Chevrolet has targeted Volkswagen customers with a newly redesigned lineup of diesel vehicles. Headlining the line is the new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Crossover and Cruze Hatchback.
U.S. diesel sales are down more than 37 percent through September this year compared to the same months in 2015. Despite this, the Dodge Ram 1500 Eco Diesel pickup is the No. 1 diesel vehicle in the U.S. through September with an estimated 39,997 sold. It is followed closely by the Ford Transit diesel van, according to The Detroit News.
The new 2017 Cruze hatchback, which was announced this month in the U.S. with a 1.4L turbo gasoline 4-cylinder, will join the sedan in offering a diesel version late next year. The redesigned 2018 Chevy Equinox 5-passenger SUV coming early next year also will get the 1.6L turbodiesel option.
The company seems to be targeting Volkswagen customers due to the emissions scandal with the extent of Chevrolet's diesel lineup- including the new Equinox, as well as the Colorado pick up and the Silverado.
GM started dabbling in latest-generation, light-vehicle turbodiesel technology several years ago with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine for the Cruze, which nabbed a place in the 2014 10 Best Engines awards. Despite the vehicle's success, however, it was recently was discontinued, according to Wards Auto.
There's a subset of the market that enjoys the performance it offers and We can deliver something that they're looking for: high torque, high range, and we'll see what happens." says, Steve Majoros, Chevrolet marketing director
