Chevy Cruze gets 36mpg highway EPA cert

[MikeMike]

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze will be on sale within a matter of days, but the hype surrounding fuel economy figures for the compact sedan were only rough estimates until today. Three of the four models now have official EPA fuel economy ratings.

In its most basic form, the Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated I-4 engine, making 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A pair of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available, returning 26/36 mpg city/highway, and 22/35, respectively.

All higher-level models are powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. When paired to the six-speed automatic, the LT and LTZ models are capable of 24/36 mpg city/highway.

The Cruze has been available in many markets throughout the world for just over a year and GM is finally preparing to launch the stylish compact sedan Stateside this month.

The economical Eco trim is outfitted with fuel saving technologies including ultra-low rolling resistance tires and revised body panels that optimize air flow to decrease fuel consumption. Although not yet EPA certified, Chevy claims its most eco-friendly version will return 40 mpg on the highway. The Cruze Eco won't be available at launch, but is scheduled to go on sale before the end of the year.

To prepare dealers for the Cruze's launch, marching orders include purchasing Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic sedans to allow consumers to cross-shop on the lot. Is this a good strategy for Chevy, or will it steer customers away from the Cruze?

http://www.cruzefest.com/forums/showthread.php?29-2011-Cruze-MPG-certified-at-36MPG-by-EPA

the XFE will be rated at 40mpg highway

 

[mmntech]

I really hope Chevy has put a good effort into the Cruze because the Cobalt was a piece of junk.

 

[MikeMike]

I really hope Chevy has put a good effort into the Cruze because the Cobalt was a piece of junk.

everything i have heard, is that this car will be top of the class... the new Jetta is terrible

 

[mmntech]

everything i have heard, is that this car will be top of the class... the new Jetta is terrible

GM's made that promise before. Hopefully they've fixed the front suspension this time. I haven't driven a Cavalier/Cobalt/G5 yet that doesn't rattle over 80km/h. I think it's either the ball joints or wheel bearings that cause it.

 

[MikeMike]

GM's made that promise before. Hopefully they've fixed the front suspension this time. I haven't driven a Cavalier/Cobalt/G5 yet that doesn't rattle over 80km/h. I think it's either the ball joints or wheel bearings that cause it.

that isnt GM talking, its the media, and everyone in the media who has driven it and talked... (though not written)

 

[LTC8K6]

The Cruze is already well established for a couple years as a decent small car, just under another name.

 

[MikeMike]

The Cruze is already well established for a couple years as a decent small car, just under another name.

like http://www.chevrolet.co.uk/cars/cruze/ Cruze?

 

[LTC8K6]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Cruze#Daewoo_Lacetti_Premiere

 

[Tristicus]

I told my mother about it, and she will be looking at one when they come around. Probably schedule a test drive with the local dealer when they get some, and might end up trading in her TrailBlazer for one. Seems to be a solid car, and good MPG for a good price. Plus, 6-speed manual!

 

[MikeMike]

I told my mother about it, and she will be looking at one when they come around. Probably schedule a test drive with the local dealer when they get some, and might end up trading in her TrailBlazer for one. Seems to be a solid car, and good MPG for a good price. Plus, 6-speed manual!

still technically a first model year... and we all know what to do with those...

 

[PricklyPete]

that isnt GM talking, its the media, and everyone in the media who has driven it and talked... (though not written)

They've written....

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/31/2011-chevrolet-cruze-first-drive-review-road-test/#continued

 

[Tristicus]

still technically a first model year... and we all know what to do with those...

DGAF brah.

And, it has been out overseas for a while.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

2012 Focus >>>> Cruze (Most likely)

 

[BassBomb]

Is it wrong that I expected more mileage?

I can do 35MPG and my car is a large sedan

 

[PricklyPete]

Is it wrong that I expected more mileage?

I can do 35MPG and my car is a large sedan

Hyundai Sonata?

You're car is 3200lbs...the Cruze is 3100lbs...has a lot to do with it. The Cruze is not a small car. Significantly larger than previous small GM cars.

 

[CurseTheSky]

In its most basic form, the Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated I-4 engine, making 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A pair of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available, returning 26/36 mpg city/highway, and 22/35, respectively.

All higher-level models are powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. When paired to the six-speed automatic, the LT and LTZ models are capable of 24/36 mpg city/highway.


Wait, what? On the low level model you get a n/a 1.8L making 138HP, but on the higher level models you get a turbo 1.4L making the same 138HP (albeit with 25 ft-lbs more torque)? Unless the 1.4L has a much better power band (which is possible, given the torque specs), what's the attraction? I was expecting more like 160-180 HP out of it.

 

[MikeMike]

Is it wrong that I expected more mileage?

I can do 35MPG and my car is a large sedan

because the EPA ratings, and what one achieves, are always identical...

 

[MikeMike]

In its most basic form, the Cruze LS is powered by a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated I-4 engine, making 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A pair of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available, returning 26/36 mpg city/highway, and 22/35, respectively.

All higher-level models are powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 that produces 138 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. When paired to the six-speed automatic, the LT and LTZ models are capable of 24/36 mpg city/highway.


Wait, what? On the low level model you get a n/a 1.8L making 138HP, but on the higher level models you get a turbo 1.4L making the same 138HP (albeit with 25 ft-lbs more torque)? Unless the 1.4L has a much better power band (which is possible, given the torque specs), what's the attraction? I was expecting more like 160-180 HP out of it.

the tork is available lower, the fuel economy is 1 less, and i guarantee it is a much more powerful engine from a "seat of the pants" feel, perhaps even on stop watches.

 

[zerocool84]

because the EPA ratings, and what one achieves, are always identical...

this

 

[Bignate603]

Both Ford and GM are putting out some interesting cars, it's going to be interesting to see if they start taking back a decent chunk of the small car market that they lost to foreign manufacturers a while ago. I think the Focus and Cruze are pretty competitive, it's going to be a good time to be in the market with because it seems like there are going to be quite a few nice options.

 

[Mermaidman]

Is it wrong that I expected more mileage?

I can do 35MPG and my car is a large sedan

apples-apples
oranges-oranges

watermelon.

 

[BassBomb]

Hyundai Sonata?

You're car is 3200lbs...the Cruze is 3100lbs...has a lot to do with it. The Cruze is not a small car. Significantly larger than previous small GM cars.

Look at my sig, not a Sonata, my car is around 3100lb as well

I guess this car is the size of a Malibu? I looked up dimensions, Cruze is a little smaller than my car

because the EPA ratings, and what one achieves, are always identical...

Thats great, I can hit 35MPG easily with my car and even hit 40MPG if I try hard... I've got more horsepower than that car too

The Cruze is a good step for GM, but I am not impressed

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Look at my sig, not a Sonata, my car is around 3100lb as well

I guess this car is the size of a Malibu? I looked up dimensions, Cruze is a little smaller than my car



Thats great, I can hit 35MPG easily with my car and even hit 40MPG if I try hard... I've got more horsepower than that car too

The Cruze is a good step for GM, but I am not impressed

40 MPG? Thats a bit of a stretch in a 4cyl accord.

 

[Pariah]

Look at my sig, not a Sonata, my car is around 3100lb as well

I guess this car is the size of a Malibu? I looked up dimensions, Cruze is a little smaller than my car



Thats great, I can hit 35MPG easily with my car and even hit 40MPG if I try hard... I've got more horsepower than that car too

The Cruze is a good step for GM, but I am not impressed

Guessing your car is the Honda, 4 cylinder manual. The EPA estimate based on the new system is only 23/31. Well behind the Cruze. So, either you are lying about your mileage, or you'd be able to pull around 50MPG in the Cruze.

 

[MikeMike]

Guessing your car is the Honda, 4 cylinder manual. The EPA estimate based on the new system is only 23/31. Well behind the Cruze. So, either you are lying about your mileage, or you'd be able to pull around 50MPG in the Cruze.

or he is using the trip computer and hypermiling at like 58 on the highway, using that read out... i guarantee he has no analysis of gas fillups to overall mileage put on the car...

(i am prepared to be owned)