2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco

[ALS]

Who needs a hybrid, or a diesel, when you’ve got the Chevrolet Cruz Eco?

Matt Delorenzo - YAHOO - April 7, 2010

While the wraps have been off the Chevrolet Cruze for some time, the bowtie division cruises into the New York show with a new model, the Eco, and a new RS trim level for this entry-level 4-door sedan.

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco, with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine mated to a 6-speed automatic, returns 40 mpg highway. Jim Campbell, Chevrolet’s vice president of Marketing, says the Cruz Eco “delivers hybrid-like efficiency without the price tag.”

The 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec engine produces 138 bhp and 148 lb ft of torque. Chevy estimates that the Cruze models equipped with this engine will have a highway range of 500 miles.

Among the features that enable the Cruze Eco to return such impressive high fuel economy are unique 17-in. lightweight wheels, low-rolling-resistance tires, an upper grille with more closeouts to improve aerodynamics, a lowered ride height and a special lower grille shutter that closes at speed for better air flow. Other aero devices include a front air dam extension, the use of underbody panels to seal off the floorpan, and a rear spoiler.

Instead of the 6-speed automatic, buyers will be able to opt for a 6-speed manual with optimized gear ratios that will deliver similar fuel economy and a 0 to 60 mph time of about 10 seconds. The automatic, according to Chevy, is nearly a second quicker to 60. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze Eco goes on sale this fall.
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[Harold]

This could be a very interesting Auto and a good FE machine in the proper hands. H

[Taliesin]

Originally Posted by ALS

The 1.4-liter turbo Ecotec engine produces 138 bhp and 148 lb ft of torque. Chevy estimates that the Cruze models equipped with this engine will have a highway range of 500 miles...

A good effort. Now take out that 1.4 and put in a 1.0. We don't need 100 hp in a vehicle this small.

I also like the 6-speed manual they will have available. Similar FE to an auto is a really good head start for a hypermiler.

0-60 in 9-10 seconds (depending on tranny)?!?

We don't need that. Heck, if the 1.4 manages to do that, could you drop in a 0.75l engine?

It's a good effort, and pretty competitive in the current market, but not for the future.

Edit--Wow, I'm pretty negative here.
This really is a good step for GM.

[MaxxMPG]

You're not being too negative. It's true that even the Eco package is overpowered, although the engine would be a good fit for the midsize cars. But that excess is necessary in the current market because people have become drunk with horsepower. Cars are sold based on 1/4 mile times, 0-60, and horsepower numbers. Check any auto ad for evidence. As engines downsize, they can progressively reduce power to wean the addicts slowly and avoid the cold sweats and night terrors that will cause them to scream that it's the 70s and 80s all over again.

Just as the Equinox was projected to be 30mpg highway and it ended up being 32, I think GM is deliberately underestimating fuel economy in the hopes that they can send out the big press release that the car actually delivers 42 or 43 or 44 or whatever the final EPA reaches.

One thing is for sure - the Sonata is a full size car with 35mpg highway, and so Hyundai has already raised the bar. If the Cruze comes to market at or below 40mpg highway and a price close to the Sonata, what average car buyer isn't going to buy the larger car because it's about the same price and gets about the same mileage?

[Butterfly Mage]

The price tag on my Insight-II was $17,500. I don't think the Cruze Eco will beat that.

[npauli]

I'm really excited about the active grill openings. It sounds like a simple, low-tech improvement w/ good bang for the buck. I've seen first hand what a difference a grill cover can make in aerodynamics and improving warmup, and I've also seen first hand what a pain it can be to take it off and put it back on as the weather changes.

Now if only they'd offer the same tech in an aftermarket kit for my truck...

[jimepting]

Though some excitement there, I don't see this car returning 40 mph highway. 35 mph highway seems more likely to me. Has the government run the mileage tests yet????

[MaxxMPG]

I don't doubt it will reach at least 40mpg on the highway because of the small engine, tall gearing, FuelMax tires, and all the aero tweaks. The big question, though, is the city number. With a steep first gear and a lot of weight to haul around, I am not optimistic.

Although Chevy won't say what the Cruze weight will be, I checked on the Mexican Chevy site and it lists their Cruze at 1315kg, or 2893 pounds. And the Mexican Cruze is only listing frontal airbags in their equipment list. So I would say by the time the Cruze gets lawyered up for the US market, it will be close to 3000 pounds. There aren't too many ways to get a ton and a half moving without burning a lot of fuel, so who knows what the EPA is going to show for city...

[ILAveo]

Originally Posted by Butterfly Mage

The price tag on my Insight-II was $17,500. I don't think the Cruze Eco will beat that.

I don't think they have prices out yet, but I'd guess that the Cruze Eco will list at about that price, but be available out the door without much negotiation for around $15,000.

It's predecessor, the Cobalt XFE (37 mpg highway), lists for about $15,000, but can be had for around $12,000 without gifted haggling.

[moneysaver]

Originally Posted by Butterfly Mage

The price tag on my Insight-II was $17,500. I don't think the Cruze Eco will beat that.

Its what you paid not the MSRP, so I can safely assume that you could also get Cruz Eco for less than MSRP.