GM Confirms Chevrolet Cruze Diesel for the USA, Sales Start in 2013

We’d heard rumors that a diesel-powered version of the Chevrolet Cruze was being readied for the U.S., but now it’s official as General Motors announced today that the diesel variant will be added to the compact model’s North American lineup in calendar year 2013.

However, that’s about all we get from GM as the Detroit company stated that it will release further details on the car at a later date.

Currently, the most fuel efficient model in the Cruze range is the Eco model featuring a standard six-speed manual gearbox with an EPA-rated 42 mpg (equal to 5.6lt/100km) on the highway.

Chevrolet already offers the Cruze with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine in other regions including Europe and Australia.

The latest version of the 2.0-liter oil burner delivers 161HP (120kW / 163PS) at 3,800rpm and 360 Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,750 rpm.

It’s fuel economy on the combined European cycle (which can’t be directly compared to U.S. combined figures) is rated at 5.6 lt/100km [42mpg US] when equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and at 6.7lt/100km [35.1mpg US] with the optional six-speed automatic.

CHEVROLET CRUZE (USA / EUROPE / AUSTRALIA)

Cruze Hatchback

Following the Australian market launch of the locally made and subtly refreshed Cruze Series II Sedan in March, GM’s Holden division announced today that it has began testing the five-door hatchback version of the subcompact model to fine tune the car before its introduction later this year. Holden also released two new photos of the Cruze hatch, which was designed by the firm’s Port Melbourne design studio.

General Motors previewed the Cruze hatch as a thinly disguised concept car with Chevy’s bowtie logo in early 2010, while the production model made its world premiere at this year’s Geneva Salon. As with the sedan model, the only visible styling differences with Chevrolet’s version of the Cruze hatch concern the front grille and bumper designs.

Holden is still keeping mum on the technical details, but it’s safe to assume that the hatchback’s engine range will mirror that of the Cruze II sedan. One of the cars pictured in the official photographs is equipped with a diesel engine, probably the same 2.0-liter turbo diesel with 161HP and 360 Nm of peak torque offered in the update four-door Cruze.

Other engine choices are likely to include a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline unit and a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated gasoline unit, both delivering 138-horsepower. A hotted up model with the 'SS' moniker sporting Opel's 180HP 1.6-liter Turbo is also said to be in the cards for the future.

The new Holden Cruze hatch will be manufactured at GM’s Port Elizabeth plant in Adelaide, with the first examples expected to reach showrooms in the fourth quarter of the year.

PHOTO GALLERY