HSV Cruze considered

The company has also axed its Astra VXR on the back of GM-Holdens decision to can the four-cylinder pocket-rocket and concentrate on the Cruze. HSV had previously looked at introducing both the Insignia and Corsa VXR models from Europe.

However, Phil Harding says a hot performance pair will now not happen because they would be too expensive. "The basic issue is we can't launch these cars here and place them in a competitive pricepoint,” he says.

Harding remains a big fan of both the hot supermini Corsa VXR and mid-size Insignia, having driven the Corsa in Europe, but says he will not walk into another program that would have a high price point.

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Harding says the 140kW 1.6-litre turbocharged Corsa had all the attributes expected of a HSV car with a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 6.8 seconds and top speed of more than 220km/h.

The company’s experience with the slow-selling $43,000 Astra VXR is also believed to have had some bearing on the decision not to go ahead with the other Euro models. Harding admits the Astra was always going to be a low-volume car.

With the Corsa, Insignia and Astra out of the picture, HSV is looking at the prospects of building a HSV Cruze. "I have said previously that we are very excited about Holden's decision to make a locally built Cruze," Harding says. "We are looking at what to do as a business on this model. "Remember we have three brand pillars - performance, driving enjoyment and the look."

Harding says both the Cruze sedan and hatch are being studied for HSV. “Our styling department is working on it,” Harding says. “But we have not ticked all the boxes.” Harding would not elaborate on what engine lineup could be expected but says any choice would need to meet HSV performance parameters.