When the Chevrolet Cruze was launched back in 2010, journalists and consumers were given their first look at what the new General Motors would be like. With the automaker fighting insolvency and needing US and Canadian government money just to survive, there were huge hopes riding on the new compact sedan with the global platform and lots of proving to do.
The Cruze didn’t disappoint and has been a popular choice with both critics and consumers since its debut, winning the Canadian Car of the Year Award in 2011 and selling more than 2 million vehicles since its launch.
Now 3 years after its initial launch and with the launch of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, General Motors has offered consumers a new version of the Cruze, which looks essentially the same on the outside, but is a completely different animal under the hood, a fact that makes it completely deserving of another EnviroDad Test Drive.
AT FIRST GLANCE
If you want to know what a Chevrolet Cruze Diesel looks like, you just have to look at any other Chevy Cruze out there. From an overall exterior and interior design perspective there is almost nothing, save for a few cosmetic elements that would distinguish one from the other. 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating are standard with the Cruze Diesel. Even the nameplate has to be closely looked at to notice the 2.0 TD signifying the car is a diesel. Personally I’m not sure why G.M. has chosen to employ such a minimalist branding approach for it’s easy to hear that it’s a diesel once it begins to run.
The Cruze Diesel, as with all the other versions of the Cruze presents an attractive design with good flowing lines. There are noticeable elements of its European design influence with the Cruze and right from the get-go, that’s never been a bad thing.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Driving any vehicle with a Diesel engine will present a couple of unique aspects to it that even driving neophytes can identify. The first and most noticeable one is the sound emanating from the engine. Diesel engines are louder than standard combustion engines, and the Cruze Diesel is certainly consistent in this regard. The characteristic knocking sound, which occurs due to the unique combustion process associated with the fuel, is more noticeable when the engine is cold, and it can indeed require some getting used to.
The second distinct difference that drivers will feel with a diesel is that diesel engine produces a significantly higher amount of torque at lower engine speeds. The high torque, low speed advantage of diesel engines is one reason why they are a popular choice for heavy duty trucks. Naturally aspirated diesel engines tend to lack power at the top end of their speed range which is why many diesel engines in vehicles are paired with a turbo charger, as it evens out the power across all speed ranges and also helps with fuel efficiency.
The Cruze Diesel, as with all Cruze models generally handles well with decent suspension and steering. This isn’t a performance car, so one shouldn’t expect performance handling, but it will handle day to day driving with little difficulty. Seating is comfortable and the ergonomics of the cabin interior work well with little difficulty for the driver.
ECO FACTOR
Where the Cruze Diesel is going to really garner attention when compared to it’s non Diesel siblings is in the area of fuel efficiency. Due to a number of contributing technical factors, diesel fuel is on average about 20 – 30% more efficient than standard gasoline.
The environmental argument against diesel in the past has related to the emissions and the releasing of sulphur and other particulate matter. However both diesel engines and diesel fuel has come a long way in a short time. Sulphur is now removed from diesel fuel at the refinery and technological advances to both engines and emission systems are now such that the current diesel engine in the Cruze Diesel is powered by the cleanest diesel passenger car engine produced by General Motors. The vehicle generates 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels.
With a published highway fuel rating of 4.2 L/100 KM, the Cruze Diesel is marketed as the most fuel efficient non-hybrid car on the market today. Some significant attention was given to a recent story where 2 auto journalists drove the Cruze Diesel across Canada, from Vancouver, BC to Halifax, Nova Scotia – a distance of more than 5,500 KM and achieved average fuel rating of 4.3 L/100 KM.
FAMILY FACTOR
The family suitability of the Cruze Diesel is limited only by the fact that it’s a compact sized car. While the back seat is big enough for adults, the legroom can really be compromised if a taller person is driving.
Cargo space in the trunk is set at 13.3 cubic feet, which is enough for a few bags of groceries or a set of golf clubs. It’s not overly spacious but it matches up well with any other vehicle in its class.
FOR THE TECHIES
Standard on all Cruze Diesels is Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink. The digital and voice activated interface is similar to other manufacturer’s offerings with the intention of simplifying access to various controls such as heating/cooling, audio system and Bluetooth communications. It’s generally functional with some practice, but I’ve yet to see a system of this type from any manufacturer that has been heads and tails above the rest.
SUMMARY
When the Chevrolet Cruze was first launched in 2010, I was among many who felt that it was a very good car, and an impressive beginning to the new General Motors of the future. With the addition of the Cruze Diesel, I feel that a very good car has gotten even better.
The knock (pardon the pun) against diesel engines here in North America is slowly being torn apart. Diesel engines today are far cleaner than they used to be and the significant fuel savings offered by diesels present consumers with a strong and viable option for those looking for a fuel efficient car but are not interested in hybrid or EV technology.
Europe and many other parts of the world have long embraced diesels, and with the launch of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, I can’t help but think that North Americans are being given a compelling reason to do the same.
BY THE NUMBERS (Out of 10):
LOOK/DESIGN: 8.5
DRIVE: 8.5
GREEN FACTOR: 9.5
FAMILY FACTOR: 7.0
TECHIE STUFF: 7.5
VALUE: 8.5
(MSRP AS TESTED – $24,945)
OVERALL: 8.5
Leave a Reply