General Motors said the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze sedans, which will arrive at U.S. dealerships this month, will offer class-leading standard safety features, expected class-leading fuel economy, and more standard equipment than competitive vehicles.

"We set out to redefine the compact segment by offering customers more of the features they want for less money than comparably equipped competitive models," said Margaret Brooks, Chevrolet small car marketing director. "The Cruze offers significantly more value than the competition - and the vehicle it replaces - with standard equipment that is appreciated by today's consumers."

GM said the Cruze LS offers more additional equipment than the 2010 Honda Civic DX, the 2011 Ford Focus S, the 2010 Toyota Corolla and the 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt VL, which it replaces in the manufacturer's lineup.

With a starting price of $16,995 including destination, the Cruze LS offers:

• Air conditioning

• Power locks with remote keyless entry

• OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation

• XM Radio, with three-month trial subscription

• AM/FM Single-CD radio

• StabiliTrak and traction control

• 6-speaker stereo system

• Rear side impact and knee airbags

• Passenger seat height adjustment

• 60/40 split folding rear seat

Cruze LS models feature a 1.8L Ecotec engine, rated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 123 lb.-ft. of torque (168 Nm) at 3,800 rpm. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the 1.8L will deliver an EPA-estimated 26 miles per gallon city, and 36 mpg highway. With the available six-speed automatic, the 1.8L will deliver an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city, and 35 mpg highway.

Cruze LT and LTZ models feature a the 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine that delivers Ecotec 1.4L turbo, delivering 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. Paired with a standard six-speed automatic, the engine delivers an EPA-estimated 24 mpg city, and 36 mpg highway.

The Cruze Eco model, which goes on sale later this year, will be the most efficient model of the lineup. Eco models will feature the 1.4L turbo and a standard six-speed manual transmission. Combined with enhanced aerodynamics, weight optimization, and reduced rolling resistance, the Cruze Eco is expected to deliver a class-leading 40 miles per gallon on the highway.