DETROIT, June 3 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.

2011 Chevrolet Base models Cruze LS 2010 Honda Civic DX MSRP, plus destination $16,995 $16,405 Engine 1.8 Ecotec 1.8 SOHC I-4 Horsepower (hp) 138 140 Torque (lb-ft) 123 128 Standard transmission 6-speed manual 5-speed manual Passenger volume (cu ft) 94.6 90.9 Trunk volume (cu ft) 15.4 12.0 Standard air bags 10 6 Traction Control Standard Not included Stability Control Standard Not included Power rear safety locks Standard Not included Air Conditioning Standard Not included Trip Computer Standard Not included Power door locks Standard Not included Power side mirrors Standard Not included Remote keyless entry Standard Not included XM Satellite Radio Standard Not included

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco model that is expected to deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway, and 2011 Chevrolet Volt that will offer up to 40 miles of electric driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range with the onboard generator (based on GM testing). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Source: General Motors

CONTACT: Lesley Hettinger, Chevrolet Communications, Office: +1-313-667-0430, Mobile: +1-313-316-5285, lesley.hettinger@gm.com

Web Site: http://media.gm.com/