The Chevy Cruze entered its second generation for the 2016 model year and came correct with a redesigned exterior that gives it a sportier look while maintaining the look of an everyday family sedan. Supported by an all-new architecture known as the D2 FWD, the new Cruze shed up to 250 pounds and gained an inch in the wheelbase department. The car itself is more aerodynamic, offers better fuel efficiency, and comes with extra space inside over the last-gen model. But, more important, was the new engine that displaces 1.4-liters and delivers 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. That was the only engine on the list for U.S. customers… until now. Chevy has finally announced the diesel-powered Chevy Cruze, and it packs a fair 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque with a 1.6-liter four-banger in tow.

Power output isn’t the reason we’re here today, though. The reason we’re here today is that diesel engine can deliver an EPA-estimated 52 mpg on the highway when paired with a six-speed manual transmission. But, it’s not all peaches and cream here, as in-city driving is rated at just 30 mpg, giving this Cruze diesel with the manual an EPA combined rating of 37 mpg. There’s also Chevy’s new nine-speed automatic that manages to pull 47 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg in the city, also leading to a combined rating of 37 mpg combined.

As far as comparisons go, it won’t beat out your everyday hybrid in combined rating or city rating, but that figure of 52 mpg on the highway is better than that of the Toyota Prius C at 43 mpg on the highway, and the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid, which achieves 48 mpg on the highway. The Prius Eco beats it out by just one mpg on the highway. Needless to say, this is a pretty big deal for Chevy customers who spend more time on the highway than anywhere else.

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Why it matters

American’s aren’t quite into diesel-powered cars like our European neighbors. We do have a strange fascination with diesel engines in trucks, but it pretty much stops there. The Cruze now being offered with a diesel powerplant is a pretty big step for Chevy, but given out tendencies to lean toward gasoline-powered units, only time will tell if Chevy will actually be successful with offering a diesel engine in the Cruze. Of course, if you’re a highway warrior and like to row your own, the Cruze diesel is a pretty strong proposition to some of the other hybrid and economy cars out there, so it could turn out to be a hit after all.

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Cruze here.