Chevrolet has released the first pictures of its new compact family car, the Cruze, which is set to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October.

On sale next spring, the four-door model is a global car, which will go on sale across all continents as one of Chevrolet’s core new models.

Its compact dimensions feature bold styling cues, with an arching roofline, sloping rear-pillars that give it a lean profile and a neatly-styled rear deck, providing upmarket and handsome good looks.

At the front, the large, sweeping headlamp units wrap around the nose of the car, while other design themes include a concave shoulder line, Chevrolet’s trademark two-tier grille and a restrained use of exterior trim, giving it a solid, unfussy appearance.

Inside, the car features a twin-cockpit design, with a distinct centre console dividing the front into separate areas for the driver and passenger — a styling cue taken from various iconic Chevrolet performance cars.

Chief designer Taewan Kim said: "Our goal with the design of the Cruze was to be bold, not evolutionary. We wanted to take a big step forward, making a strong design statement for Chevrolet products around the world.”

At launch, three engines will be offered — 1.6-litre, 112 horsepower and 1.8-litre, 140 horsepower petrol units, both with variable valve timing for optimal power, fuel economy and exhaust emissions, or a 2.0-litre, 150 horsepower common-rail turbodiesel.

The new model adds even further strength to Chevrolet’s European portfolio, which saw a 23 per cent growth in the first half of 2008. Chevrolet sales in the UK were up by 12.3 per cent in the same period, on top of the 27.6 per cent growth registered in 2007.