Sonic Diesel?

[walter36]

Maybe GM should consider producing a diesel version of the upcoming Sonic sub compact. Use the same engine as the Cruze Diesel. The sonic is a few hunded pounds lighter than the Cruze, MPG numbers could be in the high 50's or even low 60's.

thoughts???

[Drew Dowdell]

Absolutely. They are probably going to build one for the EU anyway.

[ZL-1]

Absolutely. They are probably going to build one for the EU anyway.

IIRC our Aveo will get the 1.3-liter engine in 75PS and 95PS variants. Those would never sell in the US, IMHO and using the 2.0L is doubtful (car probably would become too nose-heavy). But maybe GM could federalize the 130PS 1.7CDTI engine used in the Astra and Corsa for US emissions standards if they saw a market for a diesel Sonic.

[Drew Dowdell]

I'm betting they'll test out how the Cruze does with a diesel first before coming to a decision. Cruze is their best selling car right now, that's where to test it.

[ZL-1]

I'm betting they'll test out how the Cruze does with a diesel first before coming to a decision. Cruze is their best selling car right now, that's where to test it.

Yeahj, agreed. And since diesel in the US means not only a price premium but also a higher dollar-per-gallon cost, a diesel Sonic probably won't fly. Having to pay more for the car and for each gallon of fuel can increase the break even miles a lot; here we pay less for diesel so it's easier to balance the initial MSRP disadvantage through lower fuel consumption and lower cost per gallon.