2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD
Here come the Americans. Wait, that’s not quite right since they’re not exactly new to the diesel game. Chevrolet has been manufacturing diesel-powered pickups for a while now. And in Europe, Chevrolet (over the years with Vauxhall and Opel) is no stranger to diesel cars either, however, to us North Americans the idea of a diesel-powered is a bad one as past attempts failed miserably and left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths. This time around, things are very different.
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD is, essentially, a normal Cruze equipped with everything the standard gas-powered unit features. Where the change happened was, of course, under the hood. Outfitted with a turbocharged 2.0L engine, the Cruze pushes out 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission handles the power, and quite well.
Let’s take a moment to return to that refinement issue: While Volkswagen’s clearly got it in the bag; Chevy has a bit more work to do. It’s not that the Cruze is horribly built or falling apart, just that it’s not quite up there yet with it comes to that certain level of German sophistication.
There’s no door “thunk,” the dash materials feel and look a little cheap, and the seats are flat and uncomfortable -- especially on long drives as we discovered. The onboard MyLink system is easy to use, and adds to the modernity of the cabin.
From the outside, the subtle differences in the Cruze diesel’s front fascia and wheels, along with the 2.0TD badge in the back, are the only things that set it apart from the standard Cruze model. We commend Chevrolet for taking the understated approach with the Cruze 2.0TD, and quite like the aggressive, masculine look of the headlights and front grille.
And then there’s the engine… So loud! Like a Heavy Duty pickup roaring to life, the Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD does not hide the fact that it houses a diesel engine inside. Clanking away, the engine is what every potential diesel buyer is weary of: downright loud. And that loudness continues on the highway, but not in an obnoxious way. It’s clear you’re driving something different, but it’s not unbearable.
What shocked us was the Chevy’s performance. While the Golf was peppy, there’s no doubt, the Cruze felt positively sporty. Lively off the line, and in passing manoeuvres thanks to some overboost, quick with gear changes and throttle response, the Cruze 2.0TD received top marks and accolades for its driving experience and pleasure. Nimble steering and a responsive right pedal ensured fun was had (while fuel was saved).
At the halfway point of our day-long drive, the Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD was at the 5.4L/100km mark in terms of fuel economy.
Shocked? We were. And while 0.1L/100km seems negligible, it played a huge role in the final number crunching, and the final fuel economy results we wielded at the end of 375 kms of driving open highways and country lanes.
Here come the Americans. Wait, that’s not quite right since they’re not exactly new to the diesel game. Chevrolet has been manufacturing diesel-powered pickups for a while now. And in Europe, Chevrolet (over the years with Vauxhall and Opel) is no stranger to diesel cars either, however, to us North Americans the idea of a diesel-powered is a bad one as past attempts failed miserably and left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths. This time around, things are very different.
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD is, essentially, a normal Cruze equipped with everything the standard gas-powered unit features. Where the change happened was, of course, under the hood. Outfitted with a turbocharged 2.0L engine, the Cruze pushes out 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission handles the power, and quite well.
 |
| Like a Heavy Duty pickup roaring to life, the Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD does not hide the fact that it houses a diesel engine inside. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |
Let’s take a moment to return to that refinement issue: While Volkswagen’s clearly got it in the bag; Chevy has a bit more work to do. It’s not that the Cruze is horribly built or falling apart, just that it’s not quite up there yet with it comes to that certain level of German sophistication.
There’s no door “thunk,” the dash materials feel and look a little cheap, and the seats are flat and uncomfortable -- especially on long drives as we discovered. The onboard MyLink system is easy to use, and adds to the modernity of the cabin.
From the outside, the subtle differences in the Cruze diesel’s front fascia and wheels, along with the 2.0TD badge in the back, are the only things that set it apart from the standard Cruze model. We commend Chevrolet for taking the understated approach with the Cruze 2.0TD, and quite like the aggressive, masculine look of the headlights and front grille.
And then there’s the engine… So loud! Like a Heavy Duty pickup roaring to life, the Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD does not hide the fact that it houses a diesel engine inside. Clanking away, the engine is what every potential diesel buyer is weary of: downright loud. And that loudness continues on the highway, but not in an obnoxious way. It’s clear you’re driving something different, but it’s not unbearable.
What shocked us was the Chevy’s performance. While the Golf was peppy, there’s no doubt, the Cruze felt positively sporty. Lively off the line, and in passing manoeuvres thanks to some overboost, quick with gear changes and throttle response, the Cruze 2.0TD received top marks and accolades for its driving experience and pleasure. Nimble steering and a responsive right pedal ensured fun was had (while fuel was saved).
At the halfway point of our day-long drive, the Chevrolet Cruze 2.0TD was at the 5.4L/100km mark in terms of fuel economy.
Shocked? We were. And while 0.1L/100km seems negligible, it played a huge role in the final number crunching, and the final fuel economy results we wielded at the end of 375 kms of driving open highways and country lanes.
 |
| We commend Chevrolet for taking the understated approach with the Cruze 2.0TD, and quite like the aggressive, masculine look of the headlights and front grille. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre) |