By Nat Shirley
Thursday, Feb 7th, 2013 @ 10:10 am
 
After a lengthy reign as the only oil-burning compact in the United States, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI is finally getting some competition: Chevrolet has arrived in Chicago with the long-anticipated Cruze Diesel, which promises up to 46 mpg on the highway.
 
Representing GM’s first U.S.-market diesel car since the 1986 Chevette, the Cruze Diesel uses a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder that produces 148 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. For quick bursts of acceleration, an overboost function can increase peak twist to 280 lb-ft for up to 10 seconds. In comparison, the Jetta TDI features 140 ponies and 236 lb-ft.
 
To help meet emissions standards, the Cruze Diesel uses a urea injection system with a 4.5-gallon tank that eats up roughly 2 cubic feet of cargo space. One tankful of urea will last about 10,000 miles before a refill is required.
 
With shifting duties handled by a six-speed automatic – unlike the VW, the Cruze Diesel doesn’t offer a manual transmission – the compact is capable of charging from zero-to-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. Fuel economy is estimated at 46 mpg on the open road, besting the 42 mpg Jetta TDI.
 
That figure also tops the mileage of the manual-equipped Cruze Eco, which undercuts the diesel’s $25,695 base price by $5,205.  The oil-burning Cruze does come equipped with a healthy amount of standard kit, however, including leather upholstery, 17-inch wheels, Chevy’s MyLink infotainment system and a two-year maintenance plan. An aero kit borrowed from the Eco helps give the diesel a clean look along with a lower coefficient of drag.
 
The Cruze Diesel will begin arriving on dealer lots this spring in select markets before going on sale nationwide later in 2013. 
 
  

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