‘Detroit’ Calls 2017 Cruze an ‘Almost Magical’ Package
Chevy’s new Cruze Diesel offers just about everything you could want in a car in one tidy package, says an appreciative Detroit Free Press.
Compared to the fanfare bestowed upon EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt, hype surrounding the 2017 Cruze Diesel constitutes barely a whimper. But that lack of attention doesn’t diminish the excellent package that this little oil burner represents. And a recent glowing review by the Detroit Free Press proves that the Cruze Diesel might just be all the car you want and need.
When you take the already highly-rated Cruze and add a more fuel efficient powerplant, things are bound to improve. But with gas powered cars quickly closing the efficiency gap, it’s fair to question if diesels are still relevant. Or how long they will be. But for now, the diesel powered Cruze offers something its gas powered brethren can’t. And that’s hybrid-like gas mileage at a bargain basement price.
And as DFP points out, the Cruze’s 52 highway mpgs don’t come at the expense of fun, either. The 1.6 liter powerplant offers up only 137 hp, but an excellent 240 lb-ft of torque at only 2,000 rpm. Combined with Chevy’s 9-speed automatic transmission, that makes for an entertaining drive. But there are a couple of problems.
Combine the 2017 Cruze’s 1.6 liter engine with a roomy and comfortable interior and excellent balance and handling, and you’ve got what DFP considers ‘a fine package.’
Current diesel fuel costs mean that you’ll spend roughly the same in annual fuel costs as you would with the 1.4 liter gas Cruze. And diesel engines are more expensive than gasoline ones, meaning that Chevy deleted a couple of features like blind spot and lane departure warnings in the interest of closing that gap. But that also makes it very competitive with other cars in its class. Cars that can’t touch it in regards to efficiency.
Plus, Chevy’s 1.6 liter doesn’t suffer from excessive noise like most diesels. In combination with the 9-speed auto, it simply provides a broad and usable torque range. Combine that with a roomy and comfortable interior and excellent balance and handling, and you’ve got what DFP considers “a fine package.” One, in fact, that’s only a couple of deleted options away from being “magical.” Perhaps diesels aren’t dead after all.
