While in the United States the final Chevrolet Cruze
was built on March 6 this year at Lordstown Assembly, GM continues to invest in
the compact car in South America. The region’s biggest markets,
Brazil and Argentina, have finally received the mid-cycle refresh that debuted
in North America for the 2019 model year.
As with the North American model, South America’s
facelifted Cruze gains an updated exterior featuring a new grille, LED
taillights, and new wheel designs. Inside, the range-topping Cruze Premier
receives a new dual-tone interior color combination and improved materials.
Speaking of the Cruze Premier, it’s the first time
this trim is applied to a Chevrolet car in South America, having so far only
been used on SUVs there. Replacing the LTZ, the Cruze Premier is the new
range-topping model.
It introduces tech features such as an integrated
Wi-Fi hotspot which allows the simultaneous connection of up to seven mobile
device, wireless charging, and third-generation Chevrolet infotainment system
with an 8-inch color touchscreen.
Furthermore, the suite of active safety systems is
enhanced with the addition of automatic braking and pedestrian detection. The
2020MY Cruze carries on with the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
gasoline engine rated at 155 PS and 240 Nm of torque. It’s
mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission that drives the front
wheels.
The facelifted Chevrolet Cruze for the South
American market will be built at GM’s Rosario plant in Argentina. Available in
sedan or hatchback body styles, the model will arrive in Brazilian and
Argentine dealerships in September 2019, followed by other markets in the
region in the fourth quarter of the year.
