By Nick Tragianis and Jodi Lai, National Post - NT Volkswagen has ruled the diesel-fuelled compact sedan segment for what seems like an eternity with the Jetta TDI, but Chevrolet wants in with the all-new Cruze 2.0TD. After all, it makes perfect sense: Both sedans are powered by turbocharged 2.0-litre engines well-endowed with torque, both net exceptionally impressive fuel economy figures on the highway and both signal something of an increased appreciation for diesels by consumers. Finding out whether or not the new kid on the block has the chops to take on the tried-and-true oil burner was a test we could not resist.
JL You're right when you say consumers are warming up to diesels, and I'm glad it's finally happening. These two diesel compacts make good competitors, and I think in the end, the winner may be decided by price, looks and brand loyalty because they're pretty closely matched otherwise.
I'm a Volkswagen fan, and although I prefer the Jetta's looks and German-ness, I think it may have to step up its diesel game if it wants to keep its crown. The Cruze rings in a few thousand dollars less than the Jetta and is a perfectly fine car to drive. As long as you drive it like the eco-machine it is, you won't be disappointed. It's not as sporty as the Jetta, but it doesn't have to be.
The Jetta's brake pedal is also a deal breaker for me. It feels like a sponge until you slam it, and it isn't very responsive. The "let go" also happens too quickly, and you'll find the ride is pretty jerky because it takes a while to get used to. How did our diesels stack up against each other during our fuel economy run?
JL You're right when you say consumers are warming up to diesels, and I'm glad it's finally happening. These two diesel compacts make good competitors, and I think in the end, the winner may be decided by price, looks and brand loyalty because they're pretty closely matched otherwise.
I'm a Volkswagen fan, and although I prefer the Jetta's looks and German-ness, I think it may have to step up its diesel game if it wants to keep its crown. The Cruze rings in a few thousand dollars less than the Jetta and is a perfectly fine car to drive. As long as you drive it like the eco-machine it is, you won't be disappointed. It's not as sporty as the Jetta, but it doesn't have to be.
The Jetta's brake pedal is also a deal breaker for me. It feels like a sponge until you slam it, and it isn't very responsive. The "let go" also happens too quickly, and you'll find the ride is pretty jerky because it takes a while to get used to. How did our diesels stack up against each other during our fuel economy run?
NT Chevrolet says the Cruze Diesel sips 4.2 L/100 km on the highway, undercutting the Jetta's 4.6 L/100 km rating. Naturally, we set out to determine which one reigns supreme, subjecting both the Cruze Diesel and the Jetta TDI to two 20-kilometre highway runs with the cruise control set at the 100 km/h speed limit. On the first leg, the Cruze's trip computer settled at an impressive 4.1 L/100 km, while the Jetta punched in a hair above at 4.2. On the second leg, the Jetta remained constant at 4.2, while the Cruze dropped down to 4.0 flat. (Editor's note: We noticed the Jetta's speedometer is slightly inaccurate, reading faster than its actual GPS-backed speed. To make up the difference, we set the Jetta to 105 km/h and the Cruze at 100 km, which seemed to even things out.
The trip continued in tow for nearly 40 more kilometres, where the Jetta averaged 6.3 L/100 km and the Cruze Diesel rung in at 7.2. After another brief stint on the highway, bringing the total number of kilometres travelled to exactly 98, the trip computer in the Jetta TDI read 5.7 L/100 km while the Cruze Diesel settled at 6.4. As you can see, both the Cruze and Jetta are capable of impressive fuel economy ratings, each posting figures within a stone's throw from each other. But where the gap widens in the Cruze's favour when you consider value and each car's overall package.
For $24,945, the Cruze Diesel gets you a decent list of standard equipment, including leather seats and Chevrolet's MyLink entertainment system, which also includes GPS navigation. It can even be had with a few options not even offered on the Jetta, including a blind-spot monitor and back-up sensors. Although the cabin is pretty drab with a slew of black plastic, fabric and leather throughout, I'd say the Cruze's centre stack layout is easier on the eyes than the Jetta's, though both are logically laid out. To get the same level of equipment with the Jetta TDI, you have to shell out $28,690 for the top-level Highline trim, a steep $3,745 premium over the Cruze.
The trip continued in tow for nearly 40 more kilometres, where the Jetta averaged 6.3 L/100 km and the Cruze Diesel rung in at 7.2. After another brief stint on the highway, bringing the total number of kilometres travelled to exactly 98, the trip computer in the Jetta TDI read 5.7 L/100 km while the Cruze Diesel settled at 6.4. As you can see, both the Cruze and Jetta are capable of impressive fuel economy ratings, each posting figures within a stone's throw from each other. But where the gap widens in the Cruze's favour when you consider value and each car's overall package.
For $24,945, the Cruze Diesel gets you a decent list of standard equipment, including leather seats and Chevrolet's MyLink entertainment system, which also includes GPS navigation. It can even be had with a few options not even offered on the Jetta, including a blind-spot monitor and back-up sensors. Although the cabin is pretty drab with a slew of black plastic, fabric and leather throughout, I'd say the Cruze's centre stack layout is easier on the eyes than the Jetta's, though both are logically laid out. To get the same level of equipment with the Jetta TDI, you have to shell out $28,690 for the top-level Highline trim, a steep $3,745 premium over the Cruze.
Here's something I bet you didn't know: Both cars share German engines. The Cruze's 2.0-litre turbo-four is developed by GM's Opel division, pumping out 148 horsepower and a stout 264 lb-ft of torque, besting the Jetta TDI's 140 horses and 236 pound-feet of twist. Still, either engine is fantastic, with gobs of addictive low-end torque. The Cruze Diesel also has the ability to boost peak torque to 280 lb-ft for 10 seconds at a time.
JL Volkswagen does have an advantage: It's class-leading, smooth as silk six-speed DSG transmission. It's quick to respond and shifts seamlessly. The Chevy also has a six-speed automatic, and it does the job, but it's not a smooth or quick to shift as the Jetta's. If you floor it (which you wouldn't do if your eye was on the fuel economy) it takes longer to kick down. This makes highway passing in the Jetta an easier and faster affair.
Volkswagen may have been the leader in the compact diesel segment for decades, but at a first try for Chevy, its Cruze Diesel is a solid vehicle: It costs less than the Jetta while offering more standard features, and also gets similarly stellar real-world fuel economy ratings.
JL Volkswagen does have an advantage: It's class-leading, smooth as silk six-speed DSG transmission. It's quick to respond and shifts seamlessly. The Chevy also has a six-speed automatic, and it does the job, but it's not a smooth or quick to shift as the Jetta's. If you floor it (which you wouldn't do if your eye was on the fuel economy) it takes longer to kick down. This makes highway passing in the Jetta an easier and faster affair.
Volkswagen may have been the leader in the compact diesel segment for decades, but at a first try for Chevy, its Cruze Diesel is a solid vehicle: It costs less than the Jetta while offering more standard features, and also gets similarly stellar real-world fuel economy ratings.
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