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2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel Preview

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Josée Paquet
Summary
Chevrolet will be launching a diesel-engine version of its popular Cruze this summer. This will be the first North-American diesel launch in the last 20 years. European diesel-power Cruze sales amount to 40% of total sales, but Europeans have the luxury of choosing between two diesel-engine options, a 1.7-litre or 2.0-litre, while only the 2.0-litre will be offered in Canada.

GM is confident that the Cruze Diesel will rival the German diesel models, which presently dominate the market in North America. The engines will be built in Europe, while final assembly will be in Ohio.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
(Photo: General Motors)

Price

You'll be required to drop $24,945 (plus shipping and pre-delivery) in order to get your hands on the Diesel version, which is $4,000 more than a Cruze Eco…and more than $10,000 more than the base Cruze.

Fuel Economy

GM tests show the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel consuming approximately 4.6 L/100 km during highway testing. The new diesel engine emits 90% less emissions than previous generation diesel engines thus surpassing Canadian environmental standards

Exterior and Interior Features
Besides a few aerodynamic tweaks that were applied to improve fuel economy*, the Cruze Diesel is very similar to its gasoline-powered twin. It will be equipped with standard 17-inch wheels, a rear spoiler, optional aerodynamic package and leather seats. The MyLink system is also standard equipment.

Cargo Capacity
There is 376 litres of available cargo room, which is 50 litres less than the 2013 gasoline-engined models. It is also inferior to the 440 litres of the Jetta TDI.

Drivetrain
A standard 148 hp 258 lb-ft 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine powers this Cruze. The engine is equipped with a supercharger-like function that provides extra power for up to 10 seconds and raises torque to 280 lb-ft (according to GM) and helps acceleration during passing manoeuvers.

The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission which is the only available gearbox. The 8.6 second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) performance makes it better than the Jetta TDI automatic.

Comparable Models
The only competition for the Cruze Diesel comes from the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, as diesel-powered engines are not popular in this category. The 2014 Mazda6 will also offer a diesel option, and will be worth watching out for these next few months.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
(Photo: General Motors)

References and Testimonials:
*auto.sympatico.ca
media.gm.com



Josée Paquet
Josée Paquet
Automotive expert