General Motors recently confirmed that it is set to release a diesel version of the Chevrolet Cruze, marking the first such passenger car introduced by a Detroit manufacturer since the 1980s. USA Today reports that GM CEO Dan Akerson says the car will hit the market in 2013.

The Cruze will be only the second passenger car, to be offered with the diesel option in the United States the other being the Volkswagen Jetta . The new version will certainly be attractive to drivers looking to boost their fuel economy, as diesel engines get between 20 to 40 percent better mileage.

"I drove it the other day. It is great," Akerson told the publication. "These new diesels are quiet. Should make it in the low- to mid-40s, and that's with an automatic."

According to the news source, the Cruze was the top selling car in the U.S. last month, and was seventh overall throughout the first six months of the year.

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