Was talking to my wife about this the other day (she brought it up), and I couldn't remember if there was ever a thread with a straight answer.
The Diesel was supposed to be the range-topping trim level, correct? So...why did the LTZ get certain features the Diesel did not? Most importantly - push-button start...
Funny thing that when I rented a car that have start/stop button and I put the key in my pocket. When I dropped off the rental car at airport and walked away, the rental guy had to run to catch me, that maybe a two football fields away. Oh boy, key is still in my pocket. Oops, i gave it to him. I had to remind my myself that have to leave key in car when drop off at rental. Can not image if the key still with me when i enter into plane. The car may be stuck in the middle of row with other cars.
Diesel should have been an option, not a trim level, and if not an option, it should have been a separate car, like some other manufacturers do. Cruze Diesel LT, 2LT, or LTZ. SO it could have all the fixins (or lack thereof) of a gasser Cruze.