Chevrolet unveils 2017 Cruze hatchback

Chevrolet after months of speculation has unveiled a hatchback version of the second generation Cruze compact ahead of its Detroit auto show debut.

The 2017 Cruze hatchback leans heavily on the 2016 Cruze sedan that was unveiled in Detroit in June, which it shares its class-leading 106.3-inch wheelbase with.

That helps push the car to a GM-claimed two inches of greater rear legroom than the Ford Focus and Hyundai Elantra.

The Cruze hatchback will also be powered by the same turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder in the new sedan model that makes 153 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque.

Where it differs from its four-door sibling is in the cargo department, with the hatch offering 643 litres of space behind the rear seats, and 1,336 litres with the rear seats folded.

The car will likely be priced higher than the sedan, which is set to start at $15,995 in Canada when it goes on sale in the spring.