What It Is: A close look at the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze, which is expected to launch next year as a 2016 model. The future Cruze features graceful yet sporty lines with a steeply raked windshield and an almost coupe-like profile. (Let’s hope they don’t call it a “four-door coupe.”)

The front end features a large split grille of a style instantly familiar to those who’ve seen any number of recent Chevys. Inside, the Cruze features an elegant dashboard with the somewhat generic but rather upscale corporate look, including a three-spoke steering wheel, high-gloss accents, and stitching on the dashboard.

View Photos Top: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze (spy photo). Bottom: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel CHRIS DOANE AUTOMOTIVE, JOHN LAMM, THE MANUFACTURER

Why It Matters: The Chevrolet Cruze is a huge global seller for GM, being right-sized for many customers and many markets. It’s also capable of housing scads of modern gadgets of the type that appeal to shoppers of all stripes, including Chevrolet’s MyLink user interface. The Cruze’s significance is somewhat diminished by the decision by former GM CEO Dan Akerson to pull the brand from the European market. Given that it won’t be sold in the Old World, it’s not clear whether Chevy will again bother to engineer station wagon or hatchback versions of the next Cruze.

Platform: The next-generation Cruze will once again avail itself of GM’s Delta II platform, which is shared with a wide range of vehicles, including the next-generation Volt. The cost-effective architecture is flexible enough to allow for a number of powertrain configurations.

Powertrains: We expect the turbocharged 1.4-liter four to be the volume engine, although entry-level versions may get a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter unit. The torquey and powerful 2.0-liter turbo-diesel will continue to be offered for iconoclasts. Markets outside the U.S. could get a naturally aspirated 1.4 as well, and if Chevrolet decides to do an SS version this time around—and we sincerely hope it does—the Cruze missile could be fitted with GM’s powerful 2.0-liter turbo that makes close to 300 horsepower.

View Photos CHRIS DOANE AUTOMOTIVE, JOHN LAMM, THE MANUFACTURER

Competition: Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Volkswagen Jetta.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The first glimpse of the next-generation Cruze comes in early 2015. Prices will begin comfortably below $20,000.

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