The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel did better than expected in official EPA testing, receiving an industry-best 46 mpg rating on the highway — better than any non-hybrid car in America — and 27 miles per gallon in the city. And its 16.6-gallon tank makes possible a driving range of 700 highway miles (though simple math tells us the range stands at 763.6 highway miles) per fill-up. Astonishing, really.
The rating creates more breathing room between the the Cruze 2.0TD and the beloved Cruze Eco, which achieves 42 mpg highway when equipped with a six-speed manual.
In addition, the 2014 Cruze Diesel also gives the driver substantially more power compared to the gasoline model. Specifically, its 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine provides a segment-leading estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm) capable of propelling the Cruze TD from 0-60 MPH in about 8.6 seconds. The overboost feature increases the torque to an estimated 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) for short bursts of stronger acceleration when needed, such as entering freeway traffic, or passing, or shaming a Jetta TDI.
The 2014 Cruze Diesel is expected to begin its launch next month, with a starting price of $25,695, including an $810 destination charge. Chevrolet says that the vehicle represents a better value than a similarly-equipped VW Jetta TDI with an automatic transmission. The Cruze Diesel will also offer the now-familiar Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed seating, a longer five-year 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and a two-year maintenance plan.
Comments
Those are some really good numbers. Now imagine what we would have with the next-gen transmissions and an overall vehicle weight reduction.
1st congratulations on reporting this major significant accomplishment by GM. I would think that the industry would be rocked by these numbers. The Jetta has been used as the benchmark in this area and the Cruze absolutely blew the Jetta away. Maybe only manufacturers and engineers recognize the significance of these numbers but in today’s world beating the “benchmark” car in the segment in economy by over 10% (think about a 10% improvement in mileage) and in HP and torque. Once again GM has set a new standard. The Cruze is absolutely the standard by which other non-hybrid cars will be judged. This car may not be as “flashy” as the new Corvette and Camaro but in many ways this accomplishment can add far more to GM’s sales and profitability over the long haul. My question is what other cars and platforms can utilize this efficient 2.0 L turbo diesel engine – could it be a possibility work in GM’s new midsize pickups like the Colorado?
This also points out that Mark Reuss and his engineering team is covering all bases and setting new standards not only with new performance and high end cars like the new Corvette C7, the new Camaro Z28, car of the year Cadillac ATS but now with the new Cruze Diesel!!!
Kudos GM, well done.
I am disappointed that the diesel version costs nearly $8 grand more than the eco model. Consider that diesel fuel generally costs more per gallon than unleaded, and you only get an EPA estimate of 4 miles per gallon more, I don’t see a benefit. Without having done the math, I am guessing you would have to travel a couple hundred thousand highway miles to see a net gain.
I am in the market for a very fuel efficient, roomy sedan and I love the Cruze. I was holding out for the diesel to come to market, but I cannot justify the purchase now. I will buy the ECO. Power numbers mean nothing when the cuise control is set at 75.
Ok, I have done the math for you and the numbers are pathetic. At an average of 40 cents more per gallon, you are going to spend $6.40 more for every fill up. Based on travelling 100,000 hiughway miles, the diesel will burn 2174 gallons. the ECO will burn 2381 gallons. Benefit diesel, right? Wrong!! Using a cost of $3.50 for unleaded and $3.90 for diesel (not my numbers, that’s from GasBuddy) you’re going to spend $8478.60 for those 2174 gallons of diesel compared to $8333.50 for the 2381 gallons of unleaded.
The diesel, in real numbers, is actually less economical than the ECO model. I truely do applaud GM for bringing a diesel sedan to market, but these numbers are exactly why there is no market for diesel sedans in America.
Sorry if you “dislike” my blog post, but it is based on dollars and cents (sense). The diesel will hurt your wallet, not help it.
The 2014 Cruze Diesel does not cost “nearly $8 grand more than the eco model”, more like under $4k diff;
2014 Cruze Diesel Automatic MSRP is $25,695
2013 Cruze Eco Automatic MSRP is $21,685
Both include destination. The 2014 Eco will see a few hundred dollar price increase over the 2013 price above, and the Diesel version is better equipped, actually more like a 2LT while the Eco is more like the 1LT.
And that is my only beef: why didn’t they just make the engine an option on the most popularly equipped model: the Cruze 1LT Sedan? That could have put the price in the $23,500 range.
http://www.freep.com/article/20130418/BUSINESS0101/304180121/Chevrolet-Cruze-diesel-fuel-economy
Diesel carries a $7,755 cost over the gas powered Cruze
Right, a “gas powered Cruze” base LS manual, not a Cruze Eco automatic, which has an MSRP of $21,685
http://www.chevrolet.com/cruze-compact-car/build-your-own.html?x-zipcode=10001
Even if the 2 models were identically priced, the diesel is still more expensive to simply drive. My numbers are based on fuel cost per 100,000 miles, NOT MSRP.
Well your first objection was based on MSRP anyhow.
And, since most people will not be driving 100% on the highway you really need to do the math using combined ratings, which we don’t have yet. But using the Jetta TDIs numbers of 42h/30c/34 combined I think its safe to say that the Cruze Diesel will come in at 46h/32c/37 combined versus Cruze Eco auto at 39h/26c/31 combined. So use 6 MPG difference in your calculations not 4 and the diesel costs less to drive by $802.
But this isnt really about saving a few dollars. The diesel will be a blast to drive compared to the tall-geared eco, and the cabin will be much more comfortable and better equipped. All this while getting outstanding fuel economy will attract enthusiasts.
And make no mistake, Diesel is an enthusiast choice. How many enthusiasts there are will determine the fate of this model.
True, my first objection was based on MSRP, but MSRP was not factored in my data analysis. My analysis was based on the comparison between the ECO and the diesel highway MPG, which is the formation of the article. City and combined MPG have not been released and it may be true that diesel does become more efficient mathematically. I will give you that end of the debate for now.
I’d be very careful extrapilating Cruze mpg’s based on what the EPA has given the Jetta. I’d like to hear your thought process is coming up with 46h/32c/37 for the Cruze. There are countless factors that would create differences between what the Jetta gets and what the Cruze will get.
Simple. Given ratings of:
Jetta Diesel Auto = 42h/30c/34 combined
Jetta 2.5 gas Auto = 31h/24c/26 combined ( this is s little more than the base 2.0, and a little less than te 2.0 turbo)
Jetta Diesel gets a 6 mpg lift on city rating and 8 mpg combined
Cruze Eco Auto = 39h/26c/31 combined
Cruze 1.4 Turbo Auto = 38h/26c/30 combined
So Cruze diesel auto = 46h, i estimate the city rating at 32 (Jetta diesel city rating is 6 MPG better than Jetta gas)
Combined rating is weighted 2 to 1 for the city so 32+32+46 div by 3 = 36.67 MPG combined, rounds to 37 combined. Your actual mileage may vary.
I’ll give them credit for trying this and for focusing very clearly on the Jetta TDI as a target. I really think it’s more of an experiment than anything else? Who is going to buy these? It seems to me that a VW diesel customer is fairly locked-in to the brand? A few will try the oil burning Cruze for sure, but how many is a few? The lack of a manual option and the lofty price will be tough hurdles to jump. I see agressive incentives and/or a LS trim version in the future.
Also consider that the diesel Cruze will offer a premium driving experience over the Eco. This is an engine UPGRADE. Much more power and torque + increased gas mileage. That’s worth a lot of money to some people.
Turbo Diesel engines are expensive… Nothing shocking that the Cruze Diesel would be priced higher.
I am impressed with your evaluation and interpretation. I hope your numbers are correct, hope even more that they turn out to be conservative. This is a fault though. Did you factor aerodynamic efficiencies, power to weight ratios, or gearing?
I am not a fan of Volkswagen and I have no idea what the engine displacement is in their jetta diesel? Is it a 2.5 liter? If it is, the cruze engine would spend more energy propelling it forward than the jetta, thus reducing efficiency.
Great debate though
The VW TDI in the Jetta is also a 2.0 liter. And it’s mated to a DSG in there or a six speed stick.
Dave’s overall commentary reminds me of Scott Settlemire’s comments about the Camaro:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2013/04/unscripted-gms-scott-settlemire-aka-fbodfather-on-2014-camaro-z28-and-more/
Nothing is good enough (even though it is actually quite awesome), everything GM does is horrible and bad and they can’t walk and chew gum at the same time. The fact that GM just out-classed VW at its own game (literally) is the point here; not everyone makes decisions based on eeking out as much MPG out of something… if they did, everyone would be driving Toyota Yarises and Priuses. And here, you get more power and very impressive fuel economy.
Chew on this: Jetta/Golf TDI is the most saught-after mainstream car. Not many can afford it compared to a gasoline powered Jetta, but it is still highly desirable.
My Sonic , rated at 40 HWY , regularly gets up to 48 HWY on level ground.
Uses cheaper fuel , and is quicker than this Cruze.
Chevy FAIL.
Not worth looking at…too heavy and not as convenient as a hatchback like mine.
Sonic cheaper to maintain too.
Have fun with urea refills/multiple batteries/contaminated fuel (oily diesel attracts dirt and other contaminants)/frequent filter changes/glow plugs going out. Keep a can of WD40 handy to start it when the glow plugs crap out.
Diesel ? Been there , done THAT !
You are comparing a subcompact tiny car to a compact one?
There is a bit of a difference between the two. If not the Sonic would have sold 240,000 units and the Cruze would have sold 80,000 units last year. The opposite of what actually happened.
The content of this vehicle is not out yet but I bet it will be almost exactly the same as the car it competes directly against, the $25,000 Jetta TDI. Really need to do a content analysis to see if it really is too expensive.
Joe,
The urea tank is 7 gallons, worth about 10-15,000 miles of driving. The Cruze Diesel only has one battery, not two like the Duramax. Also, using any type of “starting fluid” is a potentially, very expensive suggestion you made. Starting fluid can cause a run-a-way engine, leading to catostophic failure. Further, glow plugs are only used in cold weather operation, most diesels will start without glow plugs at temps above approx. 25F.
I have the 2013 Altima. If I keep it under 70 on the HWY, cruise control set, flat ground, I have gotten 44MPG (just me in the car for wt)
I bought a nicely equipped GTI back in 2010 for less than that with six-speed DSG no less. Keep that slug.
VW diesel doen`t need urea to run. LOL at GM.
Yout 1980 Diesel was a craptastic nightmare…so eas the trans.
No thanks GM.
Joe, This isn’t 1980 anymore. Get with the times. Yes, that 350 gas-with-diesel-heads was not a reliable piece. Please don’t base your opinion on a 33 year old observation. GM (along with every other automotive manufacturer) has come a long way since then.
What is it with you Dave, are you just on here to try to win an argument, man if you don’t like an American diesel car don’t buy one, but don’t try convince others from not buying one. Look if you like to argue go to pickuptrucks.com they like to argue there too.
Silent electrician. Don’t know how you came to the conclusion that nothing GM does is good enough from my commentary. If you look at a previous post from me, I stated that I applaud GM for bringing the diesel to America. I also stated that I am a cruze customer, just not a diesel customer because the cost benefit isn’t there for me to warrant the purchase. Rather, I am shopping for an ECO model.
I love this company and the new leadership. My first car was a Chevy and, god-willing, my last car will be a Cadillac. I would never consider anything other than a GM product.
A slower 0-60 and increased maintenance and expensive fuel and a narrow power band is a “premium” driving experience ?
I don’t like the idea of a tiing belt instead of timing chain. I think its time to pop for a volt with all the credits, discounts and my gm card…I can get one the same or cheaper than the diesel which I also was holding out for. Though I bet the diesel gets more than 46mpg on the highway if babying it. Someone I know claims they get 50 on their jetta. But now with enough solar panels installed, a volt is gonna be a no brainer since 90% of my driving will soon be free after my 5yr payback on solar panel out of pocket costs.
Hey Joe! Surprise! All next-gen diesel models including VW’s will have urea cleaning technology/DEF come 2015/2016 to keep up with emissions standards. GM is just ahead of the curve. Good work!
Looks like my next car
Ha love the actual “facts” from Tim! nice car when will they actuall be on dealer lots to test drive?
It is nice to see the US car companies getting on the bandwagon. Now all they have to do is catch up with the AM car companies that are making 60mpg autos.
Tim, Joe is clueless…
A Diesel Cruze is good for America. It can use bio-diesel fuel which is made from biodegradable oils. So there will be one less petroleum vehicle in GM’s lineup.
Good work, GM. Have you tried adding “eAssist” to that Diesel engine?
Well all who have clamored for a Diesel from GM here it is!
Now if all that complained they would buy it if they would build it would put their money where their mouth is this should do well.
I expect this car to do ok but it still will not be a major force in the market for several reasons pointed out buy the real Bob Lutz at the SAE congress speech.
I am glad we have it as an option but too many get idealistic on this topic and just do not really reflect the real market.
Now I do see a Colorado or what ever they call it doing much better with a Oil burner. Truck buyers are much more open minded vs. the American Auto buyer.
Good Job bringing the car GM you held up your end of the bargain!
If anything GM will get good press for good numbers in MPG. I hope with the new Cruze coming that they may be able to push this to the 50 MPG level in the new car. That would do wonders for marketing for the Cruze even if it is not a run away hit.
You raise a very good point. Truck buyers have understood the virtues of diesels while most car buyers have not. But the thing is this, for this engine to succeed it needs economies of scale. It needs to be in as many vehicles as possible. The Cruze is the first (to duke it out with Jetta). Let the ATS be next (to duke it out with 3-Series and C-Class). Then the Colorado when it arrives. Why? VW has a vehicle not yet sold in the US called the Amarok. This is a truck about the size of the Colorado and is selling like nothing else out there. WHEN it gets to US shores it will most likely have the 2.0TDI as an option. GM has to capture that market before it’s too late.
Hip Hip Hooray!!! Thank you GM.
DAVE IS JUST CHEAP!!!
Diesel peak numbers look good on paper…notice they are slower ???
Slow to rev , narrow power band 1800-3500 RPM.
Heavier , more maintenance , expensive fuel , poor cold start/run performance.
Those are facts. Can`t change physics.
There is a good reason F1 doesn`t use a Diesel engine.
If you want to tow a house , that`s a different story.
The GM Diesel scam rears it`s ugly head…AGAIN !
OK, what are you talking about? There is no GM diesel coming out?
As I have stated in the past (about GM), Dammed if they do, dammed if they don’t, They give us a bad ass car and it’s still not enough! (Five Things We Dislike About The 2014 Camaro Z/28),
Of coarse this time it’s about a diesel sedan.
This is great! How many years did diesel Audis win at Lemans? Did anybody do the calculations for the LS it only gets 36mpg highway,that should make a bigger difference. Also urea is free for the first two years, for what it’s worth. I think it will be a great car, just not sure how open minded people will be. I think 46mpg will attract some that otherwise wouldn’t consider a diesel
I know that most of the world are using diesel autos and Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, and many others make cars that get over 60 mpg so I am not sure why GM is making a big deal of these numbers they are quoting. One other observation I will share. The good ol USA is the only country I am aware of charging more $$$ for diesel than gasoline.
I hope the general public wakes up from it’s stupor’ soon.
Rob C, I assume the fuel economy figures you are quoting are calculated in countries other than the USA, so you need to be wary of making direct comparisons. For one thing,MPG will have a higher number when using imperial gallons than U.S. gallons since the smaller U.S. gallons gives a higher number for the denominator. Offhand, I think the difference is about 17%. Also, each country seems to have different testing standards. I live in Canada, and it always amazes me how much higher our fuel economy numbers are for the same vehicle, even after translating between imperial and U.S. gallons. Check vehicles on GM’s U.S. website then the same vehicle on gm.ca. Also, I’ve noticed in European magazines their urban, extra-urban and combined cycles give very high numbers. I do wonder what the vehicles you mentioned would rate under U.S. testing.
Further to my remark above, I just checked gm.ca. the Cruze Eco with a manual is rated 39 city and 61 highway!
I have a 1988 Honda CRX that gets 50 mpg on the highway. It is a gasoline engine. The new 2014 Honda Civic diesel gets in the low 70 MPG What is all this hype from GM and why are these high mileage diesels not being imported is my question.
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Now that the official numbers are out , it is as bad as I suspected…city MPG sucks , overall MPG is no better than many cars already on the road.
Acceleration is sluggish…Diesels by their very nature do not rev up fast. The car is like 400 lbs. heavier than it should be.
The premium they are charging would never be recovered.
Save your money and get a 2014 Mazda with SkyActiv ; )