New 2017 Cruze 1.4L - WHERE TO START?

[ME_Andy]

I disagree on the Scangauge. I don't think it's helpful. The Cruze already has a good, nearly instantaneous mpg display that's probably accurate +/-10%, plus stats on how much power the AC is using, etc.

[Fat Charlie]

Instantaneous is meaningless without short trip and long trip.

I'm also a big fan of real coolant temp numbers, not just cold, okay and too hot.

[roosterk0031]

Cobalt, Impala & I think Cruzes have digital water temp as well. Only one average resettable average. I don't see a need for one (SG2) in my Cobalt either, I've had it hooked up but just looking at other stuff. LTFT, timing, intake air temp, etc.... SG2's don't work with different ethanol content's(without recalibration) the factory gauge does.

[Fat Charlie]

Awesome to see factories giving real numbers on their instruments!

Even if it's just sometimes.

[rmay635703]

If he had a base with a manual xmsn he would already be getting 40+

[oldtamiyaphile]

Originally Posted by ME_Andy

I disagree on the Scangauge. I don't think it's helpful. The Cruze already has a good, nearly instantaneous mpg display that's probably accurate +/-10%, plus stats on how much power the AC is using, etc.

All new cars do this, but the critical parameter 'engine load' is always missing. Even if you have a car that gives you points/ stars as you drive, they're always set too conservatively.

Plus the auto resetting short trip is worth it's weight in gold.

[JSH]

I would look at wheels / tires and grill block

Tires: Going from Low Rolling Resistance tires (Bridgestone Ecopia EP422185/65R15) to regular all-season tires (Bridgestone Turanza Serenity Plus195/65R15) dropped the mileage on both of my 2nd gen Prius 10% from 49 mpg down to 44 mpg. That is a slightly wider and heavier tire. I did it to increase the grip and handling which improved noticeably.

You could do the opposite and go to a LLR tire that is narrower and lighter. Handling will suffer but fuel mileage will increase.

Lighter wheels will also help especially around town in stop and go traffic where you are repeatedly accelerating.


The grill block should give you a couple of percentage improvement and will be more noticeable in the winter when the engine will come up to temperature faster and retain heat better. (Engines run a richer tune when heating up)


I would stay away from chips and engine tuning. Any gains you get in fuel economy are likely going to increase emissions. That is not only illegal but it will also void your warranty.

[divedaddy03]

Well....believe it or not, less than 3 weeks after I purchased this vehicle (< 1,400 mi), a trucked pulled out in front of me...and I totaled it!

If I can figure out how to upload pics...I'll share.

That said, OnStar was AWESOME....and the airbags worked flawlessly...allowing me to get out, and walk away with only minor bruises, cuts, and scrapes.

Should I consider replacing it with an Eco-Diesel or go back with a 1.4T?

[Fat Charlie]

Congrats on coming through it safely.

Back when I was looking at the Sonic, there was a decent trim level available with a manual and a small NA engine. I'm not digging into today's lineup, but with a focus on economy, I'd prefer to stay away from automatics, turbos and diesels.

[rmay635703]

I would go for a manual transmission Cruze hatch , turbo not required.

Otherwise the sedan will be getting a different manual transmission diesel trim.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze manual gets 52 mpg highway, 30 mpg city

I would never buy a Cruze with an autotragic