The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze EPA fuel-economy ratings beat those of all gasoline versions of the previous-generation model.
The second-generation Cruze was unveiled last June, and shown in China before that, but is just now going on sale throughout the U.S..
It achieves a best of 30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway, 35 mpg combined, making good on Chevy's promise that the 2016 Cruze would achieve at least 40 mpg highway.
DON'T MISS: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Sedan Unveiled; 40-MPG Highway Rating Promised (Jun 2015)
That's with the 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that is currently the only one available, and a 6-speed automatic transmission.
This engine produces 153 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to the front wheels.
A 6-speed manual gearbox is also available on the base model; that version of the Cruze is rated at 29 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, 33 mpg combined.
![2016 Chevrolet Cruze 2016 Chevrolet Cruze](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2016-chevrolet-cruze_100516183_l.jpg)
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
The highway rating drops to 40 mpg in the top Cruze Premier model, which is only offered with the 6-speed automatic.
The 2016 Cruze beats all standard versions of the previous-generation Cruze by a fair margin.
It even inches past the efficiency-focused 2015 Cruze Eco model, powered by an older 1.4-liter turbo engine.
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That model was rated at 28 mpg city, 42 mpg highway, 33 mpg combined when fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission
With a 6-speed automatic, it gets 26 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, 31 mpg combined.
Previous-generation models, including the Eco, are still available but now wear the Cruze Limited name.
![2016 Chevrolet Cruze 2016 Chevrolet Cruze](https://images.hgmsites.net/lrg/2016-chevrolet-cruze_100516176_l.jpg)
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
The improvements in the new 2016 Cruze sedan are due in part to a lower drag coefficient of 0.29, and a lower weight than the previous model.
The new body cuts weight by around 250 pounds in most versions, according to Chevy.
The previous-generation diesel model still has the advantage in highway fuel economy, though, at 46 mpg.
MORE: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Will Add Hatchback As Well As Sedan, Following Ford, Honda (Sep 2015)
Chevy says it will launch a new Cruze diesel in early 2017, so a direct comparison with the outgoing model can be made then.
A five-door hatchback will also join the existing four-door sedan for the 2017 model year.
We'll be driving the new 2016 Cruze shortly, and will bring you our driving impressions as soon as we have them.
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