U.S.-Bound 2011 Chevy Cruze to Appear at L.A. Auto Show

We got a look at the overseas version of the compact sedan at last year’s Detroit auto show; it’s been available in Europe and Asia for more than a year now. Production on the U.S. Cruze and its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection will begin in April at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio plant.

Expected to get 40 mpg on the highway, the Cruze is GM’s chance to edge in on territory now in the grip of Toyota’s Corolla and the Honda Civic. We’ll let you know more when we get a look at the newbie in L.A.

The Cruze is slated to hit dealerships in the third quarter of 2010.