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???

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

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.

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.

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.