Designed by VM Motori, an Italian firm split 50/50 between GM and Fiat, the engine has been used in a variety of products overseas from various manufacturers.
In those markets that offer a diesel Cruze, the diesel is the range-topping powertrain. Rated at 161 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft. of torque at 2,000 rpm, the diesel is substantially more powerful and torquey than the 1.4-liter 138-horsepower gas engine that tops the North American range.