Next-gen India-bound Chevrolet Cruze diesel delivers 22 kmpl

The second-generation Cruze is powered by an all-new 1.6-Litre 'Ecotec' diesel engine.

Chevrolet has detailed the diesel powertrain of the upcoming India-bound second-generation Cruze. Last October, during the reveal of the Cruze hatch, Chevrolet announced that both the hatch (not offered in India) and the sedan will be powered by an all-new 1.6-litre oil burner. They subsequently revealed a brand new nine-speed auto box in December as a transmission option for this engine. Now, the automaker has revealed the fuel-efficiency and power figures of the new motor.

The Ecotec 1.6-litre diesel engine puts out 138PS of max power and 325Nm of peak torque. Both power and torque figures have gone down compared to the outgoing unit – the 2.0-litre diesel with 166PS and 360Nm. However, the overall fuel-efficiency of the engine has gone up, which now returns an American cycle-certified mileage of 22kmpl (52 mpg, highway). Though the power figures have gone down, it still remains competent in its segment in the country since the outgoing Cruze was out-and-out a powerful offering. Moreover, the new platform has significantly dropped the overall weight compared to the outgoing model so perhaps the driveability will not be hampered.

As revealed earlier, this engine will be mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox along with an optional all-new Hydra-Matic nine-speed automatic transmission. Besides the diesel, the Cruze is expected to get the new 1.4-litre Ecotec turbocharged petrol in India as well. If this happens, it will be the first Cruze to be offered with a petrol option in India.

Speaking of its Indian market debut, the current Cruze has been present in the market for nearly 8 years and is in a dire need of a replacement. The second-gen Cruze is expected to be launched in India early next year with a possible 2018 Indian Auto Expo reveal. It will take on the recently launched Hyundai Elantra along with the rest of the offerings in its class, such as the Octavia, Corolla Altis, Jetta and the upcoming reintroduction of the Honda Civic (likely).

Recommended Read: 2016 Hyundai Elantra : First Drive Review

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