.” One that the new-generation model may fix.

It remains to be seen how American buyers will react to the Cruze hatchback, as hatches aren’t among their favorite body styles. However, things may change as other automakers are planning to offer compact hatchbacks in the US as well. Honda said it will bring a Civic hatchback to the market, probably next year.

Other compact hatchbacks currently on sale in the US include the Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra GT and VW Golf.

Note: EU-spec previous-generation Chevrolet Cruze hatchback pictured