2014 Chevrolet Cruze

The all-new 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel uses a turbocharging feature called "overboost," but still gets the best highway fuel economy of any non-hybrid passenger car in America.

The 2014 Cruze Diesel's turbocharged 2.0L engine delivers a segment-leading 151 horsepower and 264 lb.-ft. of torque, yet overboost can increase torque to 280 lb.-ft. for about 10 seconds of stronger acceleration. That's the equivalent torque delivered by the 1972 Camaro Z28's heavier 5.7L V-8.

Unlike the muscle car era, the 2014 Cruze Diesel marries that quick burst to a segment-leading EPA-estimated 46 mpg highway, and demonstrated range of 717 miles on one tank of fuel.

Chevy Cruze's 2.0L turbo-diesel provides greater fuel economy than a comparably sized gasoline engine through greater thermal efficiency, a higher compression ratio and an unthrottled combustion process. It features an iron cylinder block and a forged steel crankshaft, each designed to stand up to the greater cylinder pressures that come with a turbo-diesel engine. A lightweight aluminum cylinder head and aluminum intake manifold contribute to the engine's ability to deliver balanced ride and handling.

Turbocharging is an increasingly popular choice with automakers and car buyers. According to LMC Automotive, a provider of automotive forecasts, turbo-charged passenger vehicle production in North America is expected to double by 2018, from 14 percent in 2013 to 29 percent, mainly due to increased diesel production, as well as four-cylinder turbo gas engines replacing V6 engines.