SPY PICS: 2015 Holden Cruze

Photos of the next generation Chevrolet Cruze have been snapped near the Arctic circle, providing a sneak peek at the vehicle which is expected to make its global debut late 2014.

Set for an Australian release in 2015, the new generation Holden Cruze is understood to be the first vehicle from General Motors based on a new D2XX platform, which it will share with a number of other GM vehicles.

The Cruze sedan in the pictures is disguised by TV static-inspired camouflage, but it's clear from the car's profile that it's a sleeker design than the current model. It shows off wrap-around headlights and has a very large front windscreen.

GM has big plans for the Cruze's D2XX platform (an updated version of the Delta II platform) which will support several cars, crossovers and SUVs, ranging from small to medium-sized, including the Opel Astra, Volt electric car and even the next generation Captiva.

The new Chevrolet Cruze photographed here will be built at several GM plants around the globe, including at Holden's Elizabeth plant in Adelaide from 2015, and could spawn a locally-built SUV, namely an all-new Captiva — although that plan is looking shaky in the aftermath of Holden MD Mike Devereux's announcement last week that the Commodore would remain in production at Elizabeth beyond the VF model just revealed. 

Building an SUV at Elizabeth, on the D2XX platform, would fit with previous comments made by GM Holden and General Motor's executives, who were considering the manufacture of an SUV in Australia to capitalise on the segment's increasing popularity.

It's not yet clear how Holden will package the next generation Cruze but is certain to continue offering both turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel variants.

The inclusion of a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo-petrol — in use in the recently introduced Opel Astra OPC Sport — is a distinct possibility. That engine generates 132kW/230Nm and could become the new range-topper for the Cruze in Australia.

Before the next generation Cruze hits local showrooms in 2015, Holden will launch a face-lifted version of the Holden Cruze in Australia this March, which will freshen up the current model with a new look, plus minor specification and equipment changes.