There has been a distinct turning of the tide for Chevrolet model sales in the US.
In 2007, four cylinder models only represented 23 per cent of the company’s sales – less than both V6 and V8 models. However, this year the number has increased to 46 per cent with fuel efficient models seen as the top choice.
Rick Scheidt, the US vice president of Chevrolet, believes the company’s investment in advanced engine technology is paying off as the technologies offer the performance and refinement drivers now expect.
It appears that customers are moving away from V8 SUVs and into V6 crossovers like the Traverse; while they are moving away from V6 cars to fuel efficient four cylinder models such as the Cruze, Malibu and Equinox.
For example, the Cruze comes with a turbocharged Ecotec 1.4litre four cylinder engine capable of delivering 138hp and 201Nm of torque as well as 42mpg on the highway. The Malibu, featuring an Ecotec 2.4litre four cylinder engine boasts 170hp and 217Nm of torque with fuel economy at 33mpg; while the Equinox with its Ecotec 2.4litre engine achieves 182hp and 233Nm of torque with 32mpg on the highway.
