GM Officially Launches Cruze Diesel

Yes, it should be. I didn't even think about that when I labeled it "HC+NOx" in Excel. But you're correct, it includes more than just "hydrocarbons" (HC).

I think the reason EPA doesn't consider methane is that it doesn't participate to any significant degree in the ground-level ozone production pathway. It is a GHG though as you point out

 

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In addition, DEF fluid is not cheap! Cruze diesel will have: 17-liter (4.46-gallon) DEF tank,
Amazon.com: BLUE DEF - DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID - 1 GALLON: Automotive

 

The 2.5gal box is under $12.00 at Wal-mart, and a truck station will have it cheaper from a pump. Besides, the DEF tank 'range' is measured in thousands of miles. So the added cost will be seen by most during an oil change.

 

I get my DEF at local truck stops for $2.699/gallon. DEF refill is part of the free maintenance agreement, but I've had to add a few gallon on a few occasions between the service intervals.

 

I don't what your DEF consumption is, but have read it's anywhere between 1% to 3% of diesel fuel use, 3% is for diesel trucks.

 

It sounds like you need to fill the tank every 10,000 miles. I'm guessing someone like jiffy lube might to that for $30 more if you don't want to do it yourself with an oil change.

IMHO diesel torque is more of an advantage in driver feel for those buying manual transmissions. It will be interesting to see how this does in an automatic only setting, and to see if cruze diesel reliability is higher than jetta tdi reliability. I'm skeptical of large sales volume of this but hopeful. There are those that won't buy a hybrid but will buy a diesel and we should let the market decide.

 

There are TDI owners out there that have had enough of VW but still like diesels. I wouldn't be surprised if Chevy and Mazda see a fair amount of ex-VW owners buying them. The last two VW TDIs were falling apart on me.