The traditional model of the Chevy Cruze sold more than 280,000 vehicles in the North American market last year. How many will the turbo-diesel model sell?
That is the big question in a much-anticipated experiment. Several automakers have recently offered diesel versions of popular models in recent months, but none with the mass popularity of the Cruze. If the rebirth of diesel in America is to gain traction, it starts with the Cruze. The car hits showrooms in the U.S. and Canada this week.
Bosch, a leading global supplier, predicts there will be more than 60 diesel models on sale in North America within the next four years.
The company, based in Farmington Hills, Mich., has made a significant investment in diesel technology. Its technology is featured on the Cruze. Bosch provided the fuel-injection system, ceramic glow plugs, exhaust gas treatment and sensors for the vehicle.
“Chevrolet is demonstrating its trust in the many benefits this technology provides, including increased fuel efficiency, superior driving range and maintaining its value longer,” said Bernd Boisten, the regional president of diesel systems for Bosch.
As automakers search for ways to reach more stringent new fuel economy requirements, they’re taking a long look at diesel technology. The Cruze achieves an EPA-estimated 46 miles per gallon in highway driving.
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If you’re looking for a new car and trying to keep the price low, you’re in luck. The more affordable cars — cars that cost less than $25,000 — are probably the best they’ve ever been in terms of quality, fuel efficiency, exterior design and more.
But this leads to kind of a weird problem for car shoppers: With so many great options, which cars are actually the best? After all, there aren’t nearly as many standouts anymore.
KBB recently published a list of what they see as the ten best cars under $25,000. These are sedans that are stylish, reliable, fuel efficient and, most of all, a great value. Click through to see the rankings.
Sticker Price: $21,350 – $26,800
Invoice Price: $20,400 – $$25,040
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city, 35 mpg highway
Although it was redesigned way back for the 2010 model year, theOptima still looks great on the road — aging much better than its cousin, the Hyundai Sonata. Fuel efficient, affordable, spacious and available with a wide variety of features, KBB rates this midsize sedan as the number ten best car under $25,000.
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Sticker Price: $23,080 – $29,105
Invoice Price: $22,157 – $$27,941
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 32 mpg highway
Buick hasn’t enjoyed the best reputation over the past few years. But theVerano is a surprisingly good little sedan. Quiet, comfortable and decently fun to drive, it offers bang for the buck.
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Sticker Price: $22,235 – $30,465
Invoice Price: $20,345 – $$27,723
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg City, 35 mpg Highway
This is perhaps the ultimate commuter car. It’s totally inoffensive, fuel efficient, affordable and reliable. TheCamry has been the best-selling car in America for some time now, and will likely continue to be so.
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Sticker Price: $15,545 – $28,425
Invoice Price: $14,923 – $$27,288
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway
TheVolkswagen Jetta is the cheapest German sedan you can buy. Although the interior isn’t as good as some of its competition, it’s undoubtedly one of the most fun-to-drive small sedans out there.
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Sticker Price: $17,965 – $26,465
Invoice Price: $16,707 – $$25,095
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg city, 36 mpg highway
After a disastrous 2012, the 2013 Honda Civic is back as one of the best small cars on the planet. With legendary reliability and an affordable price tag, it’s a highly logical choice.
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Sticker Price: $21,900 – $32,200
Invoice Price: $20,422 – $$29,705
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway
TheFord Fusion is arguably the best-looking midsize sedan out there right now. It also has a great interior and is great on gas. The MyFord Touch infotainment system needs some work, but, all in all, KBB sees it as the fifth best car under $25,000.
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Sticker Price: $21,760 – $30,560
Invoice Price: $20,356 – $$27,929
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway
TheNissan Altima underwent a handsome redesign for the 2013 model year, making it a standout on the road. The Altima, available in coupe and sedan form, is also quite fun to drive and comes with a nice interior.
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Sticker Price: $20,880 – $29,495
Invoice Price: $19,929 – $27,849
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway
The car most in competition with the Ford Fusion for most attractive midsize sedan is undoubtedly theMazda6. In addition to its great looks, the Mazda6 boasts sporty driving dynamics — a Mazda signature — and great fuel economy.
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Sticker Price: $20,845 – $33,525
Invoice Price: $19,990 – $32,151
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 32 mpg highway
TheVolkswagen Passat comes with many of the same benefits as the Jetta — great driving dynamics and fuel economy — in a bigger package. Affordable, versatile and fun, the Passat is the second-best car under $25,000.
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Sticker Price: $21,680 – $33,430
Invoice Price: $19,849 – $$30,567
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway
The best car under $25,000 according to KBB is the 2013Honda Accord. It’s tough to argue with that pick. The Accord is handsome, reliable, fuel efficient and, plain and simple, a great value.
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