Volkwagen’s vehicle scandal has put diesel under heavy scrutiny. Many manufacturers are likely questioning their own diesel line-ups due to a potential drop in interest from scorned consumers.
Chevrolet, however, is doing the exact opposite with its newly redesigned 2016 Chevy Cruze in Miami. The brand’s best-selling compact car has been utilizing “clean diesel” technology since the 2014 model year, when it first introduced a turbo diesel option. It was the the first GM sedan in 28 years to feature a diesel engine.
While not a high-volume seller, the Cruze Turbo Diesel is extremely efficiency when compared to its gasoline-powered counterparts.
Given this information, it might seem more advantageous for Chevrolet to temporarily abandon their turbo diesel efforts with the Cruze and focus on their high-volume sellers. But given the fact that automakers must reach a 54.5 mpg average amongst vehicles by 2025, innovation can’t wait.