Zastava_101

GM is answering consumers’ pleas for a diesel-powered compact car: This summer, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel will roll into showrooms with a $25,695 price that includes the destination charge and a two-year maintenance plan. Unlike the Volkswagen Jetta TDI, the 2014 Cruze Diesel is only offered in one, well-equipped model, and only with a six-speed automatic transmission. As standard equipment the 2014 Cruze Diesel includes 17-inch alloy wheels with low-rolling resistance tires, leather seating, a rear spoiler, and the Aero Performance package.

Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic, the automaker expects the 2014 Cruze Diesel to return an estimated 42 mpg highway with best-in-class range. In comparison, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is EPA-rated 30/42 mpg city/highway with the six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The Cruze’s turbodiesel engine is rated 148 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque – eight hp and 23 lb-ft of torque more than the Jetta TDI, though only a Motor Trend comparison test will tell just how well the car performs. An overboost feature boosts the Cruze Diesel to 280 lb-ft of torque for about 10 seconds.
While the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel will carry a $25,695 base price, a base Jetta TDI with the automatic starts at $24,950. For comparison, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Eco with the automatic transmission (26/39 mpg) is priced at $21,685, though the diesel engine produces 10 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque more than the gas engine.

http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-chevr...#axzz2KE0cojW1

Flagstang

I do not think they will selll very many of them.

Zastava_101

I don't think they're planing to sell too many ... maybe 20,000-30,000 per year.

Rather B.Blown

Then they're being extremely optimistic.

2k7gtcs

Chevy and Diesel engines have such a long and glorious history though

Rather B.Blown

Same thing I was thinking. They singlehandedly ruined the reputation of diesel cars for an entire generation of people, maybe more considering the kids of those people grew up hearing about how horrible diesel cars are. They are directly responsible for America not getting a lot of great diesels because the market for them was so weak.

Zastava_101

Its not really Chevy's engine - it's Opel's. And they happen to have some of the best diesel engines in Europe.

tukatz

Reminds me of the Cadillac diesel of some years ago; the one with the ad that had small print that said engine by another GM division. They did not go on to say GMC Trucks. They may have a good product this time, but history is not going to help them. Neither is the fact that diesel here is some 60 cents a gallon more than regular gas. I know that there are a lot of fine diesel cars in Europe, but I'm afraid it will be an uphill battle here for some time to come.

southcarolina12

diesel here is about $1 more per gallon but that doesnt stop people from drive diesel trucks. a lot of people around here drive diesel trucks for the power and acceleration they have even if they dont tow with it. here you see diesel trucks everywhere u look and even with over sized mud tires they get about 20mpg

Rather B.Blown

Doesn't matter, its all about perception. Hell, telling Americans "don't worry, its an Opel engine" would be even worse with the memories Americans have about the Opels that were sold here. After it broke down every two weeks, you could actually watch it rust right before your eyes while waiting for parts to come in through the Buick dealership.

Zastava_101

Volkswagen has no problem selling 100,000+ diesels per year; I think Chevy can sell 30,000.

Zastava_101

The beautiful thing about diesels is that you can push them over the limit and you will still get great gas mileage.
I see that a lot of people are complaining on online forums how you can get the Cruze Eco with identical 42 mpg for much less.

Well ... not exactly. Cruze Eco will get 42 mpg if you're cruising on the highway at 55 mph in the 6th gear. Try shifting gears at 2,800 RPM instead of 2,000 RPM to get some of that turbo power and you'll be happy to get into low 30s mpg.

I happen to own a diesel. With normal daily driving I'm averaging about 45 mpg city and about the same on the highway.

Last summer, my wife and I and my aunt and her two kids went from Serbia to Croatia on a vacation. So 5 people in the car, a/c was on, trunk was pull of heavy stuff and I was driving ~170 km/h (about 105 mph) the entire time - I still averaged about 35 mpg. And my Golf has only 5 speed manual, so at those speeds, RPMs were over 3,500. With modern transmissions fuel economy would be much better.

Now try to do the same thing with a car with a petrol engine ... you're not even gonna get into 20s mpg, no matter how small the engine is. My Honda Fit wouldn't get more than 20 mpg under those conditions and it's only a 1.5L engine.

tukatz

I know things have changed both in diesel fuel and in diesel engines and that they are cleaner and quieter now than they used to be. However, I am reminded of an episode of Car Talk where some guy called in with a question about his diesel Suburban. Click or Clack, I can't remember which asked, "Which to you like best, the noise or the smell?"

Zastava_101

Well, there is a big difference between a 6.6L diesel, which was built to tow stuff and a 2.0L diesel, which was build for fuel economy.

And really, when it comes to smaller diesel engines, I don't think they smell at all. Sure, they are little louder than petrol engine, but not my much.