The lads over at Consumer Reports have just taken delivery of their Chevrolet Cruze diesel and while this may not seem like a big deal, it is.
That's because for the first time in the States, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI has a proper competitor. Just think: who else makes an entry-level diesel? Essentially if you want to save at the pump your choices are between a slew of hybrids and the Jetta TDI.
Of course diesel vehicles are at a disadvantage as they tend to cost a couple thousand more over their gasoline-powered counterparts, the price of fuel is more expensive AND automakers producing hybrids have become more competitive in their pricing strategy — it's not uncommon to see hybrids selling at the same MSRP as the gasoline bredrin.
CR has not given the vehicle a proper shakedown just yet but we're looking forward to seeing how it compares with Germany's best.
Another interesting question: will Cruze diesels become the new fleet vehicle of choice?
General Motors offers this 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine overseas, making its appearance stateside in the Ohio-built Chevrolet Cruze seem like a natural strategy. To enhance fuel efficiency, the automaker has used aerodynamic tricks from the gasoline-powered Cruze Eco model, such as active grille shutters, front air dam, and rear spoiler from. Based on our initial drives, we'd also bet that some sound-stifling lessons were applied from the library-quiet platform-mate Buick Verano.
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