With the elimination of Volkswagen diesel models, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel is one of the few remaining options for buyers seeking a mainstream-priced diesel car.

The second-generation Cruze Diesel was confirmed last year, but the initial sedan variant is only just now going on sale.

We now know that the 2017 Cruze Diesel sedan will achieve an EPA-rated 30 mpg city, 52 highway, and 37 combined.

DON'T MISS: Chevrolet Cruze Diesel prices released, from $24,670 up (update) (Dec 2016)

Those figures apply to models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, which will be standard equipment on the Cruze Diesel.

Chevy will also offer a new 9-speed automatic as an option, and with that transmission the Cruze Diesel sedan is rated at 31 mpg city, and 47 highway.

The combined rating for the automatic is identical to the manual, at 37 mpg.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Sedan

2017 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel Sedan

The sole engine option for the 2017 Cruze Diesel is a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which sends 137 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels.

Pricing for the 2017 Cruze Diesel sedan starts at $24,670 (including destination), which represents a $2,750 premium over a comparable gasoline-powered Cruze.

ALSO SEE: GM debuts 9-speed automatic, offering 2-percent efficiency improvement (Dec 2016)

Note that the diesel model isn't available the same lower-level L and LS trims as the gasoline version, meaning it starts at the higher LT trim level.

It also comes standard with the Convenience package that is optional on the gasoline Cruze LT.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The Cruze Diesel sedan will be followed by a hatchback version, which will go on sale later this year as a 2018 model.

While other automakers are rethinking their U.S. diesel plans in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, GM appears to be doubling down.

CHECK OUT: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox crossover: only turbo engines, diesel optional (Sep 2016)

The company launched diesel versions of its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks shortly after news of VW's emissions-test cheating broke.

It got a special letter from the EPA certifying that the trucks met emissions standards.

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

2017 Chevrolet Cruze

In addition to the Cruze Diesel sedan and hatchback, GM plans to launch diesel versions of its Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers in the coming months.

Chevy is expected to target current VW TDI owners with marketing for the Cruze Diesel.

MORE: Chevy confirms diesel Cruze, looks to capitalize on VW's loss (Oct 2016)

The majority of those owners will sell their Volkswagen diesels back to the automaker under settlements approved by a federal judge.

The situation may help Chevy boost sales over the previous-generation Cruze diesel model, which was never a strong seller.

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