Chevrolet Cruze Named Diesel Car of the Year

NEW YORK--April 16, 2014: Diesel enthusiasts around the world have determined the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is the top diesel car of the year and Chevrolet is the top diesel manufacturer of 2014.

“The Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, with a market-leading 46 mpg highway (5.11 L/ 100 km) is clearly setting the pace for diesel-powered cars in the United States,” said Jonathan Spira, editorial director of The Diesel Driver. “The message from our readers is clear. Diesels are back and Chevrolet is in the forefront.”

The Cruze finished with 59.3 percent of the 11,030 votes cast. Competitors included the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7; BMW 328, 535 and X5; Jeep Grand Cherokee; Mercedes-Benz E250, GLK250, ML350 and GL350; Porsche Cayenne; and Volkswagen Beetle and Beetle Convertible, Golf, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Passat and Touareg.

“The Cruze Diesel is really showing the world what diesel can do,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet senior marketing manager. “It combines fuel efficiency and performance into a fun-to-drive vehicle that really offers compact car drivers an option that speaks to their lifestyle and personality.”

Chevrolet received 45 percent of the 11,161 votes cast for top diesel manufacturer. The ballot included Audi, BMW, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen.

For the 2014 model year, Chevrolet built on Cruze’s value with an all-new, 2.0L clean turbo-diesel-powered model that achieves an EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway – better than any non-hybrid or gasoline passenger car in America. The Cruze Diesel can travel 717 miles on a single tank – or about 10 hours of highway driving.

Chevrolet recently revealed the 2015 Cruze, which will debut at the New York International Auto Show with revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity – including new Text Message Alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with available Wi-Fi hotspot. All of this, including a diesel powertrain option, will be available as the vehicle retains the leading fuel economy drivers except.

The Cruze Diesel features a globally designed powertrain. Engineers at GM’s diesel center of excellence in Torino, Italy worked daily with their counterparts in Pontiac, Mich., to develop a world-class engine that delivers outstanding fuel efficiency and torque while providing a smooth, quiet ride. In addition, GM engineers in Russelsheim, Germany, are supporting the program by developing the accessory drive, acoustic cover and other specialized components.

The engine is built in Kaiserslautern, Germany and the vehicle is assembled in Lordstown, Ohio.

Earlier this year the Cruze 2.0L diesel engine was recognized by Wards Auto as one of the 2014 Ward’s 10 Best Engines.