• Howick and Botany Times
Anybody who has followed the woes of the auto industry will know that the ‘big three’ carmakers are all in the do-do, it’s only the depth that varies.
GM has responded by axing many of its individual brands, and developing ‘world cars’ that are marketed with different badges, trim and feature specification for various markets.
Holden’s new small-car Cruze is the first example of this strategy we’ve seen.
Yes, it is Korean built, but it’d be a mistake to bag it as a rebadged Korean import.
Designed and developed globally, the project was based out of Europe. It drew on the expertise of GM divisions from many of the car’s main markets, including Australia.
If you’re trying to position Cruze, think Astra (which it is likely to replace in due course), Corolla and Focus for a size comparison.
Surprised? So were my wife Sharron and I. Cruze looks more mid-size than small, and this impression is carried through to the modern cabin where rear seat leg room is exceptional.
There’s no questioning build quality, fit and finish. The range-topping CDX auto tested here oozes safety, comfort and convenience features that belie its $32,990 price tag. (The range starts at $27,490 for the well equipped CD petrol manual)
The cabin is dominated by a large centre fascia/console, the finish of which, while of good quality, is borderline glitzy.
Ergonomics are spot on though, with the controls intuitive and easy to reach and use. They have a good solid action, which enhances the feeling of substance.
CDX boasts upmarket leather seats (front heated), and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
All models have a nice MP3 compatible audio system with iPod/auxiliary input in the centre console bin (with steering wheel controls), computer, cruise and the usual power windows.
With a five-star ANCAP safety rating, all Cruze models have six air bags, traction and stability control, ABS, brake force distribution and brake assist, and a collapsible pedal structure.
Okay, Cruze looks the part and has all the goodies, but how does it go?
Let’s start with the chassis. Ride quality is firm but good, especially over rough roads. It’s not fazed by mid-corner bumps, and proved to be a satisfactory handler through our test ‘twisty bits’.
Steering feel is better than expected (i.e. not over-assisted), but while the brakes are effective, I would have liked it bit more pedal feel and response earlier in the pedal’s travel.
Road and engine noise levels are low. At 50km/h on a steady throttle it’s so quiet one of Sharron’s friends asked if Cruze was “one of those electric cars”.
Cruze isn’t meant to be a sports car and most buyers will be happy with the way it goes, but keen drivers will find its performance a bit lethargic low down.
The 104kW and 176Nm 1.8-litre engine and six-speed automatic isn’t a happy combination when left in normal automatic mode.
There’s a lull between when the accelerator pedal is floored and things start to happen.
At 100km/h in sixth gear the engine is doing just 1600rpm, and even at 70 or 80km/h the auto will drop down a couple of gears when overtaking.
Stick it in ‘manual’ mode and it’s much better, but in my experience the novelty of ‘+ and –’ Tiptronic style shifting soon wears off. If you want a manual, buy a manual.
Initial acceleration isn’t great either way, but on the upside once rolling it does go well higher in the engine’s rev range – as long as it’s in the right gear.
Other reports suggest that the 2.0-litre diesel and auto, and 1.8-litre petrol and five-speed manual, are much better, but Times Motoring is yet to sample those combinations.
Nonetheless, Holden’s new Cruze is well built, attractive, great value for money, and having the Holden lion in the centre of the grille won’t do it any harm either.
