Five Things We Love About The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
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1. It’s The Only Diesel-Powered Compact Car From A U.S. Automaker In The Domestic Market
If it wasn’t for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, there wouldn’t be any direct competition for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD. The specs already do a lot of talking in terms of how it stacks up against the offering from Wolfsburg (or should we say Mexico?), and it all looks very promising, especially given that the Cruze has an edge in horsepower, and torque, while tying the Jetta TDI in highway fuel economy. It’s also bio-diesel compatible. But hopefully buyers won’t be turned away by the mandatory DEF system.
2. Torque!
With preliminary engine ratings of 148 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque (280 pound-feet during the 10-second overboost function), the Cruze TD offers 110 more pound-feet of twisting force than the Cruze 1.4L turbo. Anybody who has ever performed a passing maneuver on the road knows that torque is important. The torque also propels the Cruze TD from 0-60 MPH in “well under nine seconds.” Should make for an interesting commute to work and back.
3. More Potent Driving Dynamics
Sure, it’s heavier. And sure, it’s only going to have an automatic transmission when it launches. But the standard Cruze is already a competent sedan when it comes to ride and handling, and the added punch of up to 280 pound-feet of torque in a compact car has us grinning. Cruze TD engineers also inform us that the suspension system has been uniquely calibrated to give the vehicle a character of its own, one that may be described as an enthusiast’s choice.
4. The Range
GM is still mum on the official range of the Chevy Cruze TD between fuel refills, but it will undoubtedly have the greatest longevity of all Cruze models. Knowing the estimated highway MPG range and the size of the fuel tank, simple math tells us that drivers will be able to get close to 700 miles between fill-ups. At that point, the premium price of diesel fuel isn’t really much of a factor.
5. The Ability To Change The Perception Of Diesel Engines
It’s been nearly 30 years since GM offered a diesel passenger car in the U.S. market. So it’s easy to understand that some might initially be skeptical about the Cruze TD. But if the media and consumers enjoy what they find, we might see a growth in demand for more diesel vehicles. Envision a Sonic diesel, or even a Malibu diesel to accompany the Cruze TD in showrooms in the future. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
Everything seems spot on with this car. I’m just scratching my head as to why the hell there isn’t a manual and why the MPGs are only 42.
I think the biggest thing affecting the success of this car will be the DEF systems. GM needs to find a way to have this engine be able to run without urea injection.
A few thoughts on the DEF.
First, as I understand it, the DEF system is really a simple solution, simpler than the regeneration systems.
DEF-equipped diesels appear to be more efficient, especially in the cold weather which to get the regen to work correctly, they have to enrich the fuel mixture. VW owners I know report to be significant drops in economy in cold weather vs their summer driving
When I got a Duramax with the DEF, I, too, had my concerns but in the past two years or so, we have had no issues with the system, nor the truck. I know it is a sample of one, but I am comfortable with the system.
Finally, DEF is readily available and not expensive. Adding it is as simple as topping off the windshield washer fluid.
All that said, it’s disconcerting how much today’s diesels are choked down for emissions. I guess it’s not a bad thing, but we’re nowhere near the fuel efficiency they used to be.
For example, I had a 92 Suburban 6.5 turbo diesel with mechanical injection. I converted it to a 5-speed manual, lowered it two inches and removed the roof-rack and would routinely get 30 to 35 mpg on the highway at 65 mph. Those were the days!
Cheerios!
A torque news article if correct places the mpg at 32 city, 56 highway and 44 average. I sure hope thats true as it will make the price more appealing then. I’ve been waiting a bit for this to come out to replace my good old 2003 vibe which still gets 32 average mpg highway after 10years.
http://www.torquenews.com/1079/chicago-auto-show-unveiling-chevy-cruze-diesel-20-td
I wouldn’t be surprised if GM is being conservative on their preliminary MPG ratings – it would make much better press for the official numbers to come out higher, than to overestimate and get a bunch of negative criticism.
I read that elsewhere too, can’t find the damn link though. Those are some crazy MPG figures stacked next to a TDI
I’m hoping too that the true fuel economy numbers are better than GM has let on so far. Otherwise, it’s a LOT of extra money for something that would hardly beat a Cruze Eco in mileage. And more importantly, hardly beat a TDI. Still odd to me that it isn’t offered in a lower trim level than LTZ given that people buy diesels with economy in mind, including purchase price. Maybe that or a cheaper manual with higher fuel economy will come later.
Also I bet the pricing is a little higher to give GM room to have offers out as discounts without giving away too much. Hope so. Vibe may be sold this week!
Lets hope this meets with enough success so that GM pulls that 4.5l DMax off the shelf.
I wish there were a test using biodiesel made from processed cooking oil or vegetable scraps, instead of petroleum. Then it will be cleaner, and the exhaust will smell like fries or chicken!
Supposedly it will be able to burn 20% mixture of diesel and its replacment
We have the Diesel Cruze for 2 years now here in the Philippines. There’s no DEF though. It’s not doing well in terms of sales. But it rivals the old Focus TDCI in terms of performance. Currently, we don’t have the Focus diesel replacement but the Diesel Cruze still has to contend with the new Accent Diesel hatch. I have a Cruze 1.8 LS AT by the way. I’m hoping the Cruze Diesel does well there in the states.