2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel: The Ace in the Hole

In the highly competitive compact car segment, GM has never been able to truly keep up with the Joneses. Keeping pace with the Japanese and Korean manufacturers that have dominated this class for years by offering vehicles that perfectly meet buyers’ needs is no easy task. GM’s models – the Cavalier/Sunfire and Cobalt/Pursuit tag teams – managed to generate good annual sales figures, but it was because of their generous financial incentives more than anything. Basically, they were known for their low price and nothing else.

Fortunately, the arrival of the Chevrolet Cruze in 2011 helped GM slowly turn the tide. The final product is a compact car that can compete in terms of style, quality and fun. With its numerous trim levels, the Cruze’s fate promises to be much more positive than that of the Cavalier and Cobalt, even though it has yet to manage to crack the top three bestselling compacts list. Nonetheless, it’s a step in the right direction.

• Also: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel: Building A New Legacy
• Also: Chevrolet Shows the 2015 Cruze in New York

On Volkswagen’s turf

This year, the Cruze has a secret weapon: the turbo diesel engine. This version is challenging Volkswagen, the only other manufacturer offering a diesel engine in this segment. Not only is this mill attracting even more attention to the Cruze, but it’s reaching a clientele that would not have considered buying a Chevrolet otherwise. There’s nothing better than entering a niche market to increase your popularity.

While Volkswagen is selling two TDI versions of its Jetta, GM has just one version of the Cruze. At a little less than $25,000, the two models have similar prices, but the Cruze boasts slightly more generous equipment. There’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood that develops 151 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 264 lbs.-ft. of torque. Fear not, this engine is based a European design and has proven its mettle in other vehicles.

It’s all about the torque

151 horsepower doesn’t look like much on paper, but don’t be fooled: as with all diesel engines, the torque is responsible for the more muscular accelerations and power that you feel. Torque effect is what diesel engine enthusiasts really appreciate. Although the engine runs out of steam at higher speeds or in high gear, it performs well in more common situations, like initial accelerations.

The Cruze’s diesel engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, which helps maximize power while promoting fuel economy. However, we noticed an occasional lag when shifting. As for performance, the Cruze Turbo Diesel goes from 0-100 km in a little more than 8.6 seconds. For those of you keeping score at home, that’s faster than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI equipped with its 140-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

What about fuel economy?

In buyers’ minds, diesel engines are synonymous with fuel economy. For the most part, that’s accurate, unless you frequently drive in town, where hybrid vehicles are a little better. The opposite is true on the highway at higher speeds, mainly because diesel engines operate at lower speeds. If you often take long trips, especially on highways, this engine will quickly save you money. During our week-long test drive, with a route that combined city and highway driving, we recorded a very respectable average fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100 km.

The passenger compartment is much more pleasant than it used to be. There are still a few hard plastics here and there, but greater attention has been paid to detail. It has a modern look and the central part of the dashboard, where you find most of the controls, is much less overloaded. Everything is simple and intuitive. The steering wheel has a comfortable feel and you quickly find a good driving position. Our test car knocked our socks off with its ample equipment and Mylink touch screen system, but several of these features are optional. This Cruze retails for nearly $30,000.

Great design

They did a great job designing it, too. With its charming, European-inspired lines, you won’t be embarrassed riding in the Cruze. It’s a tad more solemn than some of its sportier rivals, but its clients are happy, and that isn’t that what’s most important? The version with the diesel engine has very few differences to speak of besides the 17-inch rims and the green 2.0 TD emblem on the trunk, but the most discerning among you will surely notice a few additional elements that improve its aerodynamics, like the front grille shutters and the small rear spoiler.

Sure, Volkswagen maintains its lead thanks to its greater overall refinement, but the Cruze Diesel will surely manage to find its share of takers.