Chevrolet has released the first-ever pictures of its global family car, the Cruze, due to hit UK showrooms next spring.

The compact, four-door offering will make its official debut at October's motor show in Paris. Three engines will be offered to customers at launch next year: two petrol burning units and one with diesel power. The former options will include a 1.6-litre and a 1.8-litre, while the latter is a 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 150bhp.

Design cues for the Cruze come from some of Chevy's sportier offerings, such as the Corvette, incorporating a twin-cockpit interior and the trademark two-tier grille.

Chevrolet insiders say the aim for the Cruze's design is to portray boldness rather than evolution and make a 'look' footprint for the company's future products. It claims this latest model is the start of an introduction period of new models, including the latest Camaro.

Word from officials at GM Europe is that the Cruze will start at around £11,000, although exact pricing information will be released closer to the car's launch.

Dejan Jovanovic - 21 Aug 2008