Early last month we made mention that the all new Chevrolet Cruze had landed on our shores for testing and homologation. Well, a month later Chev have given us a sneak peak of the new car, ahead of the scheduled launch at the end of September.

The new Cruze is the first ‘world car’ to be produced by Chev and paves the way for a plethora of small vehicles in the GM family, including the next generation Opel Astra and a compact MPV to replace the Zafira.

A pronounced grille, striking headlights and a high shoulder-line give the Cruze a unique and coupe-esque look. The Cruze will be available in three specifications levels – L, LS and LT. The L and LS feature a 5-speed manual transmission and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the LT model receives a set of 17-inch alloys and a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

GMSA has not finalised the product range and specification but it is likely that the Cruze will initially be offered with a choice of 1,6 or 1,8-litre VVT petrol engines, with a 2,0-litre common-rail diesel to follow. The 1,6 litre engine is said to produce 83 kW with 153 N.m of torque at 4200 rpm, while the 1,8-litre produces around 104 kW and 176 N.m of torque at 6200 rpm. With 110 kW and 320 N.m of torque from around 2000 rpm, the 2,0-litre turbo diesel offers a claimed 5.6l/100km in the combined cycle.

Watch this space as we’ll be bringing you our first impressions of the car in late September. In the meantime take a look at the all new Chevrolet Cruze in the gallery below.