DETROIT -

Chevrolet is enjoying total sales numbers for Cruze that are more than more than triple those of the Cobalt, the unit the new 2011 model replaced in the brand’s lineup.

The automaker declared Thursday that the Cruze is on track to exceed 50,000 total sales during the first quarter.

Chevrolet also calculated retail sales are also gaining ground year-over-year in strong import-vehicle markets where the Cruze is expected to be:

—370 percent higher in California.

—225 percent higher in New York.

—230 percent higher in Florida.

In a survey of more than 500 Cruze buyers, brand officials learned exterior styling and fuel efficiency ranked as top reasons for purchasing a Cruze over a competitor vehicle.

For example, Chevrolet shared the story of Karen Peters from Hemet, Calif. She traded in her 2005 Toyota Corolla for a Cruze after seeing the Cruze in a television spot.

“I just fell in love with the Cruze the first time I saw it,” Peters commented.

“There was nothing wrong with my Corolla, and I wasn’t even looking for a new car. But something about the Cruze just stuck with me. I finally had to go for a test drive, just to get it out of my system,” she continued.

“All it took was a short test drive, and I fell in love with the Cruze,” Peters declared. “It handles like I’m driving on glass-smooth roads, even when I’m not. And my friends give the Cruze their seal of approval, as it’s more comfortable inside than the Corolla. The Cruze is awesome.”

Like Peters, brand officials indicated nearly two-thirds of Cruze buyers are new to Chevrolet. Only 34 percent of Cruze buyers traded-in a Chevrolet.

Furthermore, Chevrolet discovered 18 percent of Cruze buyers had no trade in, suggesting they were either adding a vehicle to the household or that the Cruze was their first new vehicle. The remaining 48 percent of Cruze buyers traded in a vehicle other than a Chevrolet.

According to EPA estimates, Chevrolet pointed out Cruze LS, LT, and LTZ models all can offer 36 mpg on the highway while the Cruze Eco can delivers up to 42 mpg. The brand contends that level is more than any other gasoline-powered vehicle on the market, excluding hybrid and diesel models.

Chevrolet also highlighted all Cruze models feature the most standard safety features in its class — each contributing to the brand’s goal of protecting passengers before, during and after a crass. Those features include StabiliTrak electronic stability control, 10 air bags, and six months of OnStar Directions and Connections package.

“With the all-new Cruze, we set out to build the best compact car on the market,” insisted Lisa Hutchinson, the Chevrolet Cruze marketing director.

“The Cruze is priced to compete in the compact segment. But the Cruze offers the styling of a more expensive car, as well as more standard safety features than any other compact, and more miles per gallon with the Cruze Eco model,” Hutchinson went on to say. “Clearly, that’s a combination many customers can appreciate.”