2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel: Six-Month Review and Report – The Diesel Driver – The Joy of Diesel Driving

DESIGNING THE CRUZE DIESEL

Chevrolet told us that it had had four goals in mind when designing the Cruze Diesel. These included excellent fuel economy; emissions capable of meeting EU6 requirements; improved diagnostics; and wide environmental support.

With its industry-leading 46 mpg (511 l/100 km), it’s clear that Chevy did its homework and got an A. Given the range of climates in the U.S., we found the effort the automaker put into environmental issues compelling. The car can handle Death Valley’s temperatures during the day, Minnesota’s -40˚ C temperatures at night, plus altitudes of 14,000 feet (4,267 meters).

The Cruze Diesel is also B20 capable (B20 is a mixture composed of 20% biodiesel and 80% of diesel fuel), which gives it an advantage in areas of the U.S. where B20 is more prevalent.

DRIVING THE 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE DIESEL

While Chevrolet is not a luxury car maker, the soundproofing inside the cabin is indeed worthy of note. Almost all of our passengers have been surprised to learn they were inside a diesel, that’s how quiet it is.

The Cruze can go up to 700 miles (1,126 kilometers) without having to stop for a refill, more than enough time to learn Spanish during a road trip (sorry Volkswagen). The Opel-built 2.0-liter engine develops 151 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque. The driver gets 250 pound-feet around 1750 rpm and an overboost to 280 pound-feet is available for ten seconds by stomping on the accelerator.

While it isn’t a race car, it’s no laggard either. The car can go from zero to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.6 seconds, a tad faster than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI that Chevy has in its sights.

The Cruze gets 46 mpg (5.1 l/100 km) on the Autobahn, excuse me, highway, and we’ve seen that figure on longer drives, including during a 50-mile (80-kilometer) stretch last month.

The Cruze’s 46 mpg means it has the best fuel economy of any non-hybrid sold in the United States including diesels and, especially for a newcomer, that’s a solid accomplishment.

More importantly, while I wouldn’t call the Cruze entertaining behind the wheel, it’s responsive enough to dispel the reputation that most American cars carry around as baggage.

Steering is confident and there’s a small amount of road feel transmitted to the driver. For the diesel, Chevy also dialed in a heavier steering feel into the electric power steering system, which makes it feel somewhat more Teutonic.

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