Today at the Chicago Auto Show, Chevrolet debuted their first diesel car for the U.S. Market in over two decades, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel. The car goes on sale this summer with a 2.0 liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine GM says can achieve 42 mpg highway.
Its new 2.0 liter turbo-diesel engine produces an estimated 148 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque which gives a 0-60 acceleration of 8.6 seconds. Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards, which means it will be available in 50 states.
Pricing is premium as expected. Chevrolet says the diesel Cruze will start at $25,695, including a $810 destination charge. Unlike Volkswagen who allows their diesels in more plainly equipped version, Chevrolet chose to make the Cruze diesel fully loaded.
The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission, no manual available. Standard are premium 17” alloy wheels with ultra-low-rolling resistance tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.
Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile power train warranty. Chevrolet will no doubt be touting the two-year maintenance program and 100,000 warranty as they may still feel he need to overcome their old diesel car past.
Any thought to the new Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel being a repeat of GM's past diesel car history should be put to bed. This diesel engine already been proven around the world for a good long time, but it has been developed in the modern era where reliability and refinement are the only way a product survives.
“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced,” said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze’s diesel engine. “We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers.”
To be built in their Lordstown, OH, plant, GM says the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel could well deliver best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway, though EPA testing has hot been certified at this time.
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