On-Location Rigorous Road Report: Chevy Cruze Diesel In Action

During the times right after the financial crisis, it seemed that many manufacturers including GM were not really pushing smaller cars. The Japanese and Koreans were heavily dominating the production, but then a pivotal event happened that made many want to create a stake in taking the small car game: gas prices were rising significantly. Here at West Chevrolet, we recognize the finer elements of competition from contenders such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. When the Cruze debuted in 2009, it arrived with a certain flair that consumers were very hungry for, and it became a 3-million unit selling hit.

The second-generation Cruze roared to life on roads nationwide two years ago, and possessed a 1.6-liter diesel four-cylinder model, equipped with a choice of nine-speed automatic, or six-speed manual transmission. It vigorously churns out 137-hp, with 240-lb-ft of torque. The torque factor is one of the reasons why many power-hungry drivers turn to diesel to begin with, and GM proudly stands behind the “clean” techniques used to manufacture and produce the Cruze. From tubing in the Smokies to renting a pedal boat from our friends at Adventure Outdoors, you're going to love driving in this modern and well-behaved diesel to your next Knoxville destination for outstanding summer fun.

Road testers that we were in touch with had used the six-speed manual on their planned jaunt, and this is the version that clocks in at around 52 mpg on the highway. The first thing noticed once you are behind the wheel is a sense of solid familiarity: switching from any variety of cars within the brand still gives the driver a sense of consistency and pleasant sameness. The first impression that the driver gains from the interior is that a bit of extra flash is very possible to achieve in the compact genre.

Getting the car out on the open road for a true regimen provided a lot of real-life insight on the car’s speed. Chevy itself claimed that the car’s 8 second 0 to 60 climb isn’t mind-blowing, but the high mileage factor on the highway really won us over. The steering was designed with smoothness in mind, and the trunk space is enough for a large family weekend outing, or full-fledged grocery haul. As you are embarking on whatever journey is on your itinerary, you know that you will be basking in audio from a prime supplier: the Infotainment system in the Cruze is second only to the system in the Audi car line.

If you seriously dig diesel but don't want a bug, this is the only option you've got for a smaller car, but that is honestly great news! Chevy uses a bit different emissions technology than VW, and among the different requirements is a urea-tank replenishment every 1,000 miles. What you are really getting here is a larger car that has been shrunk down to a smaller package, and a car that can provide 600 miles to a tank for you. Come to the lot during the deliciously hot Knoxvillle summer this year, and check out the diesel point of entry's awesome offering from GM: The robust and feature-filled Cruze.