Going ‘green’ isn’t just about hybrids, alternative fuels, or the exotic technology du jour. It’s about meeting the needs of the market in stylish and creative ways. Chevrolet’s coming 2011 Cruze compact sedan is an excellent example of how to get the job done with a model that appeals to mass-market sensibilities at an approachable price point.

Coming to American highways next fall, The Ohio-built Chevy Cruze is expected to offer rarefied fuel economy numbers – for conventional gasoline models – of up to 40 mpg on the highway. That’s better than the subcompact Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit and just a single mpg shy of the ever-so tiny two passenger smart fortwo. But with the Cruze, you get five-passenger seating and so much more than the fortwo, at an expected cost of just over fifteen grand.

This car’s efficiency is made possible with a new Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. torque, which will be standard on LT and LTZ models. LS models will get the Ecotec 1.8-liter four-cylinder powerplant. Either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions can be specified. StabiliTrak electronic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes are standard.

The stylish Cruze is designed to offer much more than the Chevy Cobalt model it replaces. In fact, GM says its aim is to change the rules for the compact car class by offering unexpected upscale amenities and a mid-size feel. It offers a wide stance, arching roofline, and iconic two-bar grille with Chevy bowtie. Inside, designers gave the Cruze a sporty twin cockpit theme with a sweeping instrument panel and center console that separates the driver and front passenger positions. Analog instruments offer ice-blue LED illumination and a standard driver information center is provided. On the safety side, the Cruze includes 10 standard air bags plus OnStar with crash notification.

Chevy says that primary competitors to the Cruze will be the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, and Nissan Sentra. But at 40 mpg, we figure there will be a lot of cross-shopping going on with buyers defecting from other camps as well in their search for high fuel economy in a stylish ride. No doubt, GM is counting on it.