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Nifty Over Fifty: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Returns 52 MPG Highway

General Motors and Chevrolet continuously hinted their high hopes for significant fuel economy numbers from the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze diesel, and those high hopes have become reality.

Not only did the 2017 Cruze diesel crack the coveted 50 MPG mark, it surpassed it by returning 52 MPG on the highway and went 702 miles on a single tank. That means the Cruze diesel will offer the highest fuel economy of any non-hybrid or EV in the United States.

“Chevrolet is dedicated to offering customers a wide range of propulsion options. We know there are customers looking for the right combination of fuel efficiency, driving dynamics, fuel type and more. With the EPA-estimated 52-mpg highway Cruze Diesel Sedan, they can get it all,” said Steven Majoros, director of Chevrolet Marketing.

The monumental figure is achieved with the new to America 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which produces 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, and a six-speed manual gearbox. In the process of EPA testing, the Cruze diesel also passed the now more stringent than ever tests. No cheating here.

In the city, manual gearbox equipped cars will return 30 MPG in the city, making for a combined fuel economy figure of 37 MPG. Nine-speed automatic Cruze diesels return 31 MPG city and 47 MPG highway, still making for a combined figure of 37 MPG.

The news also means we can likely expect similarly impressive figures from the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox and 2018 GMC Terrain; both will also offer the 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine later this year.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. J

    Highly impressive! This makes the Cruze the most coveted compact sedan for me at the moment!!!

    Reply
  2. Paul

    Definitely something to brag about.

    Reply
  3. Greg

    That is indeed impressive. Now, this is for the sedan. Will/should the hatchback do even better?

    Reply
    1. MP81

      If it follows the gasser – 1-2mpg less.

      Reply
      1. Greg

        Is the hatch heavier?

        Reply
        1. MP81

          Based on the weights I’ve seen, no. The Sedan ranges from 2835-2989lbs (6MT L-6AT Premier) and the Hatch from 2892-2978 (6MT LT-6AT Premier).

          I believe they said it’s aero.

          LT Hatch (manual) is 28/37/31 and LT sedan (manual) is 28/39/32.

          Reply
          1. Greg

            Lesser highway mpgs would suggest aero. A bit surprising to me, as I thought hatchback would hold advantage over sedan in that area.

            Reply
            1. MP81

              I agree – physics would make one think that as well, but for some reason, not the case.

              Reply
              1. eddman

                You both have it backwards. Sedans usually have better aerodynamic properties because they have a more suitable body for a smooth airflow, thanks to their tail.

                Hatchbacks don’t have a tail, and as a result the airflow gets disturbed when it passes the end of the roof, which creates drag.

                Reply
  4. MohChevy

    And the 2.0 163 ch???

    Reply
  5. JIm MacMurdo

    Wonder why the 9-speed with the diesel in the Cruze, but only the old 6-speed for the Equinox / Terrain?

    Reply
    1. Greg

      My guess is availability. They probably can’t produce enough of them at this point so GM is picking and choosing which vehicle gets it first.

      Reply
    2. Matt

      How does the 9-speed operate in manual-mode? I like how the 6-speed AT in the new Cruze will limit the top gear; and L6 effectively just turns off the start-stop. Fuel saving is negligible with some people’s driving pattern.

      People online spreading the idea that the Cruze’s start-stop can’t be turned off are giving others the wrong idea. And I believe the MT doesn’t use it, and has a hand parking brake. Sorry for the digression from the diesel topic.

      Reply
  6. OMEGATALON

    Better fuel economy and possibly more fun to drive than the non-diesel because of the engine has more power and torque, GM should now make this engine available in almost vehicle they make except for the big trucks.

    Reply
  7. Travis

    This is amazing! Although the EPA combined ratings always Mack me scratch my head. One car gets one more tic city while having 5mpg less highway but combined is 37 for both. Place a far larger emphasis on city?

    Reply
  8. Reply

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