Production Chevrolet Cruze headed to L.A. show

Chevrolet has confirmed that it will unveil the North American-spec version of its new compact Cruze sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

Already on-sale in Europe and Asia, the Cruze will reach our shores in the third quarter of 2010. Chevy says, with more than six million kilometers of quality and durability testing worldwide, its “one of the most globally tested Chevrolet products prior to a [North American] launch.”

Chevy says Cruze will offer class-leading highway fuel economy. It new family of engines will include a 1.4-litre turbo (do we see hints of Ford’s EcoBoost mentality here?).

Interior space will surpass the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. High-end options will include navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and XM Satellite Radio. Ten airbags will come standard.

The Chevy Volt will also be on-hand in L.A. The automaker will announce the initial markets where the Extended-Range Electric Vehicle will be sold when it goes on sale in late 2010, plus the winner of the competition to name a unique Volt paint colour.