 |
| 2014cruze.com |
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.
For more on
the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, don’t miss our First Look article.