CHICAGO AUTO SHOW: Chevrolet Debuts The Cruze Diesel BUT Is $25.7K TOO Much To Charge?

Well, well, well. It looks like Chevrolet will be chasing Volkswagen after the launch of its Cruze Turbo Diesel at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Or, could it be the other way around?

With the Cruze 2.0 TD, you get 148 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque that allegedly achieves 42 mpg on the highway. This bests the Volkswagen Jetta TDI marginally but you know what they say, "A 'W' is a 'W'." But with all of this good comes the bad.

The Cruze 2.0 TD starts at a base price of $25,695. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI starts at a base price of $23,055.

While I do think the standard Cruze's I've driven — I also rented one, recently — are good cars, I think this pricing differential will make it a tough sell. One catch though: I will say that the new, decontented Jettas with their — frankly — cheap interiors will make buyers at least give the Cruze a look if they geniuinely care about giving both cars a fair evaluation.

So, how long do you think it will take one of these automakers to start doing side-by-side test drives?


General Motors' press release follows:

CHICAGO – Chevrolet is entering the U.S. and Canadian diesel car markets this summer with a 2.0L turbo-diesel version of its hottest-selling sedan, the Cruze, featuring the cleanest diesel passenger car engine General Motors has ever produced.

Clean diesels generate at least 90 percent less Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) and particulate emissions when compared to previous-generation diesels.

Built in Lordstown, Ohio, the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel delivers a combination of segment-leading features and efficiency. Based on GM testing, the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel has demonstrated estimated best-in-segment range and 42 mpg on the highway with spirited performance and the durability diesel owners value around the globe.

“Chevrolet has a diverse portfolio of products and technologies to meet the needs of the most discerning customer, whether it’s driving across town gas free in a Spark EV or cross-country  in a clean turbo diesel,” said Chris Perry, Chevrolet vice president of marketing.

The compact sedan’s new 2.0L turbo-diesel engine produces segment-leading estimated 148 horsepower (110 kW) and estimated 258 lb-ft torque (350 Nm) with 0-60 performance of 8.6 seconds, which is better than the Volkswagen Jetta TDI automatic and competitive with German diesel cars that dominate the U.S. market.

Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel’s emissions will be below stringent U.S. environmental standards including Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel fills an important role in Chevrolet’s diverse four-cylinder lineup, and is primed to win over diesel devotees and compact car buyers with its performance, torque and fuel economy,” said Perry. “We leveraged engineering expertise from around the globe to develop a world-class, low-emissions engine to give U.S. and Canadian customers a car that’s both fun to drive and practical at the pump.”

With a starting price at $25,695, including a $810 destination charge (excludes tax, title, license, and dealer fees) Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, 3.20 final drive ratio, 140-amp alternator, 800 cold-cranking amps battery, 17-inch alloy wheels, ultra-low-rolling resistance all-season tires, rear spoiler, Aero Performance Package and leather-appointed seating.

Other standard features include Chevrolet’s infotainment system MyLink, a two-year maintenance plan, and a five-year 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

“Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is the most sophisticated passenger car diesel engine GM has ever produced,” said Jens Wartha, GM global program manager and chief engineer for the Cruze’s diesel engine. “We merged European diesel expertise with the real world driving preferences of North American consumers.”

**Special thanks to Nissan for providing accommodations and transportation for the 2013 Chicago Auto Show