Clean diesel models are just starting to make their ways into the North American market, and to everyone's surprise, they do quite well. For example, in the first quarter of 2012, sales numbers were up 35 percent when compared to the same period of 2011 and things continue to improve.

From all diesel units sold in the USA last year, a total of 44 percent where the Jetta TDI, a pretty astounding result, considering this is about half of a market that offers about 25 clean diesel models, which experts say will double by 2017.

The first step into this direction was made at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show where Chevy->ke199 unveiled the new Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel - not a big surprise considering Cruze is Chevrolet's hottest-selling sedan.

The model will be put on sale at a starting price at $25,695, which is about $2,500 more than the Jetta TDI priced at $23,055.

UPDATE 6/12/2013: This review has been updated with the official drivetrain specifications. Surprisingly, they are significantly better than GM originally estimated.

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel.

2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 148
  • Torque: 258
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the exterior the new Cruze Diesel is basically identical to its gasoline-powered brother. It gets a two-tier grille with Chevy logo, prominent headlamps, a sculpted hood, as well as a short rear deck typically found on sports coupes.

Still, it received some features specific to the diesel model, including a unique dash mat, hood blanket and more. As standard features the model is offered with a rear spoiler and an Aero Performance Package. To further distinguish it, Chevy placed a 2.0 TDI logo right next to the Cruze badge at the rear.

Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm)

105.7 / 2685

Overall length (in / mm)

181 / 4597

Overall width (in / mm)

70.7 / 1796

Overall height (in / mm)

58.1 / 1476

Leg room (in / mm)

front: 42.28 / 1074 ; rear: 35.35 / 898

Curb weight (lb / kg)

3475 (1576.4)


Interior

On the inside, the new Cruze diesel will once again offer the same features as the gasoline-powered version. There is a Corvette-inspired twin-cockpit motif, high-quality materials and leather-appointed seating.

Drivetrain

Under the Cruze Diesel’s hood, you will find a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine that delivers an impressive 151 horsepower and a peak torque of 258 pound-feet (280 pound-feet with 10-second overboost) achieved between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm. The engine will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and, according to the initial details, it will deliver an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 46 mpg on the highway.

This power and torque translates out to a rather stout-for-a-compact-diesel 8.6-second burst to 60 mph - 0.5 seconds faster than the Jetta 2.0 TDI.

Highlights of the new turbo-diesel engine:

-Dual overhead camshafts with four valves per cylinder and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters with low-friction roller-finger followers

-Quiet belt-driven cams/valve train with high-strength belt material and tensioner rated for 100,000 miles

-High-strength aluminum pistons with reinforced top ring and integral combustion bowl design

-Central direct injection, with the injector positioned in the middle of the cylinder, with the bowl in the piston serving as the combustion chamber

-16.5:1 compression ratio that enhances power and combustion efficiency

-Variable-swirl intake manifold design, which optimizes air charge mixture motion in the cylinders for a more-efficient combustion that enhances performance and reduces emissions

-Common-rail fuel system with Piezo fuel injectors that create multiple injections per combustion for greater performance, combustion efficiency and quietness

-Variable-nozzle turbocharger that broadens the engine’s torque curve, particularly at low rpm, and supports greater high-rpm horsepower

-Intercooling system produces a cooler, denser air charge for greater power

-Piston oil jets that help reduce friction and optimize piston temperature for greater performance and efficiency

-Turbocharger bearings are oil-lubricated and cooled via oil cooler

-Variable-displacement oil pump helps save fuel by optimizing the oil pressure, which reduces friction

-Vacuum pump designed for lower engine friction

-Ceramic glow plugs, which provide greater cold-start performance over conventional metal glow plugs (an engine oil heater is offered for cold climates)

-B20 bio-diesel compatibility.

Driveline Specifications

Type

Turbo Diesel

Displacement (cu in / cc)

2.0L (119 / 1956)

Fuel delivery

direct injection

Horsepower (horsepower / kW @ rpm)

151 / 110 @ 4000

Torque (foot-pounds / Nm @ rpm)

264 (280 w/ Overboost) / 350 @ 1750 - 2000

Recommended fuel

diesel

Transmission

six-speed automatic

Fuel Economy (EPA estimate)

27 city / 46 hwy


Suspensions and brakes

The new Cruze Diesel will be offered with front MacPherson struts combined with an advanced Watts Z-link design for the rear. This combination ensures symmetrical handling responses on both left-hand and right-hand turns.

The model will sit on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels combined with four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

Suspension (Front)

MacPherson strut

Suspension (Rear)

Z-Link

Steering type

Power, electric, rack-mounted

Turning circle (Feet / m)

35.7

Brakes

four-wheel anti-lock disc

Wheel size and type

17-inch alloy


Prices

Prices for the new Cruze Diesel will start at $25,695, including an $810 destination charge.

Competition

Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Currently, the best-selling diesel model in the U.S. market, the Jetta TDI is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,750 rpm - about 8 horsepower less than the new Cruze.

When it comes to fuel consumption, both models are pretty much identical as the Jetta TDI delivers 30 mpg on the city and 42 on the highway.

Jetta TDI is a car we have loved ever since we first laid eyes on it. It delivers German quality, looks pretty cool for a model priced under $25k and its fuel economy is also very high. However, the new Cruze Diesel seems to deliver exactly the same, so will it manage to overtake the Volkswagen model? We'll just have to wait and see.

While the Jetta TDI has been declared as the official competitor for the new Cruze Diesel, it is far from the only diesel sedan out there. Audi, for example, announced a total of three TDI sedans for the U.S. market: A6, A7, A8. Unfortunately, none of them are suitable for a comparison against the new Cruze.

Conclusion

Volkswagen Jetta TDI currently dominates the American diesel market, but, judging by the number of the new Cruze Diesel we are pretty sure things are going to change really quickly.