We’re fortunate enough today to be able to partake in the regional 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel launch drive. The name’s a stretch, just like every gallon of diesel fuel that promises to extend the overall highway driving range of the car with an EPA-official 46 mpg. And since its debut during the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, we’ve been curious to find out about what the added torque and increased fuel economy will mean for the driver. Perhaps you’ve had some questions as well, so leave them in the comment section below.
For the sake of reference, here’s how the 2014 Cruze Diesel compares to the Cruze Eco, and here’s the back-story on the 2014 Cruze Diesel’s engine.
Comments
How does the interior noise level compare to the gasoline engine options?
0-60 time
Similar to 0-60 times, how is it’s responsiveness(get up and go)? Also did you get to do enough driving to be able to real world check the fuel economy on it?
How well does the transmission shift? Assuming auto only: Does it hunt for gears, or does the low end torque allow for more stable transmission programming?
What’s the exhaust note like and how muffled are the characteristic diesel engine bay sounds?
Performance; How does the acceleration and handling compare to the TDI? How is the gas pedal feel: touchy on lead in, balanced, or does it have too much lead in and feel like you’ve got it to the floor when you don’t?
How does the driving experience compare to the normal Cruze auto that we’ve all driven.
BTW I just ordered my diesel this morning.
It’s probably too early for you to answer this question. How does heater work in those Michigan winters.
How is real world fuel economy especially in the city?
What’s the driving experience like? Is it fun and quick? Or is it slow and boring?
How is luggage space affected? Does it have the folding rear seats?
How is the ride quality?
Who’s responsible for not releasing a manual version? -_-
I would have bought one if they did. Got an ECO MT instead (still a great car, but I wanted a diesel!)
Is there vibration in the steering wheel?
Dose it sound like a tractor ;-P like some rivals diesels do or is it quiet & refined.
Considering the new Duramaxes sound about as quiet as any gas engine, I doubt this one is very loud.
I miss the sound of the old LB7, but I love the new ones just the same.
From cold, how long does it take to start?
Yes, just wondering Andy. GM diesels are quite quiet (here in Europe) only today I heard a GM rival company’s diesel clattering along like a tractor (new car) may of been ok back in 80’s, defiantly not now.
^^ was a taxi so maybe it was due a service.
Can it really get over 50 mpg when not driving hard?
Is it rated to tow more than the regular cruze? The european versions always seem to be rated to tow more. I assumed it was because diesel’s were offered.
Just wondering…who tows with a Cruze? They’re not made to tow anything.
Real mileage fig for hyway at legal speeds.