[LiveTrash]

Went to look at a hatchback (it was a 2017 LT with RS package) and took it for a drive yesterday to get a feel for the hatchback model. I loved everything about it. Very much looking forward to the Diesel release. From what I've read, it looks like it'll be out for the 2018 release and be available with a manual transmission. This is the car I've been saying for ages that I would love to have; now here it is.

I figured I'd start this thread for others who are interested in the same or similar combination. We can post info about the model here and just share general knowledge we come across that we and others can reference off of. I talked with the salesman I bought my 2014 Diesel off of and he said he should have more information about it (for a Canadian release anyway) in the coming week or two. Another salesman there who was a diesel aficionado to say the least was able to provide some insight into it. He said a GM exhaust engineer was at the dealer and he was talking to him about it and the new engine coming out for 2018. It's going to be a 1.6L turbo whisper-quiet diesel engine that delivers power that will be pleasantly surprising to some.

I'm looking forward to the package options for the 2018 release rather than being stuck with the premium model the 2014 Diesel was bound to. But in all honesty I'd probably go with a leather package anyway. The LT with the base interior wasn't really working for me.

 

[Dieselturbo]

Same here, waiting patiently for the 2018 DIESEL/MANUAL to be released.

 

[chevrasaki]

Has a price been mentioned for the diesel manual hatch? I think that will affect the decision to get one for many people.

 

[Milliwatt Rob]

I assume the manual will be a six speed? And the auto will be the new nine speed?

 

[LiveTrash]

I assume the manual will be a six speed? And the auto will be the new nine speed?

This is highly likely. I can't see it going any other way.

 

[diesel]

I assume the manual will be a six speed? And the auto will be the new nine speed?

It was just reported that the GMC Terrain diesel will have the 6 speed auto. Not sure if there are any implications for the Cruze.

"GM's 1.6-liter diesel four will also be available, making 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque in this application. Both gas engines will be paired with nine-speed automatic transmissions, while the diesel gets a six-speed auto."

2018 GMC Terrain loses the V6 and gains a diesel for an all-turbo lineup - Autoblog

 

[jblackburn]

It was just reported that the GMC Terrain diesel will have the 6 speed auto. Not sure if there are any implications for the Cruze.

"GM's 1.6-liter diesel four will also be available, making 137 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque in this application. Both gas engines will be paired with nine-speed automatic transmissions, while the diesel gets a six-speed auto."

2018 GMC Terrain loses the V6 and gains a diesel for an all-turbo lineup - Autoblog

Given that they have said the Equinox and Cruze with that engine both come with the 9 speed, as well as the 1.5T in the Terrain, I think someone got their facts wrong.

 

[MP81]

Given that they have said the Equinox and Cruze with that engine both come with the 9 speed, as well as the 1.5T in the Terrain, I think someone got their facts wrong.

Agreed.

I can't wait until we at least get some facts about this **** thing. I'm okay with the wait, though, since it's likely just trying to make sure they have this thing nailed down if they are going to try to steal away burned VW owners.

 

[diesel]

I don't think we will know for sure until we see one on a dealer's lot.

 

[MOTO13]

I really don't understand the fascination for a manual diesel other than you like shifting. The mileage with a manual can't be much better (if at all) than an automatic transmission. Auto's are getting better and more efficient every year. I mean at 50+ mpg with my 14 CTD auto, I'm pretty darn happy never shifting.

 

[MP81]

I'd almost guarantee the 9-speed will be better on fuel. A lot of people want the manual, as it gives more of a sense of feeling "in-tune" with the car, and adding a bit of fun to the driving experience.

Personally, if I get one, it'll be with whatever is rated better for fuel economy - and that's more than likely going to be the 9-speed. I can't complain to much about that - I sit in enough traffic to where not having a clutch would be a great perk. If I want to drive a manual, I have my Camaro. My DD doesn't need to be one.

 

[Dieselturbo]

I simply don't like the car to drive me, I like to drive the car and shift gears whenever I want. The difference between MTX and AUTO is 1mpg at best so no biggie.

 

[shockz]

Has a price been mentioned for the diesel manual hatch? I think that will affect the decision to get one for many people.

With a hatchback, you're at least going to be on an LT level, with a diesel, they tend to be LT2 or higher equivalent, my guess would be mid-high 20s... 24K starting I bet. Definitely won't be bargain basement hatch diesels, that's for sure.

 

[jblackburn]

At least in the Jetta TDI, with the very good DSG, it was just simply more *fun* to swap your own cogs and then romp into the fat torqueband at 2000 RPM.

Hopefully the diesel manual isn't as crap to drive as the one on the Gen2 gassers. The ratios are stupid.

 

[LiveTrash]

With a hatchback, you're at least going to be on an LT level, with a diesel, they tend to be LT2 or higher equivalent, my guess would be mid-high 20s... 24K starting I bet. Definitely won't be bargain basement hatch diesels, that's for sure.

That was the case with the 2014/2015 Diesels. I believe the 2018 will have quite a few options for trim levels.

 

[jblackburn]

That was the case with the 2014/2015 Diesels. I believe the 2018 will have quite a few options for trim levels.

Yup, they plan to start at LT, which in the 2nd gen, is sorta base. You can then add almost any options you want, including a leather package on the diesel.

 

[MP81]

I simply don't like the car to drive me, I like to drive the car and shift gears whenever I want. The difference between MTX and AUTO is 1mpg at best so no biggie.

I've seen the difference between them be more than 1 mpg these days. Even on the gas 2nd gen:

Manual (LT Sedan): 28/39/32
Auto (LT Sedan): 30/40/32

And sometimes that may play out even more in real world driving. Or it may not, who knows.

 

[Dieselturbo]

At least in the Jetta TDI, with the very good DSG, it was just simply more *fun* to swap your own cogs and then romp into the fat torqueband at 2000 RPM.

Hopefully the diesel manual isn't as crap to drive as the one on the Gen2 gassers. The ratios are stupid.

Not only the ratios but the imprecise engagement and rather long strokes of the gassers gearbox will scare away a lot of VW Diesels aficionados. I hope GM will, at least, try to eliminate the Gen 2 gassers trannies drawbacks and make it similar with the one on the Golf.
I don't see any news from 2017 NAIAS regarding the Cruz Diesel yet...

 

[Cruz15]

Leather is just Gross for me ( currently have cheap ass covers so I dont get the Gross leather feel on me ), the nine speed makes more sense to optimize fuel efficiency and if the Diesel came in a lower package option it would sell a crap load better.

 

[MP81]

Hopefully the diesel manual isn't as crap to drive as the one on the Gen2 gassers. The ratios are stupid.

The diesel does get its own manual, so I would expect different ratios. Given the amount of torque it is supposed to make, they can have relatively tall gear ratios to max effective use of it, while increasing fuel economy.