The US has had strange feeling with diesels. Most remember the smoky and clattery engine of the bygone years but a recent generation has been exposed to modern engines from Europe. Diesels engines have evolved over the decades thanks to Europe’s strong market that pushed manufacturers to refine them. Is the US ready for diesel? GM seems to think so.
Chicago Auto Show Unveils the Cruze Turbo Diesel 2.0 TD. The price of the 2014 Cruze diesel sedan starts at $25,695, including the destination charge of $810, and a two years maintenance plan. Chevrolet has just announced the turbo diesel version of its Cruze, the Cruze 2.0 TD today at the Chicago Auto Show. It’s a bold move for the Detroit manufacturer to counter the luxury European brands that have re-introduced diesels with success. GM feels it can convince a new generation of diesel drivers with this turbo diesel Cruze.
I had a quick talk with James Bell, Head Of Consumer Affairs for GM about the Cruze 2.0 TD who told me GM has put a lot of work into the 2 liter turbo diesel. The European engine used on Opel and Vauxhall cars has been reworked to meet the more stringent US market demand that will not tolerate the clattering associated with diesels. In an interesting turn, GM will use these improvements for its European market to further refine the sound and feel of diesels.
Technically Speaking. The Chevy 2.0 TD uses a 1998 cm3 diesel motor with a common-rail direct injection system delivering 120 KW, 163 hp at 3800 RPM. The torquey Diesel gives a 266 lb-ft as early as 1750 all the way up to 2750 RPM. The unofficial fuel numbers are 32 mpg in city driving, 56 mpg on highway for a combined of 44 mpg.
Modern Diesels Are Better. A newer generation used to European carmakers already understand modern diesels are cleaner, quieter with less emissions. Chevrolet feels the Cruze 2.0 TD will show this country that diesel is an option, much as alternative energy vehicles are now. The Cruze 2.0 TD will be introduced in key markets where diesel penetration has been strong, California, the Northeast and Texas. Later on, the Chevy Cruze 2.0 TD will be offered nationwide. There are slight visual differences between the TD and the regular versions.
James Bell, Head of Consumer Affairs at GM told me: “Chevrolet will show American consumers are in for a real positive surprise after having tried the European equivalent when they test drive a Chevy Cruze 2.0 TD.” The Cruze 2.0 TD will be competitively priced with the regular versions.
As fellow Torquenews writer Don Bain wrote; Clean or not diesel is coming to America, and my previous article there; Chicago Auto Show Unveiling the Chevy Cruze Diesel 2.0 TD, diesel is back. There are plenty of reasons to see how the Cruze 2.0 TD will convince many diesels are ready for the US.
