The 2017 Cruze hatch will be on the market by September of this year. The hatchback will be available in LT trims and above with eiher the six-speed auto or the six-speed manual.I can can tell you right now, with a more potent motor and a few sporting flourishes this would make an excellent rival for the Focus ST.
The interior is extremely spacious both fore and aft of the drivers seat. Even with the drivers seat pushed most of the way back I had plenty of room for my knees and legs- granted I’m only 5’7″.