2015 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com

For  2015 the Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel receives revised exterior styling, enhanced interior convenience and greater connectivity,  including new text message alerts, Apple Siri integration and OnStar 4G LTE with available built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.

Exterior
The facelift for 2015 refreshes the appearance for the Diesel models. A prominent dual-port front fascia takes styling cues from Impala and Malibu, contributing a more cohesive look across Chevrolet’s sedan range including LED daytime running lamps.  They complement the Cruze’s swept-back headlamps, for a sportier presence.

Interior
Updates on the interior includes, revised cup holders make it easier to insert and remove cups, the trunk release is relocated to the center console and the door lock switches moved from the center console to the front doors.

Cruze diesel models add Meridian leather, appointed front bucket seats, six-way power driver seat and heated driver and front passenger seats. Cruze Diesel also includes uplevel instrument panel cluster and chrome trim rings. The available Driver Convenience Package includes auto-dimming inside rearview mirror; rear vision camera and outside heated, power-adjustable mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels.

Connectivity
The enhanced connectivity and convenience features include a new text message alerts feature for smartphone users with Bluetooth profile, which reads incoming texts through the vehicle’s speakers, and Siri Eyes Free for iPhone iOS 6 and iOS 7 users to enhance connectivity and convenience. Each enables voice-controlled connectivity, to help keep phones in pockets and hands on the wheel.

Complementing MyLink to enhance connectivity is new OnStar with 4G LTE and standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. It provides a mobile hub for drivers and passengers to stay connected. The hotspot is on whenever the vehicle is on and comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial.

Engine
Under the hood a new 2.0L turbo-diesel delivers 151 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. Peak torque is achieved at a low 2,600 rpm, for a sustained feeling of power on demand at almost all speeds particularly when passing or entering a freeway ramp. The engine also has an overboost feature capable of increasing torque to an estimated 280 lb-ft, for stronger acceleration periods of about 10 seconds. The 2.0L clean turbo-diesel engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission designed to accommodate the car’s higher torque.

Safety Features
Safety begins with a unitized body structure that incorporates high-strength steel in key areas to enhance strength and crash protection by helping to prevent intrusion into passenger compartment. Underbody main rails extend from the front of the structure all the way to the rear, further enhancing the body’s strength and stiffness. A cross-structure beam behind the instrument panel supports the body in the event of a side-impact crash.

An available Enhanced Safety Package includes crash-avoidance technologies such as a rear park assist, side blind zone alert, and rear cross traffic alert.

Cruze was the first in its segment to provide 10 standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger air bags, roof rail-mounted head curtain side air bags that help protect the front and outboard rear seating positions.

Summary
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel is a versatile car, it offers more of the features, connectivity and efficiency that are important to today’s car buyers, the quiet, smooth performance is enabled by a number of features on and around the engine, including sound-absorbing features such as a unique dash mat and hood blanket. The turbo diesel engine delivers a balanced ride with outstanding handling characteristics.

The Estimated fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg City and 46 mpg Highway with the 2.0L Turbo Diesel Engine. Manufacturer’s suggested starting retail price is $25,660.00, the one I drove included the Audio System with Navigation, the Sun Roof and Sound Package, Enhance Safety Package, and the Diesel Driver Convenience Package, and it came in at $29,105.00 including destination charge.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

 

 

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Chevrolet.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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