2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Could Get 50 MPG

Just in case you’re not tired of all the diesel news coming out this year, here’s one more oily tidbit: the upcoming diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze is rumored to net a 50 mpg rating by the EPA.

The report comes from Automotive News, which cornered GM product development chief Mark Reuss and Chevrolet Cruze Diesel engineer Mike Siegrist at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. When asked about the upcoming Cruze diesel’s EPA rating, Reuss answered simply, “I think it will start with a 5.” Similarly, Siegrist pointed out that the previous generations 44 mpg highway rating will be topped by the new model.

If this is true, it would be the first time since the early ’90s that GM has offered a car with an EPA-rated highway fuel economy of more than 50 mpg.

ALSO SEE: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Review

The upcoming diesel engine will be offered in both Cruze sedans and hatchbacks. It’s a 1.6-liter turbo diesel that will also be found in a few other upcoming GM products including the Chevrolet Equinox. The 1.6-liter engine will be paired to a nine-speed automatic, and a six-speed manual transmission is expected to show up in the Cruze as well. The all-new engine is expected to deliver 136 hp and 236 pound-feet of torque.

Further details on the Cruze diesel are scarce, but we know that the manual sedan version will come in at $24,670 and the automatic sedan will cost $26,270 in the U.S., which makes it more affordable than the outgoing model. Additional trim packages like the leather package will cost an additional $1,125, while combining the leather option with the Sun, Sound and Confidence package is an extra $3,680. We’ll find out full pricing and packaging details this spring.

[Source: Automotive News]