Chevrolet Cruze Diesel: Where’s The Value Proposition?

In a few hours, we'll have live shots of the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel (what a mouthful), but in the mean time, here's a preview of the long awaited oil-burning Chevy. The heart of the diesel Cruze is a 2.0L 148 horsepower engine that puts out 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is expected to ape the Cruze Eco, at 42 mpg highway, though the diesel Cruze costs $25,685 – $1,845 more than a TDI Jetta and $4,000 more than a base Cruze Eco with an automatic transmission. While the diesel is available in the higher-spec 2LT trim level, it's hard to justify another $4,000 just to get things like disc brakes and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Apparently, Chevrolet isn't targeting Cruze buyers, but buyers of Volkswagen TDI cars. But Chevrolet is only offering an automatic gearbox, and TDI drivers are one of the few demographics that tend to buy manuals in any significant numbers. Furthermore, how many Veedub diehards will give up their beloved brand and its Euro-snob appeal for a Bowtie-brand Cruze? GM will launch the Cruze diesel in select markets first, similar to the Volt, with sales occurring first in markets that are considered to be more diesel friendly. from The Truth About Cars http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com

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