The Chevrolet Cruze is probably one of the most anticipated cars of 2009, even though 2009 hasn’t quite got under way yet. Pictures of the recently opened Shenyang Chevy factory were posted onto the internet earlier today, and its won a convert of CCT. CCT was never (and I mean never) a big fan of Chevrolet, but the latest Chevrolet range is shaping up to be very interesting indeed. In China, the Cruze is set to sit below the Chevrolet Epica, but above the Aveo, giving GM a decent compact sedan in a ever increasingly competitive market, with competition from both domestic Chinese makers and large JV’s.

The Factory and Cruze Production Line:

It appears that the Cruze maybe coming to China with a 1.8 engine, quite a different offering from its European, and American line ups. The Cruze is expected to replace the aging Daewoo Lacetti, but seeing as the Lacetti is under the Buick brand in China, it appears that the Cruze will stay a Chevrolet, there are rumours that the Lacetti, and the current Excelle Estate will be replaced with the Opel Astra hatch and wagon in 2009.