It has been decades since we've seen a GM car with a diesel under the hood, at least in the North American market where such engines were once found in large Chevrolet, Pontiac and Buick sedans. Beginning this summer, GM will roll out the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel,
a five passenger, front-wheel-drive compact car priced from $25,695. Cruze is Chevrolet's compact car, one of the best selling vehicles offered by the bow-tie brand.
New Engine
The Cruze Diesel has been long anticipated, a model that GM hopes will spark renewed interest in such technologies. Its engine emits 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide and particulate emissions than the previous generation engine, and it is worlds apart from the diesel engines that dominated the Chevrolet line in the 1980s. Those engines were noisy and smelly, and unable to hold up under presure.
The Chevrolet sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that makes 148 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. It has been clocked as going from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, good performance for this type of engine. GM says that it will be rated at 42 mpg on the highway, for best in class fuel economy. The number also matches the Chevrolet Cruze ECO, a special edition model powered by a gasoline engine.
Warranty Plan
Standard with the Cruze Diesel is a six-speed automatic transmission. This vehicle is equipped with a 140-amp alternator, a high output battery, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, all-season tires, alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and an aero performance package. All diesel editions are outfitted with leather seating. Each vehicle comes with a two-year maintenance plan and a five-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Since being launched less than three years ago, GM counts sales of 2 million Chevrolet Cruzes worldwide. The company has also sold more than 500,000 small diesel engines in its major markets, with 40 percent of Cruze European sales including diesel models. GM also sells similar models to Cruze under its Opel and Vauxhall brands. The Holden Cruze is a like model that is sold in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific rim.
Volkswagen Competition
At present, the German manufacturers own the diesel market with cars from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen dominating the segment. GM, however, believes that the Cruze Diesel will be a worthy competitor, especially as it goes up against the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic. Chevrolet has priced the Cruze Diesel about $1,500 more than the comparable Volkswagen Jetta TDI, but has added amenities not found in VW too. For small car shoppers, the Cruze Diesel offers a new choice, one that can advance extended driving range through reduced fuel consumption.
Matt Keegan is a freelance automotive writer. He is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sport and affiliated websites, an aftermarket supplier of quality auto parts including MSD Ignition and Sparco Seats.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_Keegan
