2015 Chevrolet Cruze gets a facelift

Six years into production, the Chevrolet Cruze is getting a mild refresh for the 2015 model year. It's set to debut this week at the New York auto show. The biggest visual tweak by far is a new grille, which now resembles the Malibu. Ford made a similar move with the 2015 Focus sedan, bringing its front fascia in line with that of the Fusion.

Styling changes aside, the Chevy Cruze LT and LTZ trims will now have daytime-running lights standard, with Chevrolet updating the interior with more intuitive controls. Chevy has reworked the cupholders, relocated the trunk release to the center console and moved the door lock switches from the center console to the front doors. Minute changes, you'd say, but with the Cruze being replaced by an all-new model in 2016, the changes will be on the light side.

The biggest change is arguably the infotainment system, which now includes text-message alerts for Bluetooth-equipped smartphones -- the system can read incoming text messages through the car's speakers. The system also offers voice controls through Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS6 and 7 users. Chevrolet has also updated the Cruze with a 4G LTE connection through OnStar, which basically turns the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to seven devices inside the car. And with the launch of the Chevrolet AppShop, which will take place a little later in 2014, users can view and download apps featuring music, news, weather, and travel information.

Chevrolet
The changes for 2015 are mostly cosmetic.

"We've simply made a great, versatile car even better," said Steve Majoros, Chevrolet director of passenger car and crossover marketing. "Chevrolet continues to design, build and sell the most compelling small cars in its history, and the 2015 Cruze offers more of the features, connectivity and efficiency that are important to today's customers."

The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze will go on sale later this fall. Prices have not been announced just yet, but we don't expect it to stray far from its current starting price of $18,345.

The 2014 New York auto show runs April 16-27 and is expected to attract a range of production and concept cars including the 2015 Mustang convertible, BMW M4 convertible and next Hyundai Sonata. Check out Autoweek's complete coverage at autoweek.com/new-york-auto-show.

By Jay Ramey