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2019 Chevy Cruze to Reportedly Drop Manual Transmission

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2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The most recent batch of Chevy Cruzes might be the last to have manual transmissions

In an automotive world where manual transmissions are disappearing at an alarming rate, the Chevrolet Cruze remains one of the few mass-market sedans where driver can easily choose a stick-shift option. That might not be the case for very much longer, if recent documents from GM are to be believed, as GM’s VIN decoder document does not list a manual transmission option for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze.

Instead of carrying over the manual transmission option, it appears that the 2019 Cruze will receive a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Cruze’s current six-speed automatic transmission (nine-speed automatic for diesel options) are set to be carried over from the current Chevy Cruze.

For the 2018 model year, a six-speed manual transmission is offered for the L, LS, LT, and Diesel trims of the Cruze sedan, and LT and Diesel trims of the Cruze hatchback. The manual transmission is actually an important component of the Cruze Diesel’s impressive fuel economy.

When equipped with a manual transmission, the diesel model achieves a 52 mpg highway fuel economy score. That score drops to 45 mpg when the automatic transmission is equipped to the model. It’s currently unknown how the implementation of the CVT will affect the fuel efficiency of the Cruze Diesel.

While the Chevy Cruze might be losing its manual transmission, it is reportedly gaining a couple of new engine options. A CNG version of the Cruze’s 1.4-liter engine is listed, as is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, which currently produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for the Chevrolet Malibu.

If you want to buy a Chevy sedan that includes a manual transmission option, then the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze might just be your last opportunity.

News Source: The Truth About Cars