This fall, Chevrolet dealers will stock a hatchback that can actually fit four adults without making them bump elbows. The 2017 Cruze hatchback, like five-door versions of the Ford Focus and Mazda 3, will be offered at a slight premium over the sedan. Considering the extra storage and sleeker style, its $22,190 base price may be worth the jump.
That?s for the base LT, which on the sedan is the second-highest trim in a four-tier lineup. The 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with 153 horsepower comes aboard, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic, but with an independent rear suspension to replace the sedan LT?s more rudimentary beam-axle design. It’s $1495 more than a manual LT sedan. The top-level Premier starts at $24,820, or $825 more. Standard and optional equipment haven?t been announced, but expect little differentiation between the two body styles other than the hatch?s extra 3.7 cubic feet of cargo space (18.5 total) behind the rear seats. With seats folded down, the hatchback?s back end can swallow up to 47 cubic feet.
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Hatchback sales are on the upswing here, although the segment still accounts for less than 5 percent of the total U.S. market. Next to a Sonic, Spark, or Trax, the Cruze hatchback first revealed at this year’s Detroit auto show looks a lot handsomer. The...