The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel: An Insight into Efficiency and Value
The Chevrolet Cruze has always been celebrated for its blend of compact efficiency and large sedan amenities, particularly evident in the 2014 model which, for the first time, treads into turbo-diesel territory. The latest rendition of the globally successful Cruze model line is more than a mere upgrade; it's an innovatively reengineered vehicle that prioritizes fuel efficiency and value, as one might expect from Chevrolet, a brand known for its technological ingenuity.
The Arrival of Diesel Power
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel breaks new ground for the model, introducing a clean, 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, an addition that propels this compact sedan to extraordinary fuel efficiency heights. The EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway outperforms any non-hybrid or gasoline passenger car on American roads at the time. Its range extends to an impressive 717 miles on a single tank, making it a reliable companion for long journeys.
Value and Performance
Contrary to popular belief, the Cruze Turbo Diesel doesn't sacrifice performance for efficiency. Armed with an SAE-certified 151 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, it gives a remarkable 0-60 mph acceleration time of roughly 8.6 seconds. The advanced turbo-diesel engine has an overboost feature, lending a temporary boost in torque for short bursts of stronger acceleration when necessary.
Compact Luxury and Quality
The exterior and interior design elements of the 2014 Cruze continue Chevrolet's tradition of combining aesthetic appeal with functional convenience. The car's two-tier grille and arched roofline reveal a sporty, coupe-like silhouette, while the upscale interior features high-quality materials and exceptional assembly precision. The thoughtful design elements and the use of soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels convey a level of quality not often found in the compact segment.
Variants and Features
Despite its compact classification, the 2014 Cruze is far from sparing when it comes to features and equipment. Beyond the diesel version, the Cruze offers a variety of models including LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ, and Eco, each offering a different combination of features and equipment. From premium cloth seats in the LS to the leather-appointed seats in the Diesel model, the offerings are as diverse as they are impressive.
Driving Dynamics
Underpinning the Cruze is a meticulously tuned chassis and suspension system, contributing to the car's balance between comfort and control. An advanced Z-link design in the rear suspension on certain models enhances the driving experience, allowing the rear wheels to better follow the lead of the front wheels, providing a more stable and comfortable ride.
Cruze 2.0L Clean Turbo-Diesel Engine
At the heart of the 2014 Cruze Turbo Diesel is the newly designed 2.0L turbo-diesel engine, which produces a robust 151 horsepower and a peak torque of 264 lb.-ft., offering a unique combination of performance and efficiency. The engine was developed in collaboration with Italian and German engineering teams, who painstakingly adapted it to meet stringent North American emission standards and a variety of driving conditions.
Safety and Crash-Avoidance Features
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze sets a high standard for safety in its class, exemplifying Chevrolet's commitment to safeguard passengers before, during, and after a collision. The underlying strength comes from a unitized body structure that utilizes high-strength steel (HSS) in key areas to enhance overall strength and crash protection. This prevents intrusion into the passenger compartment during a collision. The underbody main rails extend from the front to the rear of the structure, bolstering the body's strength and rigidity. A cross-structure beam behind the instrument panel provides additional support in the event of a side-impact crash.
The Enhanced Safety Package available for the Cruze offers crash-avoidance technologies like rear park assist, side blind zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert. Furthermore, the Cruze led its segment by providing 10 standard airbags. These include frontal driver and passenger airbags, roof rail-mounted head curtain side airbags for the front and outboard rear seating positions; seat-mounted side-impact airbags (front and rear); and front knee airbags.
Other vital safety features include:
- A front passenger seat occupant sensing system and a rollover sensing and protection system.
- A collapsible pedal assembly to mitigate lower-extremity injuries.
- Three-point safety belts in all five seating positions, safety belt retractor pretensioners, and lap pretensioners in the driver and front-passenger positions, and safety belt load limiters (with pretensioners) in the front safety belt retractors.
- A LATCH child seat latching system in the rear seat.
- A tire pressure monitoring system, daytime running lamps, and automatic headlamps.
OnStar Details
The 2014 Cruze comes standard with six months of OnStar Directions and Connections service. Recognized globally as a leading provider of connected safety, security, mobility solutions, and advanced information technology, OnStar offers an array of useful features. The RemoteLink Mobile App, for instance, allows smartphone users to control vehicle functions, access vehicle information, and send directions directly to the vehicle. The FamilyLink service, available upon opting-in, enables subscribers to stay connected with their loved ones by checking the location of their vehicle online or receiving vehicle location alerts.
In conclusion, the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel stands as a testament to Chevrolet's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and safety. With its compact convenience, large sedan comforts, remarkable fuel efficiency, and high safety standards, it holds its ground in a competitive market.
