Calling the Chevy Cruze a junior Malibu isn’t necessarily a bad thing

On paper, the second-generation Chevrolet Cruze that’s due out this spring appears to have what it takes to remain near the top of the compact-car class. In the flesh, it’s better still, as you get the sense that the king-of-the-hill crown could be in sight.

That audacious suggestion can be fully supported by the small Chevy’s renewed sense of purpose, starting with an exterior that clearly points to a strong kinship with the equally new 2016 Malibu. Like its larger stable mate, the Cruze’s styling is less angular and slab-sided, especially with more dramatically shaped front fenders, door panels and rear deck. As a result, the sedan’s sheet metal is now among the more elegant in the category and that includes some heavy hitters from Ford, Toyota, Hyundai and Honda.

The Cruze is nearly 3 inches longer with about ½-inch gain between the front and rear wheels. The extended roofline has also been slightly lowered and contributes to a sleeker silhouette without sacrificing interior volume.

The cabin is more spacious and the rear passenger area has slightly more legroom and 2 more inches of knee room. The interior has additional soft-touch material covering the dashboard, door panels and floor console.

Weight reduction has also been a focus. The Cruze has tightened its belt to the tune of 250 pounds (for a total weight of about 2,900 pounds) with an updated structure that has a higher percentage of aluminum. Switching to an aluminum engine block from iron cuts the weight by 44 more pounds while the transmission drops another 24. Similarly, the car’s suspension components have also slimmed down.

For the time being, the engine lineup has been reduced to just a single offering. The previous 138-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder base engine has been jettisoned for a new turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.

Compared to the previous 1.4-liter turbo engine (which was optional), that’s an increase of 15 horsepower and 29 pound-feet. The lighter, more powerful Cruze isn’t a racer, of course, but drivers will find it a much peppier performer.

Driven in a prudent manner, the Cruze is estimated to achieve 32 mpg in the city and up to 40 mpg on the highway with the optional six-speed automatic transmission (a six-speed manual comes standard).

William Patterson, auto sales consultant at Henderson Chevrolet, said he not only sells the model but is also a proud owner of a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

“It looks a whole lot better,” he said of the redesign. “It was time for a remake of the Cruze and they did an excellent job.”

Patterson said the 2016 Cruze gets better gas mileage and its turbo engine results in a better throttle response.

“I’d recommend it to parents who are looking to get their child a safe and easy-to-handle car,” he said. “I also like it for the elderly as well because they’re often trying to stay in an economical car with good gas mileage, and this is perfect for that.”

He added that people have been caught off guard by the Cruze’s makeover.

“A lot of people can’t believe it’s a Cruze and have to walk up to it to make sure,” Patterson said. “It’s definitely not the Cruze of yesteryear for sure; it’s come a long way.”

While it’s sad to see the muscular turbo-diesel depart, an all-new version is slated to arrive for the 2017 model year along with a hatchback model that’s a total jaw-dropper.

At this point it’s worth noting that Chevrolet is keeping the previous Cruze around for the balance of the 2016 model year, labeling it the Cruze Limited (expect some good deals on this one).

Meanwhile, the sedan comes in four trim levels, starting with the base L. At a list price of $17,000 (including destination charges), you get air conditioning, rearview camera, 10 air bags plus a fair assortment of convenience items such as a 7-inch touchscreen and built-in WiFi hot spot that requires a subscription.

At the top end of the spectrum, the newly designated Premier is prepped with heated front and back leather-covered seats and a full range of infotainment, communications and crash-avoidance technology. A Premier-based RS package adds a unique grille and nose, fog lamps, chin spoiler, rocker panels, rear spoiler and 18-inch wheels.

With an all-new Honda Civic sedan now out and a 2017 Hyundai Elantra arriving at about the same time as the new Cruze, Chevrolet will have have to battle to earn your dollars. But with impressive looks, content and performance on its side, the Cruze is definitely a top contender.

Reporter Ann Friedman contributed to this article.