Holden Cruze Review (SRi-V 1.4T)

R-Bone

Very nice vehicle, agree that the excellent diesel should be offered in the sri-V. Seems obvious and an oversight on Holden’s part.

Robin Graves

Paul, how can this engine pull well to 6500rpm when other articles on caradvice say that max torque AND power (which is actually physically impossible) happen at 4900rpm? Assuming its power that peaks at 4900rpm, going any higher than ~5300rpm is a waste of time. Can you clarify on this point? My feeling is that this engine would be fairly good for commuting as apposed to the lacking 1.8 but not suited to a ‘sports’ orientated model at all – even less so than the diesel.

Qwerty

I am not a fan of Cruze, but I think I can answer this. Max Torque graphs of engines usually flatten out at the stated rpm and stay there until a slightly higher rev. So the graph for this engine would look as rising to and then flatten out at 200NM from 4900rpm to 6500rpm and then drop off (using your figures). Using old time DOS graphics on an X-Y axis it would look like this:)

NM 4900rpm 6500rpm
200 /—————\
^ / \
^ / \
^ / \
^ / \
^ / \–
^–/ \—
RPM low to high >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
- Qwerty
  
  ooops, that DOS graphics did not work….. WYSIWYG
  - http://www.caradvice.com.au Anthony Crawford
    
    Max Torque is very strong on the 1.4iTi, peaking from 1850-4900rpm. So yes, the SRi IS very much a performance variant.
    - Robin Graves
      
      So if torque drops off after 4900rpm, max power would be in the vicinity of 5300-5500. Why bother revving it any higher?
Benjie

You need to have your spectacles checked.

It doesn’t say anywhere in the article that the engine pulls all the way to 6500rpm?

I’m also assuming you’ve driven the car? Probably not.
- Robin Graves
  
  “The 1.4-litre unit starts off quietly at launch and progressively develops a raspy growl as the revs climb to the 6500rpm crescendo. The most impressive aspect of the engine is that the torque delivery doesn’t taper off until very late in the piece, giving the driver an amazing rev band to play with”
  
  Comprehension not a strong point there Benjie? Maybe you should have paid more attention in class instead of drawing pictures of Crummydores and making vroom vroom noises. Have you driven the car? Apart from some positive-spinning review people – not many others have.
  - Benjie
    
    Surely you’re not that slow?
    
    Re-read the paragraph. There is absolutely no mention that the engine pulls well to 6500rpm. It says it goes well until late in the piece.
    
    But, if you’d like to continue reading it that way, go for it.
    
    Like I said, you haven’t driven it so have clearly no grounds for comment. If it makes you feel better though, by all means, be my guest. You’re only making yourself look like a royal twat.
    - Robin Graves
      
      Get off your high horse and think about the paragraph, He revs it to 6500rpm and the torque doesnt taper off until late in the piece. Hello? Do you speak engrish? I hope you can lift heavy things and dig holes because you clearly aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
    - Carl Johnson
      
      Well Benjie your the one that should re-read the paragraph after you have gotten a new pair of glasses because and I quote”The 1.4 litre starts off quietly at launch and progressively develops a raspy growl as the revs climb to the 6500rpm !!! crescendo” and that the torque delivery doesn’t taper off until late in the piece.
      It says both that it pulls however well to 6500rpm and that it goes well until late in the piece.
      As I have quoted it clearly states that it will pull to 6500rpm and since I doubt that you have driven it either your no orthority either so you should look at yourself in the mirror before you go calling anyone else a twat twat.
Paul Maric

Hi Robin.

As others have mentioned prior to me, I never suggested the car has a rev band beyond the physically possible.

I said (and you should re-read my statement to clarify) that it pulls quite well until late in the piece. As in, it pulls very well until late in the rev band and makes good use of the available torque from the turbocharger.

I never suggested it does the impossible and keeps providing maximum torque beyond the maximum.
- Carl Johnson
  
  With all due respect I’d like to point out that and I quote.
  “That the 1.4 litre starts off quietly at launch and progressively develops a raspy growl as the revs climb to the 6500rpm cresendo”, and then you go on to say that the torque delivery doesn’t taper off until late in the piece.
  Now as I have quoted you definatly mention 6500rpm and the fact that you say and I quote again ” as the revs climb to the 6500rpm crescendo” would indicate to anyone that it does reach 6500rpm.
  So however well it may pull to that 6500rpm mark this is what your article has indicated.
  - Aussie bender
    
    Carl it seems you have confused the description pertaining to sound with the desciption of torque.

Dennis

I did a quick search on Youtube

A mob is the US are already modding the 1.4 Turbo lol.

“Stock numbers were 116 hp at the wheels. We are up to 166 whp.(on our Mustang dyno)”(ZZ Performance)

john

So what is the automatic like with this engine? Your statement,

“while a respectable six-speed automatic takes care of the twin-pedal brigade”

Doesn’t really say much at all.

Lester

Well, not a fan for small car, but this is such a great job for Holden, not so sure this will be bulit here in Adelaide or SKorea. No mater where, I believe Toyota better have some serious change for corrala.
Why GM not bring a TDI engine of Omega or Malibu?

SCOOB

LOVE THE NEW CRUISE SRI & SRI-V SEEN A BLACK ONE WITH 18 OR 19″ WHEELS AND LOWERED BODY SKIRTING WITH REAR SPOILER & LEDS IN LOWER FRONT BAR AT A DEARLER THE OTHER DAY NICE!!! BUT GOTTO SAY COME ON HOLDEN SERIUOSLY A 1.4L TURBO PETROL THE BASE PETROL HAD A 1.8LT 104KW ID CONSIDER MAKING A SERIES 11 SRI SRI-V THIS TIME WITH THE 1.8LT PETROL BUT MAKING THAT TURBOCHARGED SO AT LEAST IT SHOULD THEN HAVE 130-150KW

deco

I believe that when the hatch arrives, the 1.6l t s seen in the European Astra is going to find it’s home in the Cruze range.
Devil’s Advocate

No need to shout Scoob, some punctuation would also be nice to demonstrate your parents didn’t waste their money sending you to school. That was almost too painful to read and understand…
- Danny
  
  wasnt shouting just accidently left caps lock on thats all
Caps Lock

YEAH MATE… IT’S SICK AYE…..
Bernie K

First up I have driven the 1.4L turbo cruze just this week! And yes I agree with Scoob. Because it lacks the power I expected in a sports model. It really is much the same as 1.8L CDX in power performance. 130 – 150KW is where it should be to make this model a really tempting buying decision.
- Ray H
  
  I have just purchased the SRI-V this morning. I drove a 1.4iti manual for about 100km through varying terrain, and found, while not a pocket rocket, it did everything I wanted with no fuss. Will have to wait 6 weeks for delivery due to the demand. A job well done by Holden (and if at a later date I want more power, then there are many performance tuners around)

Gnoel

Any chance of the high output 1.6turbo for the sri turbo badge model? And then a 2.0 turbo for the HSV version?

Dmac

Any idea what 0-100 time is for the diesel and 0-100 time for the 1.4T in Auto?

No mentions of these sprint times anywhere….. I wouldnt be interested in a Cruze if it couldnt do this is less than 9.5s, My Falcon G6 does 7.2 thats hard to give up and go for +10!!!!

Goodfa

Every test of the series 1 complained about the petrol engine yet not one review of the series II has acceleration figures of the 1.4t compared to the 1.8.

You would think that would be the first thing they would do!
- Bent 8 Brigade
  
  There’s more qualities to an engine than just 0-100. I wouldn’t expect any great difference to the 1.8 but the 1.4 should be more usable and refined.
- md
  
  how can you even compare a cruze to a g6. they’re completely different cars, engines, markets. good joke
nickdl

Somehow I don’t think it will fly like a G6…
- Sumpguard
  
  ….or use fuel like it.

delux

When will you be doing a comprehensive review of the entire range?

Me

Hey Paul,
Saw you driving the Series II Walkinshaw SS last night on the Geelong Princes Highway. When can we expect to see this online?

Cheers.

Paul Maric

Well spotted

Hopefully the review will be published in the coming week and a bit.

The battery was getting very flat due to leaving the radio playing during photos, so I had to make a quick dash on the highway to recharge a bit.

Shak

Nice review of the Cruze there CA, but i find your comments on the auto a bit lacking. Other sites have commented that in heavy city driving with constant throttle inputs and letting off the throttle, the gearbox can get slightly flustered and may downshift to far so as to try and engage engine braking, and in some cases may aim for economy when it shouldnt be. Maybe it was just that one test car, but they didnt like it in the 1.8, but felt it was brilliant in the Diesel. What do you guys reckon about those two offerings?

Paul Maric

Sure thing, I’m happy to comment further on the auto.

In my opinion it’s a great unit. It’s well matched to the 1.4T, but even better matched to the diesel.

The only criticism I could point out is the lack of sport mode (well that I could find anyway). The only option was to manually shift gears, which I wasn’t too keen on.

In stop/start traffic, I had no issues with the shifting pattern. It could have been isolated to one of the launch vehicles.

With such a fluid and easy to use six-speed manual, you’d really have to be a manual-hater – so to speak – to give it a miss for the auto. In that regard the auto isn’t bad, just not as good as the manual.
- Shak
  
  Thanks for that mate!

Max Power

What an ugly, unimaginative car. The interior is disgusting, Cheap korean crap built in Australia. Clearly this vehicle is designed for the Holden loyal diehards and anyone stupid enough to buy into Holdens support an Australian comapny propaganda. With Holden badge the range costs $20990 to $29990. Put the Daewoo badge on it that it should have, the range would cost $11990 to $21990.
Not sure what part of the interior gives the car the European feel, it looks very much Korean in those photos.

http://Stig paulb

Max all vechles in that class seem to look similar to each other.Cruze is more than competitive in looks and style.
Cruzy

That might be your opion Max Power “what an ugly, unimaginative car” but we can’t all have the same taste. As a Holden Cruz SRIv owner I can say it is a beautiful looking and very comfortable car to drive. Take a look at how many are on the road. I get asked by lots of people what this car is like and I also get a huge number of compliments on how lovely this car looks. The interior is classy and the features are awesome……I owned and drove two Mazda 3′s before owning this car and I have to say the interior of the Cruz is by far better than the Mazda’s I had. We all have our own opinions but your words are very harsh and unappreciated.
- wre
  
  he’s just too scared to drive one full stop. Wonder what he drives

http://Stig paulb

Everything you read and see about the new Cruze looks great.Critics of local manufacturing will say we cant build a small vechle in oz.Holden well done.

JEKYL & HYDE

i can’t think of any reason why holden can’t put the watts link rear end in the diesel,with a (say r.s.chevy) bodykit,and say some 18″ alloys.no brainer.and at least my p-plater son could drive it…

Anthony

Holden have already done a deal to secure exemption for p platers in the 1.4 turbo. so your p plater son can drive it and allianz has jumped on board with Holden and will not be charging an extra premium for the car beacause of the turbo. so P platers are all safe.
- JEKYL & HYDE
  
  exactly where is this info???…
  - Anthony
    
    It came from the director of marketing for GM Holden at the launch for the series 2 captiva and series 2 Cruze. so unless he lied to us at the launch i would say that the exemption is there.
    - Shak
      
      It is, only QLD will persist with banning this harmless and entirely safe car from being used by the most vulnerable road users.

Frenchie

No bluetooth on the SRI-V? Does Holden know something that us general public don’t know. I’m suggesting that the powers that be (government) is going to change the law on using bluetooth?

Chris

Yeah, what’s the deal with the Bluetooth? Is it even an option? On the US model, it’s either available as a $275 option or a standard feature. I’m hanging out to get one, but if there’s no Bluetooth, a simple feature like Bluetooth, they can forget it. It’s the 21st century, after all. Hmmm, I wonder if the 9-speaker Pioneer premium sound system from the US model be compatible with the Australian-built Cruze…
- Sumpguard
  
  So you’d bypass this car because of a $135 aftermarket accessory that works just as well. That would be pretty stupid.
  
  …….and Frenchie they are very much in discussion about banning phones in cars.
  - Chris
    
    Well there’s a blank plate on the steering wheel and it’s standard across half of the range in the US, but I’m expected to settle for some aftermarket accessory? I don’t think so. Is integrated Bluetooth really that much to ask for?

Des

That’s the best looking front ive seen on any holden. the grill is nice.

http://www.google.com/ Kaiden

wrHduH I’m out of league here. Too much brain power on display!

Tony

Went to test drive cars today for my sister inlaw, and the cruze was at the top of the list. Until I got to the showroom. I bumped my head getting in and thought it was just me. I lowered the seat right down and got it in my normal driving position and attempted to get out again. Whack. Now I am 5’11″ so not overly tall, and thought this cant be right, however after attempting the same thing sevral times, it just felt awkward to get in and out of.

And then I tried the back seat. Well I thought I might have to dislocate my neck to get in and out of that. So when the salesman finally came out to see if he could sell me a car, I just said that I has seen enough and walked away. Am I the only one, or has anybody else had this problem with this car?

Very Happy

im 6 foot tall and have never once hit my head in the 12 months ive owned my cruze so you got me beat how you hit your head
Gavin

i’m 6 foot as well and well loved the head room with he cruzw my inlaws have a merc and i het my head every time getting in and out the cruse feels grat to sit in can twait until they gat a model im looking at to teat drive.. ? what is teh benifit of the Link performace suspenion and why is it not offered accros the range
- Gavin
  
  sorry about the spelling i have had a brain injury

Scott

WISH LIST – I love the features of the SRi-V, but I want the diesel engine.
I want keyless entry, sports body kit, 7″ color screen and navigation system with the premium audio system. I also wanted the option for a genuine Holden sunroof. This would have made a sweet sweet package.
Anyone at Holden listening?
I’m really annoyed because I’m only about a month away from buying a CDX. I’m going to have to think really hard if I can live with grunt of the diesel or the revving of the SRi-V. I drive this from Melbourne to Ballarat and it’s a constant climb. The diesel would do it so well.
Oh and for the previous comment on the 5ft11 person hitting his head… I’m 6ft2 and I haven’t had a problem getting in at all, and it’s one thing I’m always looking for in small cars (Head space).

Sumpguard

I test drove one of the series 1 cars and I too am over 6 feet tall and it was not an issue for me.

Zac

Has anybody had a problem with a delivery with the Sri-V my order has been in since mid May and they keep telling me it has been pushed back because of high demand and the last I heard from the dealer that they have discontinued 2 or 3 of the colours already if Holden is NOT capable to deliver this car they should tell they dealers to stop selling this cars and stop locking people in to contracts!
Not impressed at all !!!!!!!!!

Dave

Totally agree with what you say. I ordered the SRiV in mid may and was told by my dealer that now the delivery date is 25 august. What can we do???

Rick

I work in a holden dealership, it’s insane how many of these little gems we sell, holden has shown they are more than the commodore company, i’ve ordered my wife the SRI-V, she will be coming out of an VE SV6 wagon SIDI and was thrilled with the cruze power & handling as well as the feature list, any Mazda or Toyota buyers in the same segment would be well served in putting the cruze on the shopping list

Gavin

Hi Rick im still waitign for our local dear to rign me for a test driceit been 3 weeks now might go look at aother brands, it seen that not all holden dealers are keen to make a sale of a cruise.. let me know wat your thorts are or wher i can get some good old customer service from Gavin
- Gavin
  
  sorry about the spelling have have issues with that from an acadent

Patrick

I drove the SRi-V 1.4 Turbo manual yesterday and i must say it was very nice to drive and it comes with a lot but what is doesn’t come with will more than likely stop me buying it and that is bluetooth. I looked at the mazda maxx sport that is cheaper and that comes with sat nav and bluetooth hands free. Holden take note, add what every other car maker gives as standard and more will buy.

Hagarf12

2013 sri-v has blue tooth factory fitted

Zac

Hi Patrick
You are right it is absolutely a beautiful car inside , outside and also to drive I’m waiting for mine (Sri-V) to come in but don’t let something like Bluetooth stop you from buying one I got one put in original Holden one by the dealer everything comes on the screen still. Zac

David

Holden Cruze Sri-V or the new Hyundai Elanta Premium?

F1MotoGP

Holden Cruze Sri-V

Zac

Holden Cruze Sri-V any time over Hayndai Elanta Premium!!!!

David

why?

scott b

I have owned a SRI-V for the last 3 months, 6 sp manual, drives great, has bluetooth as an option and if you screw the dealers you can have this installed free of charge.

Can’t fault this car at all, drives better than our VE SSV Sportswagon and our VT Senator Signature Series Wagon.

Fuel Economy, if we only do what we have to and don’t drive out of town, we only have to fill the tank 13 times for the year, gets better economy than the Hyundai.

My other car has a 355 stroker with huge cam and alot of engine work done it is rougly 4 times the physical size in cubic capacity and yet the SRI-V develops 1/3 the physical KW’s at the wheels, i would say that’s not bad for 1.4L engine. If you want something faster, buy something with a larger engine. And for the idiots that say a SRI-V engine will not rev to 6500rpm, mine has no problem in the first 3 gears getting there and the power drops off a little above 5000rpm but not much, what do some people expect out of a 1.4L engine?

Ryan

Sri-V Auto or CDX Diesel Auto???

Digger

No power seats is a pity, but I can live with that. How about a SRI-V with the diesel motor?. Then you’d have me!!!!.

nickdl

Write a letter to Holden and tell a few dealers. Holden caved in to popular demand two years ago and brought out the CDX diesel. Should be much easier to do this time as the car is now being made here rather than Korea.

Adele

ive just bought the SRI-V and i am in love with it. i dont need a fast as car other wise i would have bought a v8.
this little car has all the comfort that you need and look sexy as
i just wish it has bluetooth

Hazo

averaging 8.6lt/100km at average speed of 57km/hr.holden said you can get 6.4lt/100.I’ve travelled around 3000km.also the satnav needs a bit of work

Richard Clapperton

i am about to own the jh my12 series just waiting for it to come up off the assembly line in adelaide to queensland, i fell in love with it after driving the SRI it was lowered and had 18 inch alloys man that car just grabbed you as soon as you opened the door it was comfort and luxury, if you havent had a spin in one even if your not on the market for one take one for a test drive you will be plesantly surprised, i dont mind stepping down from my 97 vt acclaim (though i will miss the old girl) the seats just seem to wrap you up as soon as you sit in them and you dont have that awkward feeling you first get when drive an unfamiliar car its comfortable all the way

dan

beautifull looking car nice interior exterior, if i had the choice id prefer 1.8l petrol version place a garrett t25/t28 turbo ,front mount cooler,2.5″ exhaust should cost you about $5000 finished but you end up with around 160+ kw loads of torque

wre

I have sat inside a cruze millions of time in the last 2 days, interior is more sleek than the toyota cars i have seen .

Darwin Granny

I am looking at buying a SRV i petrol or diesel I live in Darwin what do you lot recomend

Rachel o

Petrol. I have petrol and use the 98% and get on average 700 km per tank and I do mainly city drives. On long distance I got almost 1000km
Shak

Depends do you want sporty or luxury or both. SRi-V is a mix of sports and luxury, while the CDX (which can be had in diesel, the SRi models cannot) is focused on luxury.

Brandon

not too expensive at all. the review gives me the perfect chance to buy the sri-v. according to the review it sounds like my favourite car. not expensive and it has loads of stuff.

Rachel o

Very reasonable for all the features it has
- wre
  
  the holden cruise equipe also packs a lot of extras into the car as well, incl. bluetooth (for all tech lovers)

Rachel o

I bought the new sriv and I love it. Fantastic on fuel, great nav system , love the heated seats, love the whole car however being a year and two days old the steering column ‘failed’ and was replaced. Apart from that very happy with the car. Disappointed with the particular place I bought its service but hey I’ll get it done else where

Teg0_0

I also bought the new sriv and love it. I’m a 40ish female that’s recently gotten my P’s and this car is so easy to drive, has heaps of space for my two teenage boys and I feel confident with the safety provided, thanks Holden it’s a winner.

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