Introduction
Chevrolet is giving compact vehicle buyers a new reason to consider buying a
Chevy Cruze. The new 2014 Chevy Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel debuted at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, equipped with more horsepower than, more torque than, more standard equipment than, and equal highway fuel economy to the
Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Note, however, that the existing Cruze Eco model also gets an EPA rating of 42 mpg on the highway and starts at $21,685 with an automatic transmission. That is $4,010 less than the new Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel's base price tag of $25,695.
Exterior Features
Chevrolet says that the new 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is equipped with a unique set of 17-inch aluminum wheels with ultra-low-rolling-resistance tires and has an Aero Performance package with a rear spoiler to help improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
Interior Features
Chevrolet does not define which existing trim level it uses as the basis for the new 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel model, but does confirm that the vehicle is equipped with standard leather seats and MyLink technology.
Under the Hood
A Germany-built, turbocharged, 2.0-liter clean diesel engine is installed in the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel model. It generates 148 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque and is matched with a 6-speed automatic transmission that drives the vehicle's front wheels. The powertrain is expected to return 42 mpg on the highway and to accelerate the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds, according to Chevy.
Like other Cruze models, the Clean Turbo Diesel version is equipped with a standard 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Chevy is also providing a free 2-year maintenance plan covering all scheduled service.
Safety
Chevrolet installs 10 standard air bags, traction and stability control system, 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes, and a reversing camera system in the 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel. A 6-month subscription to OnStar Directions & Connections service is also included and provides Automatic Crash Response service when the vehicle's air bags deploy, helping to rush assistance to the scene of an accident. An Enhanced Safety package is optional, adding rear park-assist sensors, rear cross-traffic alert system, and a side blind-zone alert system.
According to 2013 Cruze crash-test results, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Cruze a 5-star (out of 5 stars) overall rating for its ability to protect passengers in a collision, the highest possible. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the 2013 Chevy Cruze a "Top Safety Pick."
Technology
The 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel is equipped with standard MyLink technology. MyLink includes a 7-inch in-dash color touch screen and voice-recognition technology and pairs with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to provide access to mobile applications, music playlists, phone contacts, and more, all via wireless connection.
OnStar Automatic Crash Response activates when the Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel's air bags deploy. A live operator attempts to contact the vehicle's occupants to assess their condition. If there are injuries, or if nobody can respond to the operator, the operator can dispatch emergency rescue personnel to the Cruze's exact location.
The optional Enhanced Safety package contains a rear cross-traffic alert system, which can identify approaching traffic when the vehicle is reversing from a blind parking spot and provide the driver with a warning when there is oncoming traffic or an obstacle. It also includes a side blind-zone alert system, which is a blind-spot monitoring technology.
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