Cruze Diesel: The Performance (And Efficiency) Choice

Edward Niedermeyer
by Edward Niedermeyer

With Chevrolet already offering a Cruze Eco, WardsAuto reports that the forthcoming Cruze diesel made a case for itself based on attributes that go beyond mere efficiency. Which is interesting because a GM source tells Wards that the Cruze diesel will get around 50 MPG on the freeway… and unlike the Eco, it will achieve that high number with an automatic transmission (the Cruze Eco’s 42 MPG highway rating is only for manual transmission models). Equally importantly, the oil-burning Cruze will return better performance alongside better efficiency, with 147 HP and 236 lb-ft, compared to the 1.4T engine’s 138 HP and 148 lb-ft, which would make it the performance model of the range… which some say is just what the Cruze needs.

Joseph Lescota, chair of the Automotive Marketing Management Dept. at Northwood University in Midland, MI, thinks a diesel Cruze will draw buyers.

“Chevrolet has a great price-point vehicle that has tremendous eye appeal and options but may not meet the performance needs of a select market group,” he tells Ward’s.

A diesel version would hit that group between the eyes by adding a sturdy engine, extra torque and top-end performance to the mix, he says.

GM executives meanwhile highlight the diesel option’s value as what GM North America boss Mark Reuss calls “a hedge against the unknown.” Only three percent of current US sales are of diesels, but as American brands start rolling the oil-burning options out, and as Americans are exposed to their higher performance and efficiency, that segment could just grow. After all, who doesn’t want more performance and more efficiency for a mere $1k-$4k premium?

Edward Niedermeyer
Edward Niedermeyer

More by Edward Niedermeyer

Comments
Join the conversation
6 of 47 comments
  • PrincipalDan PrincipalDan on Aug 16, 2011

    So my questions (as I'll be car shoping in approximately 12 months): When is it coming stateside? Will it acutally be available with all the trim levels (LT, LT2, LTZ) or only with stupid option packages that I don't want? And guys it's not always about the math. Besides if it does offer better performance than the gas versions then I won't be comparing the price of diesel to the price of regular, I'll be comparing it to the price of premium.

    • Scoutdude Scoutdude on Aug 17, 2011

      No it is not always about the math but in this segment the math is important for many of the buyers. The question is will the people that are looking for performance accept the slush box and what ever price premium it adds.

  • Obbop Obbop on Aug 16, 2011

    Long-term owner. Parts availability in used parts market compared to gas engine? Mucho variables from parts to mechanic availability. Other considerations. Those not requiring long-term ownership due to adequate income source need not concern themselves. But, the times they are a'changin'. Will ye remain immune?

    • Bryce Bryce on Aug 16, 2011

      Im a long term diesel car owner and repairer self taught from neccessity. I made sure I got the best engine design pre electronic injection and ecu type engine. It came with the best handling chassis available in a 5 door hatch from the 90s and its a blast to drive as far as I can tell Donfeng is still making PSA parts in China so parts are about and in the wrecking yards here to suit it.

  • Wmba Wmba on Aug 17, 2011

    Unless the cat has changed its spots, this VM Motori diesel will not be quiet. Misdirection is a common marketing move. Subaru used to say about the first Impreza that it was unaffected by crosswinds, being AWD. LJK Setright pointed out that it was awful in crosswinds and the cause was a poor choice of rear roll center height. So here GM says the Cruze diesel is quiet. Uh huh. GM bought the other half of VM Motori in Feb this year. Fiat owns the other half. I can't find any citation that says the VM is anything but a bit of a dog compared to other modern diesels. Your opinion and mileage may vary.

  • Sportyaccordy Sportyaccordy on Aug 21, 2011

    Yea we will see about this one...

Next