2015 Chevrolet Cruze spotted undisguised in Michigan

The all-new Cruze has been seen before - it was seen in Chinese-spec guise earlier this year - but this is the first known glimpse of what is expected to be the model sold to the rest of the world.

The images were uploaded to Twitter by @kbrosnihan early on Saturday morning, or Friday evening US time. They show differences between the Chinese car and the US model, with smoother bumper surfacing and different fog-light inlays on the front bumper.

The rear shot looks a little harder to discern in terms of visual differences, with the same bold chrome accent running under the tail-lights and above the number plate.

The user, Kris - a Michigan-based fitness fanatic - posted the following: New @chevrolet #cruze I-75 NB Troy, MI @Automotive_News @GM pic.twitter.com/NcrUIdCbCk.

When CarAdvice brought you the pictures of the Chinese-market Cruze, it was assumed the model for other international markets could see major styling changes.

A Holden spokesman told CarAdvice at the time that the Chinese vehicle had “developed specifically for consumer tastes and needs in China”, and warned it could not be assumed that other versions of the Cruze for other markets would look like it.

“Differentiated variants for other markets will launch in due course,” he said.

The future of the Cruze badge in Australia remains unclear. Holden has not confirmed if it will offer the next-generation car here, and as we have reported, it is expected the Australian arm of General Motors will instead switch to European-sourced products from the Opel portfolio.

However, it is possible that the Cruze will remain as the small sedan sold here, with the much-vaunted Astra to fill the gap for hatch buyers.

The new Chevrolet Cruze is all-but certain to debut in early January at the 2015 Detroit auto show. Stay tuned for more.