General Motors announced that the all-new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will begin arriving in U.S. dealerships this September, starting at $16,995, including destination.

"We believe the Cruze can redefine the expectations for compact-car owners and shoppers who are new to the segment," said Jim Campbell, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "For the price of a compact car, Cruze offers the styling, safety features, roominess, amenities, and refinement of a much more expensive car."

The 2011 Cruze will be offered for retail sale in four models:

Cruze LS starting at $16,995, including:

• Standard 1.8L Ecotec engine and six-speed manual transmission

• The most standard safety features in the segment, with 10 air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing, traction control, anti-lock brakes, collapsible pedal system, power rear-door child safety locks

• Standard OnStar, with a six-month subscription including Turn-by-Turn navigation

• Standard convenience features including air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, driver information center, and XM Radio with three month trial subscription

Cruze LT starting at $18,895, including:  

• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission

• 16-inch wheels

Cruze Eco starting at $18,895, including:

• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed manual transmission

• Segment-leading expected 40 miles per gallon highway

• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with ultra low-rolling resistance tires, and enhanced aerodynamic performance package

Cruze LTZ starting at $22,695, including:

• Standard 1.4L Ecotec turbo and six-speed automatic transmission

• Standard six-way power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

• Standard cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB port with audio interface, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, and remote vehicle start

• Standard automatic climate control, auto-dimming inside rearview mirror, and ultrasonic rear-parking assist

• 18-inch alloy wheels

Major available options features on Cruze include:

• In-dash navigation system with 40-gigabyte hard drive, enabling pause-and-play radio, downloading of audio CDs, or transferring MP3 files from a USB memory device

• Pioneer Audio system, with nine speakers and 250-watt amplifier

• Heated leather seats

• Ultrasonic rear park assist

• RS Appearance package, including rocker moldings, unique front and rear fascias, front fog lamps, and rear spoiler

"Cruze is a truly global car that leverages Chevrolet's design and engineering capabilities. As a result we can offer customers more standard safety features, more miles per gallon, and more upscale features than our key competitors," Campbell said. "That formula made Cruze a hit overseas, with more than 200,000 customers choosing Cruze since it went on sale in 2009."