Chevrolet Cruze Diesel: Where's The Value Proposition?
In a few hours, we’ll have live shots of the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel (what a mouthful), but in the mean time, here’s a preview of the long awaited oil-burning Chevy.
The heart of the diesel Cruze is a 2.0L 148 horsepower engine that puts out 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is expected to ape the Cruze Eco, at 42 mpg highway, though the diesel Cruze costs $25,685 – $1,845 more than a TDI Jetta and $4,000 more than a base Cruze Eco with an automatic transmission. While the diesel is available in the higher-spec 2LT trim level, it’s hard to justify another $4,000 just to get things like disc brakes and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Apparently, Chevrolet isn’t targeting Cruze buyers, but buyers of Volkswagen TDI cars. But Chevrolet is only offering an automatic gearbox, and TDI drivers are one of the few demographics that tend to buy manuals in any significant numbers. Furthermore, how many Veedub diehards will give up their beloved brand and its Euro-snob appeal for a Bowtie-brand Cruze?
GM will launch the Cruze diesel in select markets first, similar to the Volt, with sales occurring first in markets that are considered to be more diesel friendly.
More by Derek Kreindler
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Nice to finally see some more entry-level diesel options. As much as I love VW (I maintain that there will ALWAYS be a GTI in my garage), I would take the Cruze over a new Jetta in a heartbeat.
Why would anyone want a Cruze over a VW TDi? Are you kidding? Everyone who's ever suffered through a VAG product will want a Cruze! The best advertisement for a Cruze / Mazda6 diesel is a year spent with a VAG diesel. I bet you most Cruze diesel buyers will be former VW owners who are glad to have an alternative to the VW TDI monopoly.
Even at 42 MPG it doesn't ape the Eco, which gets 42 MPG with the more fun to drive manual in the center console versus the slush box (rated at 39 MPG). There is utterly no reason for this car to exist.
"Diesels in cars OTOH, are all about fuel efficiency, not unlike EVs and hybrids. Proud owners of these mileage champs forsake all other costs." Wrong. Diesels are about torque. When the Honda/Toyota owner downshift to third gear to quickly pass another car, i will stay in 6th.