Peter Palmer: 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback Pricing Announced

Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

The hatchback segment in the United States accounts for less than 5 percent of the total auto market. However, sales of hatchbacks are on the upswing lately. Chevrolet currently offers the Sonic, Spark, and Trax hatchbacks, and this fall, Cruze Hatch joins the lineup. Among the four hatchbacks offered by Chevrolet, the Cruze Hatch is the most attractive in our opinion.

As expected, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback carries a slightly higher price tag than its sedan counterpart.

The 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback was unveiled earlier this year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Unlike the previous generation Cruze Hatch, which was only sold overseas, the U.S. will be the first market to receive the new model. In the U.S., Cruze is the segment’s second-best seller to customers under 25.

With the added storage space and sleeker body style, the 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback LT starts at $22,190. With the rear seats up, Cruze Hatch offers 18.5 cubic feet for storage (3.7 cubic feet more than the sedan). With the rear seats folded, the vehicle can swallow up to 42 cubic feet of cargo. Photo: Chevrolet

Engine & Suspension

The 2017 Chevy Cruze Hatchback LT is powered by a 1.4 L turbocharged four-cylinder with direct injection, producing 153 horsepower. Power is sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic. The Chevy Cruze Hatch features an independent multi-link rear suspension, while the Cruze sedan features a more basic beam-axle design.

Pricing

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback LT with manual transmission costs $1,495 more than the comparable sedan. The top-of-the-range Premier starts at $24,820 ($820 more than the sedan). An RS trim level is optional as well. As of this writing, Chevrolet has yet to announce the list of standard and optional features available on the Cruze Hatchback. However, we will not be surprised if it closely mimics the features available on the sedan.

The North American 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback will be assembled in Mexico.

*Rahul Raman is the Founder of CARS 360 Mke, an automotive news outlet. He is a regular contributor to Automoblog and the author of our First Look series.