Chevrolet Cruze hatchback concept (2010) first official pictures

These are the first pictures of the new Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, a concept car that will be unveiled at the 2010 Paris motor show. Think of it as a thinly veiled look at the new five-door version of the Cruze that will go on sale in 2011.

Apparently so, and we all know the old addage that five doors are more popular than four in Europe. 'The total compact segment in Europe represents around 4.8 million units,' says president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe Wayne Brannon. 'Hatchbacks represent around 65% of that volume.'

As for the hatchback Cruze itself, come production time expect it to lose the LED lights and large alloys, and we do know that the boot capacity will be reduced from the saloon's 450-litres to around 400. Engines will likely be shared with the saloon, which means a petrol 1.6, or 1.8 or 2.0-litre diesels. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but the saloon is priced between £13k and £15k so expect something similar for the hatch when sales start in mid-2011. 

By Adam Sloman