Batey on Possible Cruze Hot Hatch: “For Sure, For Sure”
2017 Chevy Cruze hatchback
Photo: © General Motors
Chevrolet revealed earlier this month that it will be bringing a hatchback version of its 2017 Cruze to the United States, which almost immediately led to speculation among performance hounds about the possibility of a performance-oriented hot hatch variation. According to Chevrolet Executive Vice President Alan Batey, that’s not too far from the brand’s mind.
Speaking with Australia’s Car Advice, Batey stated that the Cruze is marketed specifically at “young, fashion-conscious consumers” with its sharp looks and EcoTec turbo 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine. When pressed about the possibility of adding a performance model with a more powerful engine, he responded: “Yes. For sure, for sure.”
Batey went on to say that the vehicle was designed to be sporty and stylish, hence the hatchback presentation, but he refused to announce anything specific about a Cruze hot hatch.
Now, it’s possible that there is a bit of deep-reading going on here—“Yes. For sure, for sure” is the kind of answer your friend gives you when you invite them to a party they have no intention of showing up to, after all—but it’s certainly cause for wishful thinking. Will Chevy actually build a Cruze to compete with the Focus RS in terms of performance thrill? Well, we’ll have to wait and see.
News Source: CarAdvice
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