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The new Cruze is a good looker outside and inside with an assertive front and rear and coupe-like profile.
Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the new Holden Cruze CD 1.4iTi Series II.
Given the choice, you'd buy the new Holden Cruze 1.4 petrol turbo every day over the 1.8 non-turbo petrol four.
They have virtually the same power - 103kW v 104kW respectively, but the 1.4 has more torque (200Nm) delivered at just 1850rpm which translates into a much better drive feel. It has more get up and go and superior throttle response on the move while consuming less fuel, with the manual 1.4 iTi capable of 6.4-litres/100km.
VALUE
The six-speed auto adds $2000 to the manual car's $22,490 pricetag which is right in the running with the competition. You pay a couple of grand more for the 1.4 but take it from me, it's worth the money unless you can stretch to the 2.0-litre turbodiesel which is a cracker.
The 1.4-litre turbo engine is fully imported from Europe (Austria) and boasts variable valve timing and a clever turbo installation integrated into the exhaust manifold for optimum efficiency.
SAFETY
It scores a five star crash rating and passes Euro 5 emissions regulations. Holden sells this and the diesel Cruze derivatives under its "Ecoline" banner. That means low emissions and low fuel consumption - good "green" credentials.
DRIVING
We got hold of the six-speed auto 1.4iTi in base CD grade and found the auto goes with the small capacity turbo engine like a hand in a glove. It offers sequential change mode if you must but is just as good in D.
Off the line acceleration is pretty good all things considered particularly as the test car weighs in at a rather portly 1415kg.The 1.4 gains a special rear suspension called a Watts link compared with its stablemates' simple crank axle. The Watts link system gives finer control and a sportier ride.
The new Cruze is a good looker outside and inside with an assertive front and rear and coupe-like profile. The interior is a good effort for a car selling in this range but there are too many hard surfaces offset a tad by cloth inserts on the dash.
The audio is decent and there's a useful trip computer to keep you informed. We like the fact that you can put regular ULP in the tank and also goodies like auto headlights, aircon' and steering wheel controls for audio and cruise control. It's a good thing to drive, honest, quite wieldy if you feel inclined and economical. We particularly like the blue duco on the test car that makes Cruze really stand out from the crowd.
It is quite a large five seater sedan with a decent boot and full size spare under the floor. Equipment is good except for the total unavailability of Bluetooth phone connectivity in any model, and no left foot rest. Rear seat room is good for this size car.
HOLDEN CRUZE
Price: from $22,240 (auto $2000)
Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km
Service interval: 15,000km or 12-months
Economy: 6.9 l/100km; 164g/km CO2
Safety equipment: six airbags, stability and traction control, ABS, EBD
Crash rating: 5 star
Engine: 103kW/200Nm 1.4-litre 16-valve four-cylinder turbocharged petrol
Transmission: six-speed auto, front wheel drive
Body: 5-door, 5 seats
Dimensions: 4629mm (L); 1788mm (W); 1477mm (H); 2685mm (WB)
Weight: 1439kg
