Testdrive in a Diesel Cruze

6170 Views 56 Replies 21 Participants Last post by El Dobro, May 31, 2017

Jmaj

Discussion Starter · Mar 20, 2017

2017 with leather package.

This was a short test drive. The plastic was still on the seats, just off the truck on Saturday.

Pros

Diesel knock is absent, just as advertised.
9 speed automatic shifts smoothly - double clutch technology works. You have to get on the "oil" to make it downshift forcibly enough to feel it.
Stop-start technology.
Diesel torque + 9 speeds - pretty good acceleration

Cons
Low pitch engine rumble is always there - in no way is this silent propulsion.

Normally I would go with the Volt but the choice is not so clearcut here. There's zero state incentives, I'd have to buy the Volt and get 0% financing to go along with a modest amount of manufacturer's incentives. Even with the fed tax credit it's stretching to make the number close enough.

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SSonnentag

· #13 · Mar 21, 2017

This is a good comparison summary of gas vs. Diesel pollutants:

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Gas and Diesel are both derived from the same substance, oil pumped out of the ground.

Gas requires more refinement, and thus has a greater impact in the creation of pollution during its production. On the other side, Diesel requires less refinement, and when contrasted with gas, causes less contamination during refinement. Both gas and Diesel make an ecological impact during the production process.

The six fundamental contaminates discharged by gas and Diesel vehicles are:

Carbon Dioxide - Diesel vehicles, compared with gas vehicles, emit less CO2 in light of the fact that diesel vehicles expend less fuel. CO2 is (allegedly) the fundamental driver for a worldwide temperature alteration.
Carbon Monoxide - Diesel engines produce no CO. Gas engines produce CO. This is a deadly, toxic substance that poisons the central nervous system, causes coronary disease and general feeling of weakness and/or nausea.
Nitrogen Oxide - Nitrogen is one of the primary components of air. However, when exposed to high temperatures and pressures, it binds with oxygen to form nitrous oxide. Diesel engines discharge this to a greater degree. Dentists use NO (laughing gas) to ease tension and stress in some patients. In low doses it simply causes a feeling of euphoria. In very high doses it can cause death due to asphyxia. This is not generally a concern with Diesel or gas vehicles.
Hydrocarbons - Benzene is transmitted considerably more by gas engines because it is added to gas during production. This is a known cancer-causing agent. Inhalation can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, tremors, confusion, and/or unconsciousness. In extreme cases, inhaling or swallowing very high levels of benzene can be deadly.
Suspended Particulate Matter - These are the small particles of ash suspended in the exhaust. Diesel engines emit more of this matter. These are cancer-causing in nature and can cause respiratory issues.
Lead - Emitted from older gas vehicles and airplanes. Influences the central nervous system, kidneys and heart.

Diesel vehicles emit more: nitrogen oxides, suspended particulate matter.
Gas vehicles emit more: carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, lead.

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SSonnentag

· #22 · Mar 22, 2017

alfon said:
My last diesel was a 2003 Jetta Wagon 5 speed manual TDI the base GL model. It obtained 45-50 mpg consistently.
The new diesels have to use another tank on board with a Urea solution, which does have a cost to it per gallon and needs to be filled on regular intervals. So even if the price of diesel is the same as 87 octane regular it still will cost more per mile. I believe that gas engines have gained in efficiency and diesel's have not.

I just don't see the fuel savings with a diesel over most hybrids out there. Look at the Honda Accord Hybrid which is heavier with more horsepower and beats the pants over the Cruze diesel when it comes to MPG's and 0-60 mph times.

Having owned several Diesel vehicles, I can agree with this, other than the Urea part. For instance, my 1-ton pickup required the Urea tank to be topped off every 9,000 miles, at a cost of roughly $7. So the expense of the Urea is not a real factor. The expense of oil changes on a Diesel is a factor though, costing 2-3 times what a gas vehicle would. Diesel vehicles are becoming less fuel efficient as EPA regulations increase. A Diesel Hybrid would probably be the most fuel efficient, but also the most costly to purchase.

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SSonnentag

· #28 · Mar 23, 2017

turboguy327 said:
Seeing as how the engine will actually live a long, healthy and trouble free life while doubling the MPG there is no downside, unless you have a ford, especially a diesel, then you'll need the warranty.

Now you're just being silly. Removing emissions equipment will in no way double your MPG. You'd be lucky to gain a couple of MPG. It also violates federal law. I know in Arizona there are periodic road blocks where all diesel passenger vehicles are pulled over and inspected to check emissions equipment and the type of fuel being used. If you are found to be in violation there are expensive fines and penalties.

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SSonnentag

· #30 · Mar 23, 2017

turboguy327 said:
I went from 13-15 to 24-25 mpg hand calculated. In NY my truck passed it's annual state inspection. The truck injects fuel on the exhaust stroke to heat up the DPF, wasting a ton of fuel, watering down the oil with fuel, and creating a tremendous amount of damaging heat.

The point of a diesel is long engine life.

In other words, your emissions system was broken, so you took it out. No Diesel truck gets that poor fuel mileage. Even my longbed dually with intact DPF and urea system gets 20 mpg and 13 mpg when towing.

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