Holden was the headline act at the Melbourne Motor Show with the local debut of the all-new Cruze compact sedan.
This is arguably the most important new car launch for 2009 as Cruze is scheduled for production alongside the Commodore at Holden’s Elizabeth plant in South Australia and hopes are high for export sales globally.
With small cars now dominating the local sales landscape, Holden desperately needs a focus on that segment and - at first glance - Cruze delivers with stylish good looks, abundant interior space and a choice of two excellent engines – a 1.8-litre petrol or a 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
On the outside Cruze four-door sedan highlights a wide track and long wheelbase with a swooping roofline. Blended together Holden says the Cruze looks like a ‘four-door coupe’.
It’s certainly a sophisticated design with a sculptured line running from the front wheel-arch to the boot and the extra-large front grille and badging which is the current global automotive design trend.
The Cruze interior is a real standout with nicely-finished instruments and driver’s accommodation accentuated by a centre-stack console for audio and climate controls. The integrated CD player has MP3 “plug and play” capability.
Cruze will be sold in two model variants – entry-level CD (petrol or diesel engines) and range-topping CDX (petrol engine only). Both models boast impressive safety features including stability and traction control, ABS anti-lock brakes with brake assist and brakeforce distribution and six airbags (driver, front passenger, front side and curtain).
Included in the extra features gained by CDX models are 17-inch alloy wheels and leather seats.
Holden will announce pricing for the Cruze lineup closer to launch date. We anticipate the CD will be priced under $20,000 with the CDX around $22,000.
