Things are heating up in the small car segment. GMhas rated its Chevy Cruze Eco model at 42 mpg highway. That beats out many pricier hybrids and sets a new bar in the under-$20,000 segment.
Things are heating up in the small car segment. GM has rated its Chevy Cruze Eco model at 42 mpg highway. That beats out many pricier hybrids and sets a new bar in the under-$20,000 segment.
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I hope you can drive standard though. Otherwise, you are stuck with the six-speed automatic transmission, which gets 26 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, not bad but not class-leading numbers either.
GM got a bulk of its mpg-improvements from aerodynamic enhancements, like a lower grille that closes off at highway speed, under-body panels, and a lowered ride height. They also added a baby spoiler, the same low-rolling resistance tires as the Volt, and a few other nips and tucks. A good way to keep costs down, but I have a feeling that lower automatic transmission rating will lose them a few customers.
If you do opt for a manual transmission, the Eco is rated for 28 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. That beats out the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus (which is getting replaced next year with a 40 mpg version). With an MSRP of $18,995 for a turbocharged 42 mpg small sedan, that really isn't too shabby. If you’re somebody who has a long commute on the highway, this car could save you a few bucks.
Article continues: http://www.matternetwork.com/2010/11/chevy-cruze-eco-earns-42.cfm
