2014 Chevrolet Cruze DIESEL -- it's official debut today

[kaisen]

2014 Chevrolet Cruze TD fires up its new diesel motor

Ever since General Motors confirmed plans to produce a diesel-powered Cruze back in 2011, we've been eagerly awaiting its arrival. And as part of the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet has pulled back the cover on its oil-burning compact sedan, set to go on sale in the near future with a starting price of $25,695, not including $810 for destination.

The heart and soul of the Cruze TD (that's its official name) is a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline four-cylinder engine rated at 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated solely to a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine also has an overboost function that will increase torque to 280 lb-ft for up to ten seconds. The full brace of official specs haven't been released, but GM tells us that highway fuel economy will come in at 42 miles per gallon. If that number sounds familiar, it's because the Volkswagen Jetta TDI has the exact same rating. Unlike the Jetta, however, the Cruze TD can run on B20 biodiesel, where as the Volkswagen can only accept B5.

Model-specific changes to this 2014 Cruze TD include an aero kit and unique 17-inch alloy wheels. Inside, there's a full leather interior, and Chevrolet will provide two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, not to mention a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Full leather? Wow. My 2012 Jetta TDI got full vinyl for the same price.

It's a shame about the transmission, though.

[Aragorn]

Like the design and like the diesel option. Should sell well. The price seems a little steep ($5,000 premium) over the base Eco which gets 42mpg highway and 28 city.

Only problem around here is finding a station that sells diesel. Some do and some don't.

[aigel]

Thanks for posting Eric. Wonder if the ability to take biodiesel also is an indication that this car has the non-exploding fuel pump!?

G

[911Freak]

So do the same cost comparison between trucks Ie Premium paid for a diesel vs gas truck apply to these cars or does the mileage benefit if any negate the premium?
Btw I've had a 2013 Cruz rental car for a week and avg 34mpg. Not bad compared to our Lexus or my 911!

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by 911Freak

So do the same cost comparison between trucks Ie Premium paid for a diesel vs gas truck apply to these cars or does the mileage benefit if any negate the premium?
Btw I've had a 2013 Cruz rental car for a week and avg 34mpg. Not bad compared to our Lexus or my 911!

I'd say the cost comparisons need to be part of the decision
On paper, judging costs only, there's no reason for anyone to buy a Cruze Diesel over a gas-powered Cruze let alone the gas ECO version (42 mpg w/ 6spd manual, 39 mpg w/ auto)
280 lb-ft may make a compelling arguement, and resale/residual may or may not make the value proposition pencil out

Still, there are many diesel fans who want a diesel car and will find a way to justify it

[Jim Richards]

This looks like an attractive replacement for my wife's Jetta.

[Jferr006]

If you're going to do bio-diesel buy an old 300D for a couple k. I do think its pretty cool though. I've seen a total of 1 Volt, I really don't get why the Prius is the overrated cool kid on the block.

[red-beard]

Sounds like a very good/sound design.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally Posted by Jferr006

I really don't get why the Prius is the overrated cool kid on the block.

It's all about the dashboard video game where you try to maximize the vehicle's efficiency--while ignoring the traffic around you.

[JavaBrewer]

Nice but I have been convinced by folks here that the diesel is tough to pencil out. I recently had a 2012 Ford Focus for a weekly rental and really started to appreciate the car for what it was. Drove the family (4) to Santa Barbara for the weekend and got 39 MPG on the freeway going 75 mph. It had 26K miles on it and not a single rattle or shimmy. Absolutely loved the steering wheel - nicer than my Audi TT.

[jwasbury]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

It's all about the dashboard video game where you try to maximize the vehicle's efficiency--while ignoring the traffic around you.

That's pretty funny.

Around these parts I am frequently amused by the Prius drivers doing stop light "drag racing" - not gonna help the planet that way.

My favorite Prius moment: headed eastbound on the Merritt Parkway in CT, Prius is cruising at a good 70-75mph, window rolls down, driver throws cigarette butt out the window...priceless

[mikehinton]

Is that an "in-house" engine design, or was it sourced from outside GM?

[red-beard]

Originally Posted by BlueSkyJaunte

It's all about the dashboard video game where you try to maximize the vehicle's efficiency--while ignoring the traffic around you.

I was behind one of those yesterday. I swung around and left him in a cloud of diesel smoke.

"We don't too kindly to those hybrid cars, around here."

[NYPorsche]

Originally Posted by kaisen

And as part of the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet has pulled back the cover on its oil-burning compact sedan,

My 1990 Chevy Lumina was also referred to as an oil-burning sedan.

[vash]

i've heard the bio diesel station in Berkeley gets crowded when it is actually open. i dont mind that diesel Cruze.

what is wrong with the tranny?

[McLovin]

That's my dream rental car.

[McLovin]

Although I wonder if it will get better than the estimated 42 mpg highway?

I swear, my last Cruze Eco rental car averaged close to 40 mpg highway after days, and 1000+ miles, of driving.

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by McLovin

That's my dream rental car.

dream...rental car...Hahaha. I need to dream bigger and more often.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by nyporsche

my 1990 chevy lumina was also referred to as an oil-burning sedan.

:d