The Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback 2.0 TD Automatic, produced between 2011 and 2013, represented a key offering in Chevrolet’s attempt to gain a stronger foothold in the European and global compact hatchback market. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the Cruze Hatchback lineup, it aimed to provide a balance of fuel efficiency, performance, and practicality. This variant utilized a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, catering to buyers who preferred the convenience of an automatic gearbox. It was part of the first generation (J300) Cruze family, built on the Delta II platform, shared with other GM vehicles like the Opel/Vauxhall Astra.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cruze |
| Generation | Cruze Hatchback |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TD (163 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2011 |
| End of production | 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.7 l/100 km (27 US mpg, 32.5 UK mpg, 11.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 209 km/h (129.87 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp, 107.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 238.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 163 Hp @ 3800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 81.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1750 rpm (265.52 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | LNP |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1510 kg (3328.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2023 kg (4459.95 lbs.) |
| Max load | 513 kg (1130.97 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 413 l (14.58 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 883 l (31.18 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Length | 4510 mm (177.56 in.) |
| Width | 1789 mm (70.43 in.) |
| Height | 1477 mm (58.15 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2685 mm (105.71 in.) |
| Front track | 1544 mm (60.79 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1558 mm (61.34 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Cruze variant was the LNP 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine was a member of GM’s family of common-rail direct injection diesel engines, known for their relatively quiet operation and good fuel economy. The LNP featured a turbocharger with an intercooler, boosting power output to 163 horsepower at 3800 rpm and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque at a low 1750 rpm. The common-rail direct injection system, supplied by Bosch, allowed for precise fuel delivery and optimized combustion. The engine utilized a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, enhancing breathing and contributing to its power output. The six-speed automatic transmission, sourced from Aisin, was chosen for its smoothness and efficiency. It featured adaptive shift patterns, adjusting to driving conditions and driver input.
Driving Characteristics
The 2.0 TD Automatic Cruze Hatchback offered a comfortable and refined driving experience. The automatic transmission provided smooth gear changes, making it well-suited for city driving and long highway journeys. While not a performance-oriented variant, the 360 Nm of torque delivered good acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of around 9.3 seconds. Compared to the manual transmission version of the same engine, the automatic offered slightly reduced acceleration due to transmission losses. It also felt less engaging for drivers who preferred more control. Compared to the higher-output 1.7-liter diesel, the 2.0 TD offered more power and torque, resulting in stronger mid-range acceleration, but at the expense of slightly higher fuel consumption. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel efficiency, prioritizing comfortable cruising over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0 TD Automatic trim typically included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and alloy wheels. Safety features included ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and multiple airbags. Optional extras included a sunroof, leather upholstery, a navigation system, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a dark color scheme. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, with easy-to-read gauges and controls. The trim level sat comfortably in the middle of the Cruze Hatchback range, offering a good balance of features and affordability.
Chassis & Braking
The Cruze Hatchback featured an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. This setup provided a good compromise between ride comfort and handling. The front suspension incorporated a stabilizer bar to reduce body roll during cornering. Braking duties were handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering was a hydraulic rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback 2.0 TD Automatic received mixed reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, quiet engine, and good fuel economy. However, some critics found the interior materials to be somewhat low-rent and the handling less engaging than some of its rivals, such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. Fuel economy was competitive, averaging around 37.3 US mpg in combined driving. Reliability was generally considered average, with some reports of issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and the automatic transmission. Compared to the 1.7-liter diesel variants, the 2.0 TD offered more performance but slightly lower fuel economy.
Legacy
The Chevrolet Cruze, while not a runaway success in many markets, established Chevrolet as a more credible player in the European compact car segment. The 2.0 TD Automatic powertrain proved to be relatively durable, although regular maintenance, particularly regarding the DPF, was crucial. On the used car market, these models represent a reasonably affordable option for buyers seeking a fuel-efficient and practical hatchback. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for DPF issues and ensure the vehicle has been properly maintained. The Cruze’s impact lies in its attempt to bridge the gap between American and European automotive tastes, offering a globally-oriented product that, while imperfect, provided a solid foundation for Chevrolet’s future endeavors.
