Portuguese 
Spanish 
2 min of reading 
0 comments 
Mid-Size Sedan Makes a Comeback in the Middle East With Familiar Look, 1.5 Engine With 113 HP, and Inherited Name. Brazil Is Not in the Plans.
The Chevrolet Cruze Is Back in the international market, but in a different form: renamed based on the Chinese Monza. The new sedan, already introduced in the Middle East, has an identical look to the Asian model and simplified powertrain. However, the novelty will not be launched in Brazil, according to sources from the brand itself.
The model reappears as part of a global strategy of General Motors to repurpose well-known names in specific markets. The company had previously made similar moves with the Cavalier in Mexico and the Captiva EV in South America, both derivative of Chinese vehicles from SAIC-GM-Wuling.
The New Chevrolet Cruze That Is Not That New
The model sold as the Chevrolet Cruze Is Back in the Middle East maintains the exact design of the Chinese Monza, including looks, equipment, and powertrains. It uses a naturally aspirated 1.5 four-cylinder engine, with 113 HP, automated dual-clutch transmission with six gears. The more powerful version of the Monza, with a 1.3 turbo engine and mild hybrid system, will not be offered in this return.
-
BYD Dolphin Mini: The Electric Car That Defies Depreciation, Losing Only 3.58% in a Year and Becoming the Best-Selling Retail Model Under $22,000
-
Electric Car JAC E-JS4 Loses $19,000 in Value in One Year, Leading Record Depreciation of Used Cars in Brazil Due to Expensive Battery and New Models
-
Used Civic and Corolla have been stuck in stock for months. “People are preferring Chinese cars,” says the car dealership owner.
-
Toyota Sienna becomes a “VIP lounge on wheels” in Brazil after receiving a Chinese luxury kit, seats with massage, Starlink, refrigerator, and a 245 hp hybrid engine, targeting high-income families, artists, and executive transport in an almost million-dollar van.
The car will be sold in two versions: LS and LT. The basic configuration already includes a multimedia center and a 10.25″ digital display, as well as a rearview camera. The LT version adds a sunroof, leather trim, and parking assistance, but even so, the safety package is limited — with a maximum of four airbags.
Brazil Out of Plans, Despite Rumors
Despite frequent rumors on social media, the Chevrolet Cruze will not return to Brazil. The mid-size sedan segment has shrunk in recent years, and the brand has already indicated that it does not intend to compete in this market segment, which is dominated by SUVs and compact hatches. The import costs of the new model would make a competitive operation unfeasible.
General Motors in Brazil focuses now on the localization of electric technologies and on the expansion of the Onix family, which offers better margins and greater sales volume. The use of the name Cruze in other markets only serves brand positioning strategies and consumer recognition.
Would you like to see the new Cruze in Brazil? Or do you think the time for mid-size sedans has passed? Comment below!
-
-
-
7 people reacted to this.