2011 Chevy Cruze Eco to start at $18,895 with segment-leading (for now) 40 MPG

General Motors has finally slapped a price tag on the ultra-efficient, all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco. Starting at a base price of $18,895, the compact Cruze Eco is certainly not one of the cheapest vehicles in its class, but it's definitely one of the most efficient. Though not official yet, GM expects that the Cruze will be rated at 40 miles per gallon highway, a number that outshines all others in its segment, at least for now.

The Cruze Eco's higher-than-average base price can likely be attributed to its long list of standard features. For comparison, the base versions of the Civic, Corolla and Sentra all start right around $16,000. But, as GM points out, many features found on the Cruze Eco are missing from similar vehicles from other marques. Standard items found on the Cruze Eco include 10 air bags, OnStar, keyless entry, XM Radio, 17-inch alloy wheels and low-rolling resistance tires, most of which are either optional or non-existent in the compact class. The Eco version features GM's 1.4-liter Ecotec turbo and standard six-speed manual transmission. Other models in the Cruze lineup include the entry-level Cruze LS ($16,995), the LT ($18,895) and the range-topping LTZ ($22,695). Check out the press release after the jump to pick the Cruze that suits you.

Live photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright ©2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE

Starting at $16,995, Chevrolet Cruze Offers Midsize-car Presence at Compact-car Price

DETROIT, MI – The all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships this September, starting at $16,995, including destination. Priced to compete in the compact-car segment, the Cruze offers more interior room, more miles per gallon in the Eco model, and more standard safety features than any of its competitors.

"We believe the Cruze can redefine the expectations for compact-car owners and shoppers who are new to the segment," said Jim Campbell, U.S. Vice President of Chevrolet Marketing. "For the price of a compact car, Cruze offers the styling, safety features, roominess, amenities, and refinement of a much more expensive car."

The 2011 Cruze will be offered for retail sale in four models:

Cruze LS starting at $16,995, including:

• Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission
• The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks
• Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation
• Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with three month trial subscription

Cruze LT starting at $18,895, including:

• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• 16-inch wheels

Cruze Eco starting at $18,895, including:

• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission
• Segment-leading expected 40 miles per gallon highway
• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and enhanced aerodynamic performance package

Cruze LTZ starting at $22,695, including:

• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission
• Standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Standard cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and remote vehicle start
• Standard automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and ultrasonic rear-parking assist
• 18-inch alloy wheels

Major available options features on Cruze include:

• In-dash navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive, enabling pause-and-play radio, downloading of audio CDs, or transferring MP3 files from a USB memory device
• Pioneer Audio system, with nine speakers and 250-watt amplifier
• Heated leather seats
• Ultrasonic rear park assist
• RS Appearance package, including rocker moldings, unique front and rear fascias, front fog lamps, and rear spoiler

"Cruze is a truly global car that leverages Chevrolet's design and engineering capabilities. As a result we can offer customers more standard safety features, more miles per gallon, and more upscale features than our key competitors," Campbell said. "That formula made Cruze a hit overseas, with more than 200,000 customers choosing Cruze since it went on sale in 2009."

Cruze will offer customers more standard equipment and amenities than the competition. "While some of our competitors may have a lower starting price, Cruze wins on value once these competitors are optioned up." said Campbell.