The Chevrolet Cruze is a distinctly average car – it can’t be called bad in any area, but nor does it really excel at anything… Also, with some of the petrol engines it comes with in Europe, particularly the 1.8-liter unit which I had a chance to drive, it should be called the “Thrash”, as it would be far more suitable.
However, now US buyers can buy a Cruze worthy of its name, one equipped with a modern two-liter diesel engine which, according to Consumer Reports, is an excellent highway companion, but less pleasant in town.
The oil burning unit puts out 148 hp and 258 lb-ft / 350 Nm of torque, placing it on par with other comparable diesels available Stateside. However, while the engine is praised for being great on fuel when kept at constant rpms on the highway, CR cannot recommend it for those who do most travelling in crowded cities – the front seats are comfortable, though, so that benefits all kinds of driving.
Still, with its competitive price, and decent attributes, the diesel option does genuinely make the Cruze a more desirable automobile, and it may even bring in buyers who otherwise would not have considered it an option, and would have bought a V-dub instead…
By Andrei Nedelea
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