Chicago Auto Show: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel: Comments

[William Maley]

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By William Maley

Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com

February 7, 2013

Its been a long wait since we first heard rumors that Chevrolet would be introducing a diesel version of the Cruze, but that day has finally come. Today at the Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet will unveil the new 2014 Cruze Diesel.

Power comes from a 2.0L turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine boasting 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with all of that torque appearing at just 2,000 RPM. There is also a overboost function that allows the engine to deliver up to 280 lb-ft of torque for 10 seconds at a time. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, Chevrolet says the Cruze Diesel can get 42 MPG on the highway. That happens to be the same number that you can get with the Cruze Eco when equipped with a six-speed manual.

Standard equipment for the Cruze Diesel includes leather interior, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, an Aero Performance Package, two-year maintenance plan and a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Chevrolet says the Cruze Diesel will cost $26,505 and will begin arriving in select markets in May before expanding to the entire nation sometime later.

Source: Chevrolet

Album: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

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William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected]or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.

Press Release is on Page 2

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Chevrolet Debuts 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel

• Turbocharging helps deliver segment-leading 148 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque with estimated 42 mpg highway

• $25,695 MSRP includes destination and two-year maintenance plan

CHICAGO – Chevrolet is entering the U.S. and Canadian diesel car markets this summer with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of its hottest-selling sedan, the Cruze, featuring the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.

Clean diesels generate at least 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels.

Built in Lordstown, Ohio, the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel delivers a combination of segment-leading features and efficiency. Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has demonstrated estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway with spirited performance and the durability diesel owners value around the globe.

"Chevrolet has a diverse portfolio of products and technologies to meet the needs of the most discerning customer, whether it's driving across town gas free in a Spark EV or cross-country in a clean turbo diesel," said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing.

The compact sedan's new 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces segment-leading estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb-ft torque (350 Nm) with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds, which is better than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and competitive with German diesel cars that dominate the U.S. market.

Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel's emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

"Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet's diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy," said Perry. "We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that's both fun to drive and practical at the pump."

With a starting price at $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees) Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Other standard features include Chevrolet's infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

"Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced," said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze's diesel engine. "We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers."

GM has sold nearly 2 million Chevrolet Cruze models globally since it was launched in mid-2010. GM produced more than half a million small diesel-engine cars across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America last year, including Cruze. In Europe, approximately 40 percent of Cruze models are diesel-powered.

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[PurdueGuy]

Only 42mpg? No manual option? So far I'm not interested, I'd buy the Eco over this. Shame, I had some high hopes.

[Drew Dowdell]

Why such a slow rollout? The diesel will greatly out perform the EPA highway rating though, especially after break in period is over.

[Croc]

I'm concerned with the lack of a specific mention regarding Californian availability.

[regfootball]

standard leather....wtf.......

[ocnblu]

They're loading it up with stuff to justify the high price. And still I see no style freshening. No manual transmission. I'm a bit deflated. This is such a momentous opportunity for GM, and it seems they're sabotaging themselves... once again.

[regfootball]

why not a cloth MT Eco lightened Cruze, 23k with the new beak and interior bits?

[G. David Felt]

EXCITEMENT!

You guys are over blowing it on the Manual. The % of manual take is so low here they are going after the segment that wants 40+ miles but with auto.

Yes it would be nice to have a stripped version with this diesel, but since most people are wanting all the top end stuff plus MPG this should do well.

I agree with Drew as to why the slow roll out.

In regards to California, they have such strict emissions that I doubt they want to have this car there yet.

[regfootball]

Look at how well the loaded Eco Malibus sold.

[ocnblu]

I see plenty of VW TDI manuals on the lots. This car's primary competition.

[regfootball]

Passat TDI manual with cornsilk vinyl and manual trans, prob better real world mpg, and only a scant 1200-1500 more.

[ocnblu]

I want to make sure I'm crystal clear on this one: I am very thankful they've taken the chance, and I hope this sells like hotcakes, with a waiting list. So GM gives us more light duty diesels here in America. Because I strongly feel that diesel is a great way forward (along with engineered lightness and ever-increasingly refined gas engines) toward meeting these oppressive CAFE laws with the least amount of compromise.

[ZL-1]

Nice! 42mpg might be a prudent rating... In flat areas fo the US landscape it will easily surpass that.

Oh, BTW - OFF TOPIC, but of interest: Jalopnik has what they claim are phots of the NG CTS

[Croc]

In regards to California, they have such strict emissions that I doubt they want to have this car there yet.

Other diesels are clean enough for California...what I want to know is if this diesel is one of them.

[smk4565]

I thought it might top 42 mpg, but that is what the Jetta is rated at, and diesels usually meet or beat the epa rating, where as gas engines tend to fall short. I bet this diesel beats the Cruze eco in real driving, plus you get over 100 lb-ft more with the diesel, the diesel is an awesome engine for the Cruze.

I don't like the price however, over $26k with destination charge for a Cruze is too much. The Jetta TDI is $23k and VW has a better brand image than Chevy. Sadly I think the Cruze diesel will need rebates of $3k to sell, which will make GM not want to make more diesel cars.

[PurdueGuy]

You guys are over blowing it on the Manual. The % of manual take is so low here they are going after the segment that wants 40+ miles but with auto.

The % of manual take is much higher than average in our household. I'm watching cars for good options for a commuter car for my wife in a couple years (used). Her requirements: good mpg and a manual trans.

[Drew Dowdell]

Guys, let's compare apples to apples here. Keep in mind that the Cruze diesel automatic (42mpg) beats the Cruze Eco automatic in highway EPA (39mpg) and has a 135 lb-ft more torque standard and then 152 lb-ft more in the 10 second boost mode. ... so 42mpg plus better than than a FWD Northstar torque with that torque coming on at a much much lower RPM.

The Cruze diesel sounds like it will be a different animal than the Jetta TDI. Rather than a super sipper with "meh" acceleration, the Cruze sounds like it could have V6 like scoot with TDI like fuel economy. It is likely to be an LTZ level car, so you can't compare it to base model ECO or base model Jetta TDI.

[Croc]

Anita Lienert has reported that California will actually be one of the initial 13 markets the Cruze Diesel will be marketed in. That's good.

[ocnblu]

And, to be clear and fair, Volkswagen also only sells TDI Jettas, Golfs and Beetles with high spec... no stripper diesels in VW's lineup either... but I do sincerely wish a 6-speed manual were available with this car in the US.

Anita Lienert has reported that California will actually be one of the initial 13 markets the Cruze Diesel will be marketed in. That's good.

I am glad you guys are going to have an alternative to the crappy Prius and its ilk, that is from an American company.

[smk4565]

I love the diesel engine, I just think they have it priced too high. A Passat TDI has a base of $26,225. If GM had a Verano or Malibu diesel for $26,200 I'd think it was a good deal, I think north of $26,000 is just too much for a Cruze.

[ocnblu]

$23,850, including destination charge, for the cheapest Jetta TDI.

Which makes the Chevy overpriced for certain. Although... I see a discrepancy in the article regarding the price of the Cruze. Toward the top of the article, a price of $26,505 is listed... then lower in the text, it says "$25,695 INCLUDING transportation charge". Hmmm...

Edited February 10, 2013 by ocnblu

[Drew Dowdell]

But again, that isn't an apples to apples comparison. A base Jetta TDI automatic is $24,940 and you're still sitting on plastic seats. No Chevy MyLink equivalent, No leather, less twisty engine, no power seats, 16" wheels instead of 17"....

I think Chevy priced it ok. It will be more work for the salesman, but the pricing isn't out of line for what you get.

[ocnblu]

Volkswagen has nothing to prove in the diesel game. Chevrolet has EVERYTHING to prove.

[Drew Dowdell]

perhaps, but the real game changer in the segment is going to be neither of these. The Mazda 6 diesel is rumored to come in right around the $26k price point as well.

[ocnblu]

Mazda is a complete unknown. I hope they can get their message across loud and clear. I'd love to see their diesel in the CX-5.

[jwbouch]

According to Chevy's website, the Cruze diesel will have a starting msrp of $24,885. No indication if that includes delivery.

On another note, this might just be the car to bring me back into the GM fold. A diesel car is perfect for my driving situation of running up and down the Garden State Parkway and across PA on route 80 for 27k miles per year. I'm anxious to take this for a test drive!

[PurdueGuy]

Guys, let's compare apples to apples here. Keep in mind that the Cruze diesel automatic (42mpg) beats the Cruze Eco automatic in highway EPA (39mpg) and has a 135 lb-ft more torque standard and then 152 lb-ft more in the 10 second boost mode. ... so 42mpg plus better than than a FWD Northstar torque with that torque coming on at a much much lower RPM.

The Cruze diesel sounds like it will be a different animal than the Jetta TDI. Rather than a super sipper with "meh" acceleration, the Cruze sounds like it could have V6 like scoot with TDI like fuel economy. It is likely to be an LTZ level car, so you can't compare it to base model ECO or base model Jetta TDI.

I can't help but think that most people who are going to be interested in the diesel would rather have another 5-10mpg and more "meh" acceleration.

[Drew Dowdell]

Not everyone. Coming to the market with a different rather than identical offering to the Jetta is a good thing.

[ocnblu]

Needs a manual, needs a hatch, needs a SportWagen competitor.

[G. David Felt]

This will sell well. A coworker of mine just test drove the Golf TDI and while liked it, was not totally sold. I showed her the Cruze Diesel and she is very excited to go test drive it. Likes the looks, the interior and she did notice that it has a far better interior than the VW.

She did ask me about the difference in mileage and as I told her and pointed out. This engine is allot stronger than the VW and I am sure they are being conservative on the MPG. Get it broke in and I am sure this engine will give even more with the automatic than it is stated at.

Also on the Automatic front, she had to wait for the local VW dealer to get in an Auto TDI as she does not drive manual. In fact she told me they had 4 TDI manuals on the lot and the sales person said it was hard to sell them since not many people can drive a manual and do not want to bother with it. They just want to get in and push the pedal to go.

Those of us that like manuals are becoming a thing of the past. Todays generations want automatic everything and are not really into the manual tranny thing.

[Drew Dowdell]

and VW's DSG is really good too.

[ocnblu]

bleh

[Croc]

And, to be clear and fair, Volkswagen also only sells TDI Jettas, Golfs and Beetles with high spec... no stripper diesels in VW's lineup either... but I do sincerely wish a 6-speed manual were available with this car in the US.

Anita Lienert has reported that California will actually be one of the initial 13 markets the Cruze Diesel will be marketed in. That's good.

I am glad you guys are going to have an alternative to the crappy Prius and its ilk, that is from an American company.

We already do; it's called the Volt.