2018 Chevy Cruze LT Diesel Hatch Review

There are other high mileage compact cars available, but how does a diesel-powered model fit into your plans?

This week we drove the 2018 Chevy Cruze LT Diesel Hatch.

What's new in 2018

Both the 2018 Cruze Hatch and sedan are now available with a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine.

Features and options

The 2018 Chevy Cruze LT Diesel Hatch ($ 25,865) comes standard with cloth upholstery, a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 60/40 folding rear seat, and a rearview camera.

It also features upgraded headlights with LED daytime running lights, heated mirrors and a rear center armrest with cup holders.

This Cruze LT tester comes with an optional Driver Confidence and Sun and Sound package ($2,260), adding rear parking sensors and blind monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

Total MSRP including destination: $30,125.

Interior

The cabin is modern, clean and edgy, with an all-black layout with light contrast.

For a compact car, we think the Cruze Hatch is roomy and felt bigger inside than its size would dictate.

The Cruze Hatch offers 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, not as much as a Honda Civic or Ford Focus hatchback.

Fuel and Fuel Characteristics

Our Cruze LT tester came with a new 1.6-liter turbo diesel producing 137 horsepower and 240 lb-ft.

Driving dynamics

The Cruze Hatch is quiet on the road - you can't tell it's a diesel - and it rides comfortably on the highway with great stability.

So, how does a 1.6-liter diesel work?

We thought 137 horsepower would be woefully inadequate, especially in the Colorado mountains, but when you throw in that massive 240 lb-ft.

The 9-speed automatic transmission has little hesitation and goes well with the small diesel power plant.

Conclusion

There are many options in the crowded class of compact hatches, but only one with a diesel engine.

Denis Flirl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles.

We trust Edmunds.com to give us the best, up-to-date and true pricing on what people are really paying for their cars.

2018 Chevy Cruze Hatchback Gallery

2018 Chevy Cruze official website.

Photo and source: Chevrolet.