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Coming Headline: Chevy Cruze--42MPG

Posted by: David Kiley on September 15

Chevrolet chief Ed Peper only says that the Chevy Cruze, when it hits the market in mid 2010, will post fuel economy “North of 40 mpg.” That’s thanks to a 1.4 liter, direct injected turbo-charged engine that will be standard equipment.

It’s bigger than a Ford Focus or Toyota Corolla, says Peper, yet gets better fuel economy. That was a unique trick, but the small displacement and direct injection seems to be the key. What I think will make this model take off is the ability to scream the 42mpg headline in ads.

The Toyota Prius, a hybrid, gets better mileage. And despite having the expensive battery on-board, sticker prices are $22-$23K. Dealers, though, are getting more. As David Welch reports, Peper wants to price the Cruze above Corolla to earn money for the fuel economy benefit. Some doubt whether Chevy can pull it off—pricing above Toyota given Chevy’s down-market image for cars. But I’d say that a Cruze, without a pricey navigation system, could well go out the door at $19,000-plus. Maybe $20K-plus with a navi, and even more with leather and the like.

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Reader Comments

MarkT

September 16, 2008 03:06 PM

So this 'sometime in the future' car gets better EPA than cars that exist? That is a unique trick, doesn't the Volt do that too? As if the Focus/Corolla are not going to be differnt by the time GM gets this thing out. Not to mention GM's terrible build quality & durability, maybe GM should shoot for the same gas mileage and make the car to a Toyota build standard.

gaylerd

September 17, 2008 03:20 PM

Obviously MarkT is out of touch with the reality head to head tests between GM and Toyota cars have GM winning build quality and durability tests as evidenced by recent JD Power Awards for GM models. It's time to stop GM bashing and wake up to the truth.

chris

September 18, 2008 10:43 PM

excuse me? GM's terrible build quality and durability. thats funny because GM's quality is just as good or even better than toyota WAKE UP realize the facts GM has gotten alot better in the past decade.

tk

October 3, 2008 04:20 PM

My wife drives a Saturn with 100k on the odometer. In the last year the car has had a new transmission, leaking sunroof, the stereo no longer works, the ABS is making noise, and it burns a quart of oil every 3 weeks. I am pulling for GM though.

epeon

October 15, 2008 08:45 PM

late. What will Toyota have in three years? At best, Chevy says they will have a competitive car with today's Toyota product in two years.

kt

November 18, 2008 09:54 PM

If quality is down just check out the over-all wins in NASCAR, I believe the over-all wins and finishes are among the big three

I hate to play this card but t is like looking at OBP in baseball.
I give Toyota its kudos but they and Honda have had more recalls for different problems on their models over the past two years than GM

jason

November 25, 2008 01:46 PM

who is going to buy this car? how many people can afford a 20k vehicle right now?

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Want the straight scoop on the auto industry? Detroit bureau chief David Welch and auto beat veterans David Kiley, Dexter Roberts and Ian Rowley bring daily scoop, keen observations and provocative perspective on the auto business from around the globe. Read their take on such weighty issues as Detroit’s attempt at a comeback, Toyota’s quest for dominance and the search for an efficient car.

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