GM Confirms Chevrolet Cruze Diesel for the USA, Sales Start in 2013

We’d heard rumors that a diesel-powered version of the Chevrolet Cruze was being readied for the U.S., but now it’s official as General Motors announced today that the diesel variant will be added to the compact model’s North American lineup in calendar year 2013.

However, that’s about all we get from GM as the Detroit company stated that it will release further details on the car at a later date.

Currently, the most fuel efficient model in the Cruze range is the Eco model featuring a standard six-speed manual gearbox with an EPA-rated 42 mpg (equal to 5.6lt/100km) on the highway.

Chevrolet already offers the Cruze with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine in other regions including Europe and Australia.

The latest version of the 2.0-liter oil burner delivers 161HP (120kW / 163PS) at 3,800rpm and 360 Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of peak torque at 1,750 rpm.

It’s fuel economy on the combined European cycle (which can’t be directly compared to U.S. combined figures) is rated at 5.6 lt/100km [42mpg US] when equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox and at 6.7lt/100km [35.1mpg US] with the optional six-speed automatic.

CHEVROLET CRUZE (USA / EUROPE / AUSTRALIA)

2012 Toyota Fortuner: SUV Version of Facelifted HiLux Makes Asian Debut

After last week’s presentation of the redesigned 2012 HiLux in Europe, Toyota went ahead and introduced the Asian market version of the pickup truck, called HiLux Vigo in Thailand, as well its SUV sibling, the seven-passenger Fortuner. Both the HiLux Vigo and Fortuner sport the same styling revisions with their European counterpart including the new front end with the chromed out, razor edge grille, new alloy wheel options, and interior refinements such as the redesigned instrument panel plus trim and equipment updates.
In Thailand, the Fortuner SUV is offered with two diesel engines, a 3.0-liter unit producing 163HP and a 2.5-liter delivering 144-horses, and a 2.7-liter gasoline unit rated at 160-horsepower.
Hat Tip goes to Leopaul and Edd!

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