The current model is advertised at 42 mpg. Next years is said to have 2 more mpg, improving economy even further. Horsepower is around 140 and torque around 150, it has just enough pep stock if driven right. I took a training class on the engine, it's a true high quality Ecotec (I don't like the N/A 1.8), altough quite small. I am thinking horsepower potential is limited due to displacement and the "turbo" is tiny with a mini integral wastegate. You really have to beat it to hear boost. However: the Sonic is a sporty model coming out soon that is exclusively 1.4t stickshift and there will be some mild tuning versions of it. That hints of a little potential. Also, there are already downpipes and aftermarket parts available for the 1.4t, unlike the crap 1.6 E-tec and the cheapy 1.8 base model. I hear of the Holden SS with a potent 1.6t and an HSV 2.0t (I've been daydreaming of a 2.0t / Cobalt SS / LNF swap into a Cruze myself...) So what's up with that??