General Motors is quickly trying to shift it’s product line up by 2010. Aside from the long-awaited Volt, the next-generation Cobalt and the arrival of an all-new subcompact to replace the Aveo, General Motors is also looking at the smaller Chevrolet Beat to fill the small-car void.

Chevrolet just announced that its all-new entry in the compact segment will be called Cruze, yet it was unclear whether the Cruze will be the same car as the Beat. The new Chevrolet will make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October.

Chevrolet Beat car model

Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team and will be built in multiple locations around the world. The Cruze approaches an overall length of 4.6 meters and offers ample interior space and cargo capacity for five passengers, giving it an advantage over competition in the compact segment.

The Cruze features Chevrolet’s new global design language that will continue to be a signature element for future vehicles carrying the gold bowtie.

The new Chevrolet Cruze will be available in European markets in Spring 2009, followed by other global regions.

The Beat, however, was the little green tuner-esque three-door hatchback concept that General Motors showed during 2007’s New York Auto Show. It bowed with models called the Groove wagon and the Trax micro-SUV.

When the curtains came down, GM stated that it would build the Beat, but that it wouldn’t be sold in North America, mostly because its size.

But it appears GM is changing its mind, according to a Bloomberg report. The change was prompted by GM’s desire to shift its production lineup to more fuel efficient, economical vehicles to increase sales and lower its CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) ratings.

Pitched as a slightly larger and more practical alternative to the smart fortwo, the Beat could very well be powered by an engine similar to that featured in the concept.

GM confirmed that it would begin producing its new engine lineup, dubbed “Family Zero,” including a three-cylinder turbocharged engine that would enable the Beat to achieve 40 mpg (5.8 l/100 km), besting the fortwo for fuel economy.

In a world of $2 / litre gasoline, the Beat, along with the Volt, could help GM regain its competitive edge.


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