Review: 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel

Bottom line: The Chevrolet Cruze, one of the best compact cars available in the United States, just got better. The 2014 Cruze Turbo Diesel belongs on the list of anyone shopping for a small diesel-fueled sedan.

Head-turning quotient: It’s attractive - competes well with any rival in a style contest.

Ride, acceleration and handling: The ride is quiet and comfortable, more so than you might expect in a diesel car. Acceleration is competent - no trouble safely changing lanes on high-speed highways. Handling is good, commendable on mountain roads.

Engine/transmission: The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel comes with a 2-liter, inline four-cylinder, 16-valve, turbocharged diesel engine (148-to-151 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that also can be operated manually.

Capacities: There are seats for five people. Cargo capacity is 13.3 cubic feet. The fuel tank holds 15.6 gallons of required ultra-low sulfur diesel (15 parts sulfur per million).

Fueling note: Ultra-low sulfur diesel is available at most motor service stations in the United States. Just be sure you aren’t filling your tank from one of those old heavy sulfur pumps.

Fueling price: Ultra-low sulfur diesel generally costs more than gasoline. But prices vary from station to station. Check Gasbuddy.com, or something similar for best diesel prices in your area.

Safety: Standard equipment includes four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front/solid rear); four-wheel antilock brake protection; electronic brake-force distribution; electronic stability and traction control; 10 air bags including head, knee and side protection; My Link/OnStar emergency communications system.

Price: The price for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel sedan starts at $24,885 with a dealer’s invoice price of $23,890. Price as tested is $26,075 including $380 in options (rear backup camera and other items) and an $810 factory-to-dealer destination charge. Dealer’s price as tested is $25,034.