Yesterday we spent some time with the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, and as a bonus, the 2014 Chevrolet Impala 2.5 (more on that later). The event was all-too-brief. Regardless, we were able to answer most of your questions about the Cruze Diesel’s characteristics, and here’s what driving the 2014 Cruze Diesel is like in a few brief bullet points:
- From the inside, windows up, it’s hard to tell that there’s an oil burner sitting between the front wheels. This is because Chevrolet took some of the quiet-tuning elements used to make the cabin of the Buick Verano a cocoon of silence, and applied it to the Cruze Diesel. Notably, its cabin is quieter than that of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, which Chevrolet also had on-site to experience. From the outside, there’s the giveaway sound of the low-rumble noise characteristic from the cast-iron 2.0L diesel engine, but visually, there’s almost no telling it apart from the Cruze Eco, save for the unique set of wheels. Though we would like to see fog lights in the lower grille.
- The re-calibrated steering and suspension are unique to the Cruze Diesel, as are the larger brakes. This is to help balance out the added weight. The result is a ride quality that’s as good as the noise-cancellation efforts. The shocks absorbed the bumps of broken Michigan backroads better than expected, making for optimal refinement and comfort for the likes of a C-segment volume car.
- The power band is very broad, and really shines when performing a pass. Off the line, however, it takes a split-second for the torque to kick in, as the torque curve is best between 1,750 and 3,000 RPM, with peak torque found at 2,600 rpm. Still, it’s the fastest Cruze sold in America, with an 8.6 second 0-60 time. To note, the 280 lb.-ft. overboost feature really comes in handy when powering down the on-ramp. As for the transmission, it’s not terrible, with shifting characteristics similar to that of the gasoline model. But in the world of eight-speeds and DCT units, the six-speed auto is so pre-2010.
Fun fact: the diesel engine will start up unassisted in temperatures as cold as -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit). - Obviously, the Cruze Diesel is out of its element when it comes to more spirited driving. The comfort-oriented suspension and low-rolling resistance Goodyear tires shared with the Cruze Eco and Chevy Volt are not the ideal tools for corner-carving. So to judge the Cruze Diesel on its ability to be pushed is like judging a Camaro’s ability to seat four comfortably. However, we sure would be curious to see what this car could do with HiPer Strut front shocks and stickier tires.
- There’s nothing unfamiliar about the Cruze Diesel’s cabin layout. Which is to say that it’s the same well-done interior that is in every other Cruze. But given that the Cruze Diesel features a unique trim package, it is highly contented, with leather seats, Chevy MyLink, Bluetooth and so on and so forth.
- As for the mileage, the instantaneous highway fuel economy of 46 mpg was achieved on the interstate, but to really gauge how long a tank of diesel can last, and just how high the mileage can be, we’re going to need more than just an afternoon of seat time. Look for a more thorough observation of the Cruze Diesel’s fuel economy in the near future.
If GM engineers can get from “Romeo, Michigan to damn near Naples, Florida on two tanks,” we’d like to see what we can do.
Comments
Thank you.
I’d also like to know if the tires will chirp if the accelerator is floored from a dead stop?
Need to know as this will be my wife’s daily driver – and you know what they say about power: it corrupts.
Thanks. Do you know if the diesel engine has a timing belt, chain or someone just said to me today that sometimes diesels use gears. I thought I read in a forum somewhere it was a 100k maintenance belt. Nothing I want to deal with if true and time to lean to the volt now that I have extra solar up now. I was originally considering this diesel as I have waited near a year now for its release.
I’m not sure whether or not the Cruze Diesel is all it’s cracked up to be, but the least Chevrolet could have done is to give it its own unique bumpers and side-skirts…
Sounds like it’s a decent first effort. But I’ll be very interested to see when they offer it with a manual and in a lower trim level. Hope it steals sales from the Jetta. 🙂
“Hope it steals sales from the Jetta.”
Me too. Volkswagen Group needs to come off of its turbodiesel pedestal and get some legitimate competition, haha
It is states…. in Europe 70% of cars are diesels.. 80% new selling cars are diesels.. 99% brands has diesel engines.. toyota, lexus, honda ,hynday , mercedes, bmw , vw, audi, opel, mazda, porsche, skoda, volvo, citroen, peugeot, renault, nissan and so one.. Check out this Latvian used car selling site: http://www.ss.lv/lv/eur/transport/cars/search-result/
Thanks for the report, it is much appreciated. You answered most of my questions. Will look forward to further analysis. I hope the public seriously considers this as a worthy alternative to the imports.
Thank you, I find this quite useful, I may consider a Cruze diesel within the next couple of years. Seeing as it is a good start so far, the future looks bright for a return of Diesel to North America, and more options then VW.
Yes its good that GM has finally brought over a diesel from across the pond,but sorry I am tired of waiting for a performance cruise model with a turbo 2.0!!! Or how about a sonic with the Opel 1.6 turbo???? And what happened to the wishful thinking of having the Opel Astra GTC coming over as a Buick???? I think when the 2014 WRX,or GTI comes I will be buying one.
The Diesel should have had the recycle refresh the regular Cruzes will get later to make them more attractive and standalone for now!
Give me those MPG’s and a manual next year and I’ll trade my 2011 ECO in!
No real surprises here since this car pretty close to the one from elsewhere.
The real challenge will just be who will buy it and how many. GM will not steal a lot of sales from else where so they will need to grow this car and segment with good solid marketing.
I know we get a lot of Diesel cries on these web sites but most will not buy one and it is the everyday consumer that they need to get into the show rooms with interest enough to try one. Pounding away at the MPG and the lack of noise etc will be key.
I expect them to sell at a slower rate at first but as word of mouth gets around I expect things to improve with time. People will be in a Show Me state in many cases and once they see the real world numbers it will get their attention.
The issue for the German Diesels is that most people there are as much a German car fan as they are Diesel. It will be tough to pry them out of those cars.
I am glad GM has set reasonable expectations for this car starting out. They know it will be tough out of the gate.
It is a very good car looking for love. Too bad the new Cruze was not ready for this into. It would have helped to have the extra attention.
Almost everything I hear about this TD Cruze is inviting. I really like the range and mileage while also having some decent pep.
The price isn’t too high, considering the extra features included. This car is something that I am seriously considering in about 2 years. I won’t be financially ready until then and I’m hoping my current car will last that long.
I do have one primary concern – the timing belt. As I understand it, the timing belt is rated for only 100k miles. http://gmauthority.com/blog/chevrolet/cruze/2014-cruze/
How does that compare to GM’s other engines? That doesn’t seem long to me – especially in diesel terms. Diesel engines are made for longevity. That is an additional selling point. Their strength is part of their sales. The Dodge truck folks who swear by their Cummins with over 300k miles are numerous. Chevy also has a similar Duramax group that will grow with time as well. Why saddle a great engine like this 2.0 TD with a critical weak link like the timing chain? If a timing chain lets go in this engine, we’re likely talking bent valves, busted springs, holes in the pistons, damaged cylinder head (aluminum), or worse. If that’s not covered under a warranty, that is a significant risk.
For my personal comparison, I drive a 2001 Grand Prix (GT) with over 220k, miles on it. The most invasive repair has been the water pump @ 75k. It still runs great, doesn’t use oil, and gets 25 – 26 mpg running 80mph down the highway. To upgrade to the diesel Cruze would be great for me considering I live 46miles from work. I just want it to have some longevity as well.
**I really hope GM upgrades the timing chain for the 2015-16 MY. **
Most engines will require belt changes at 50,000 miles. I understand that CA has a law that requires them to last until 100,000 but as per usual CA lawmakers are out of touch with realty. If GM can make the belt truly last to 100k then it would be actually very good. Most people do not understand the real difference between the two. Belts are quieter, which is why GM is using them here. The use of timing chains do not guarantee that there will be any difference in maintenance requirements. Do not confuse things. No engine can withstand abuse. Many people believe that all you have to do is start a diesel and you don’t have to change oil or calibrate the injectors or change the timing belt or chain. Maintenance is key to every engine’s longevity. It has to be done. Period.
Thanks for the reply Richard. I realized after reading your reply that I used chains/belts interchangeably. That wasn’t intended. After doing a little research I discovered that the VW (and Audi) diesels use belts as well and their intervals are shorter than the 100k offered in the Cruze. Also, I learned that the diesels in the full size trucks do away with both and the cams are direct driven via gears. Personally, I would be happy to live with the additional noise of gears. I would also still prefer the chain over the belt, as chains have been shown to give more advanced warning before failure when compared to a belt. But now I understand that the belt issue isn’t as much of a competitive disadvantage as I originally thought.
Also, I fully agree on the subject of preventative maintenance. My GP wouldn’t have lasted as long without it. 🙂
Another good article Manoli. Lot of us waiting for a review. Your review is, as always, well done and succinct.
I’m looking forward to your road trip of Romeo to Naples, as I’m looking at Kalamazoo to Port Charlotte Fl. If it’s two tank fulls also … I might be able to convince my skeptical wife on the beauty of a diesel.