At this year’s Paris Auto Show, Chevrolet had raised the curtains off its hatchback variant of the Cruze. Initially unveiled as a concept, it is now expected to be put up for sale in Europe and Asia-Pacific in 2011.

Now, the spy shots of the prototype for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback exhibit an almost similar design to the concept car that was showcased in Paris. Engineered by GM’s Holden division in Australia, the Cruze hatchback seemingly won’t make it to markets in the US in the near future.

Offering all the attributes one may expect from the Cruze, it comes with the rear cargo space and a sports enhanced look.  It is also expected to be powered by the same engines and transmission, and exhibit similar features and options as the regular Cruze.

The 2012 Chevrolet Cruze hatchback will go in production during the first half of next year. It will be followed by sales in selected markets soon after. Presently, there is no word on the car hitting the US market.

Head over to motorauthority to grab more images of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback.

via motorauthority