2009 Holden Cruze – First Steer
May 19, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Update: 2009 Holden Cruze Review
2009 Holden Cruze – First Steer
The small car just got serious
- by Matt Brogan
The small car just got serious – at least that’s what GM Holden tells us – but would a day behind the wheel prove the latest competitor in the small/mid-sized market has what it takes to tackle the rivals head on?
Holden has done its homework with Cruze and thanks to some clever engineering and thorough thinking, has managed to co-produce a global car that is “right” for the Australian market, and indeed the segment in which it aims to compete.
What does “right” mean exactly? Does it mean “just good enough”? Is my “right” somebody elses’ left? And just what is it the Australian market wants?
They’re big questions, loaded in fact, but when you weigh up exactly what people expect from cars in this end of the market, versus what they’re likely to get for the price, then serious is a pretty good way to describe the new Cruze, though that doesn’t mean it isn’t any fun.
Exterior styling aims to provide owners with a sporty, sophisticated look while at the same time retaining key family styling cues, such as Holden’s trapezoidal grill.
In profile the Cruze features both convex and concave curves to offer a unique yet modern design language while at the same time reducing the number of seams and gaps for an all round better finish (all gaps less than 3mm).
At the rear, dual circular lamps sit within a red tinted lens assembly outboard of a chrome garnish that defines the bootlid’s waist line. The bootlid also serves purpose as being specially designed to act as an aerodynamically efficient trailing edge for the car further reducing drag and saving fuel.
With a wide stance, and short overhangs the stylish exterior appearance really only tells half of the story when it comes to the design, and overall fit and finish of this car with just as much thought behind the scenes as is presented outwardly.
The first thing you’ll notice is an impressive improvement in the level of attention to detail – one point certain to win back a few Red Lion fans.
All aperture seams and welds are concealed for a better visual perception of quality, rubber bonnet seals reduce frontal wind noise as do fibreglass linings within the door carcass, triple sealed windows and an improved seal system around the windscreen, which also helps limit water contamination to the side glass.
Cruze is available in eight different paint finishes (two solid and six metallic) and features 16-inch steel wheels on the base-spec CD and 17-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec CDX.
Paint colours are as follows:
- Arctic White
- Chilli Red
- Mercury Silver (M)
- Pewter Grey (M)
- Light Gold (M)
- Carbon Flash Black (M)
- Iced Blue (M)
- Moroccan Blue (M)
Once inside the Cruze aims to create a sporty, comfortable and spacious “dual-cockpit” layout which has drawn influence from all GM markets during its conception.
Retaining similar styling themes as found externally on the vehicle – such as trapezoidal shaping (note centre air-conditioning/infotainment stack) and tight tolerances – the Cruze offers many features as standard that some rivals consider “extras” or simply do not offer at all.
A tilt/slide adjustable three-spoke steering wheel offers a thick grip, leather clad on CDX, along with both audio and cruise controls, which are incidentally standard on both model grades.
The use of all available space is evident through Cruze’s many storage compartments as is the obvious maximising of available cabin space, perhaps most noticeably in the offering of 917mm of rear leg room.
The driving position is comfortable, the pedal box well positioned and reduction in wind and road noise pleasing on all but the most coarse of rural roads.
Instrumentation is logical and concise while still offering a full-trip computer to compliment the four-gauge layout.
Featuring intuitive, simple and logically placed controls and switch gear the Cruze is afforded a pleasant, clean and modern decor using a mixture of colours and textures through all inter-relating materials to assist in a feeling of fluidity and refinement not usually found in cars of this price range.
The base model Cruze CD offers a two-tone sports mesh (cloth) trim with silver and matt black highlights while the CDX gains heated leather upholstery, gloss highlights with chrome and silver accents.
Both Cruze models feature an MP3 compatible single CD tuner with iPod connectivity, express up/down power windows with anti-pinch function, two flip keys, delayed theatre style cabin lighting, full trip computer, cruise control and 60:40 split fold rear seats with a built-in articulating arm rest.
CDX gains front fog lamps, the afore mentioned heated leather trim, rear park assist, and dusk sensing headlamps.
Notably, Cruze misses out on Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, a six-CD stacker and satellite navigation – even as optional equipment.
Cargo capacity on all Cruze (sedan) variants is 400 litres with the seats up.
Interior Dimensions are as follows:
- Leg: 1074mm(F)/917 (R)
- Shoulder: 1391(F)/1370 (R)
- Head: 999 (F)/963 (R)
Under the bonnet Cruze features the choice of petrol or diesel four-cylinder engines mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select – though we should point out that at this stage, the diesel is only available in CD spec.
The engines are set in a four-mount cradle and are mounted on a slight angle, specifically tuned to the engine’s inherent torque axis, so as to minimise the transfer of vibration and noise.
The 1.8-litre Family I, Generation III petrol unit manages 104kW at 6200rpm with thanks to dual continuously variable valve timing, twin continuously adjustable camshafts and a two-step intake manifold with a rotary sleeve (instead of flaps) to minimise any flow losses.
Developing 176Nm of torque, 90 per cent of which is available from between 2200rpm and 6200rpm, the engine isn’t exactly a powerhouse, but manages to achieve decent performance if kept in the upper reaches of the tach.
The petrol engine is capable of running on 91 – 98 RON fuel and is E10 compatible.
However, for my money the pick of the pair is easily the 2.0-litre, intercooled, turbo-diesel unit that utilises common-rail injection and a variable geometry turbo to develop 110kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm, which again offers 90 per cent of its power across a wide band – this time between 1750rpm and 3500rpm.
The diesel engine meets Euro-4 emission regulations and is fitted with a particulate filter than remains maintenance free for the life of the car.
My only drama with the diesel is that there is a noticeable amount of turbo lag, particularly with the manual variant, though adapting your driving style should see this minimised. Service intervals are 12 months/15,000kms for either engine.
Fuel economy returns are as follows:
- 7.0 litres per 100km (petrol manual)
- 7.5 litres per 100km (petrol automatic)
- 5.7 litres per 100km (diesel manual)
- 6.8 litres per 100km (diesel automatic)
With the long wheelbase and wide track, as we touched on earlier, the Cruze feels very stable on the road. Cornering is nimble, sharp and well balanced thanks to a MacPherson Strut (F)/Torsion Beam (R) suspension arrangement specifically tuned for Australian conditions.
Steering feel too is excellent, a true highlight of the car, remaining positive and well weighted on centre with a sporty, linear feel with ample levels of feedback through the turns (turning circle 10.9 metres).
Large diameter discs brakes provide capable stopping with an organic brake pad lining enhancing what’s already a terrific pedal feel while at the same time extending pad life and reducing brake noise.
The ride is firm, but I would stop short of saying stiff, though with such positive road holding characteristics I’m sure few buyers will mind.
On a practical note, and perhaps an indication of Holden’s desire to cater for the local market with Cruze, petrol models come standard with a 16-inch steel spare wheel while diesel models are afforded a tyre inflation kit.
The good news is that for diesel customers wanting the reassurance of a proper spare wheel, one is available as a no cost option (this is not provided as standard so as to reduce weight).
Exterior dimensions are as follows:
- Length: 4597mm
- Width: 1788mm (excludes mirrors)
- Height: 1477mm
- Track: 1544mm (F) / 1558mm (R)
Safety was a strong priority throughout Cruze’s 27 month and US$4 billion development process with some 221 prototypes trialled.
Cruze faced more simulated crash tests than almost any other car in its category and, as you can see from the picture above, was also crashed in the lab by Australia’s own ANCAP engineers.
With dual front, side and curtain airbags (no knee airbag available), collapsible pedals, ESP with Traction Control and ABS with EBD standard across the range – in addition to the generous use of high tensile steel in its frame (65 per cent) – the Cruze scored 35.04 from a possible 37 points to achieve a five-star (from a maximum of five) ANCAP rating.
Cruze hopes to attract buyers of all demographics but expects most buyers to be young, professional couples looking for a stylish, safe, fun and economical car that represents exceptional value for money – and I for one wish them well.
The Cruze represents a new style of thinking from Holden and is a vast improvement on recent “badge engineered” examples from the Daewoo camp.
Provided buyers can see the car for what it is in such a crowded market place, there’s no reason Cruze won’t sell in droves.
Recommended Retail Pricing is as follows:
- Cruze CD (Petrol) - $20,990 (M) / $22,990 (A)
- Cruze CD (Diesel) – $23,990 (M) / $25,990 (A)
- Cruze CDX (Petrol) – $23,990 (M) / $25,990 (A)
CarAdvice will carry out full road tests of a number of Cruze models in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
Print it: 
IF YOU READ THE ATICLES ON THIS CAR YOU WOULD HAVE READ IT IS BEING BUILT IN AUSTRALIA NEXT YEAR JAN-FEB AND THERE WILL BE A HATCH RELEASED AND IF YOU RELLY LOOK AND A HATCH THERE IS NO REAL ROOM IN THE BOOT FOR THE VERY DAY PERSON. I HAVE DRIVEN ONE OF THE MANUAL DIESEL AND HAVE DRIVEN THE YARIS MANUAL AND THE CRUZE OUT WAY THE YARIS FOR SAFTY AND PERFORMANCE.
Toyota Camry’s are built in Australia… does that make them an Australian car?
And the Mitsubishi 380 was, until recently, built here too… does that make it an Australian car even though it is an American designed Galant bolt for bolt?
Oh and while I’m at it, some Datsun 180B’s were built here too… they Australian cars too are they?
Building the Cruze here next year, will not suddenly make it an Australian MADE car… it makes it a Daewoo, built here.
Its still a Daewoo and you ask me. $22,000 new 7years ago and can’t get $2,000 for it now. Buy one and it will cost you later. Don’t say nobody told ya……
What I notice from the majority of comments here are:
1. Card carrying Holden haters.
2. Pre-pubescent tweenies who have never driven a car in their lives.
3. Uninformed redneck hillbillies.
4. Card carrying Fordophiles.
5. Card carrying retards.
6. Card carrying Korean haters.
Firstly with the car being built here it WILL create Australian Jobs
Secondly I would venture to say Koreans can put a car together better than we can.
Third the car was designed an engineered everywhere BUT Korea(Australia and Europe) and is only assembled in Korea.
Fourth the Focus is an old granny styled piece of crap.
Fifth yes the epica, viva and barina are also pieces of crap and a quick fix rebadge of Daewoos, unlike the Cruze.
Sixth rather than just look at the spec sheet actually go out and have a look at and drive the car and stop trying to compare it to a Ferrari or BMW or whatever. Have a look at the car in its own price bracket.
My wife is looking at buying a new car and has narrowed the field down to Cruze CDX and Golf Trendline. I think only the Golf is the better overall car in this size.
Bruce – Holden haven’t actually started building the Cruze at their factory in Elizabeth. Local Production of the Cruze isn’t expected to start until May-June next year
As far as I am aware they have just started installing the robots.. when thats done they will then hire and train new staff members.. but at this stage no new jobs have been created.
Not only that but according to reports; the Cruze that Holden will be building will be be a 3 Door Hatchback / Coupe version which was designed by the guys at Holdens Design Studio in Melbourne..
It will then be exported to the USA UK Europe – and sold alongside the Cruze sedans from Korea
I am a degree educated hillbilly DH and I did our research before picking this car. DH and I picked the Holden Cruz because it’s practical and spacious interior is good for families unlike the Mazda 3, it’s safety is a 5 star rating which is good for our new members of our family, it’s harder to break into than the Corolla, it’s boot space entry is able to fit prams through unlike the tiny boot openings on the Mazda 3 and the Cruz made from outside and assembled in Korea unlike all the daewoo’s. The motor in the Cruz is adequate which is fine because I won’t be doing burnouts and giving out cheezy grins anyway.
Our car is arriving in August(we have a vin number). My only complaint is the funny looking siver on the car and the long deliver times. It will be 2 months from order to delivery.
I have had my Cruze nearly three weeks now, I live in the central west of New South Wales, in less than 3 weeks we’ve clocked up nearly 4000km and no probs yet. I am amazed at the tourqe from the little diesel engine, I have driven the car up some pretty steep pinches and it pulls up in top gear, going up Mt Victoria on the way to Sydney we droped down to 4th and was still pulling 100km/h, my BA Falcon Swagon would be back to 80. My missus was very worried that the kids would’nt have enough room in the back, hahahahahah what a joke theres heaps of room. The diesel Cruz in the manual is the best car I have owned so far bar none. I don’t give a Sh#t what all the negative people have to say about the Cruz, I say go drive one have a good look and make your own mind up, thats about the best advice I can give anyone that is even remotely thinking about buying a new small to medium and I emphasise the medium car, it is not what I consider a small car.
As someone who’s just put in an order for a diesel Cruze CD automatic, I’ll make a few points on my choice.
I consider myself a car enthusiast – of all types, not just fast ones that go pssshht-pop – and currently run a Range Rover and BMW 528i.
For work, I do upwards of 500-1000km/week all around Melbourne as well as country towns. I require a large boot to carry my equipment, cruise control, automatic transmission (as I’m not the only driver) and ABS brakes as a minimum. Given a budget of around $25k+/- to replace an aging VX Commodore with stratospheric km’s, I looked at the Lancer, Civic, Corolla, Polo and Focus. I didn’t look at the Mazda 3 for long, because it made my eyes water – nice car to drive, but looks like a Botoxed guppy.
-The Corolla’s boot was far too small for my purposes and the 1.8 litre, 4speed drivetrain as very average.
-The Polo’s boot was also too small – and the diesel wasn’t available with the 6sp auto.
-The Focus was very much a nearly-there, with it’s fantastic boot, excellent ride/handling and sharp styling. The auto is still a 4 speed with the petrol motor though, the engine was rather uninspiring. The diesel Focus costs $31k! Way over budget.
-The Civic was a very classy car, but the 1.8 litre was just plain gutless unless taken to the redline. I didn’t like the split instrument panel which made the speedo difficult to read when I had the wheel where I wanted it.
It was pretty much a toss-up between the Lancer and Holden. Loved the eager and responsive engine and CVT combo of the Lancer, which was by far it’s best attribute. The boot was a perfect size, but the interior was somewhat dull, felt cheap and the refinement just isn’t there. Lots of road and drivetrain noise – probably the CVT – which would get tedious on the highways. To it’s credit, there was very little wind noise at highway speeds.
The Cruze in the end had the right combination of space, value for money (kudos to Holden for not making you pay extra for safety equipment) and driveability. While the 6 speed auto wasn’t as responsive or intuitive as the Lancer’s CVT, the 320nm of torque from the fantastic if grumbly diesel motor made up for it. You can hear the engine when it’s working, but at cruising speeds it settles nicely and feels quite serene at 110km/h. The seats are also fantastic, with nice solid side bolsters made for skinner people rather than the usual flat seats made for the average overweight American/Australian. My only gripes with it are 1) a noticeable flat spot just off idle, while the motor spools up 2) a hint of torque steer when gunning it out of corners 3) and the abyssmal Kumho tyres that Holden fits as standard!
Reading these comments has really dissapointed me! most comments I would beleive are from people that have never drivin a Cruze or even more seen one. It looks stylish, in and out.For a Little over 23k a small price for a lovely car. I also own a Vt ss and i would not trade them in for any other. They could have been made on the moon for all I care.A Job Well done !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A+++
There might be someing in this Cruze. They are selling like hot cakes in Australia. There is already a two month waiting period. Fleet buyers will especially like the diesel. I’m predicting it being Wheels car of the year in its class next year. Aparently, its already winning races in motorsports.
http://www.drivearabia.com/new.....ng-to-gcc/
Following a WTCC triumph in Marrakech earlier in the month, the Cruze won both races of the Race of France that took place on the extremely demanding streets of Pau in southern France, extending the team’s winning run to four.The Cruze race car cuts a distinctive presence in this year’s WTCC.
This is what it looks like in Chev racing colours
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ii6k.....7-8_02.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ii6k.....7-8_09.jpg
Thanks for the links, Doc.
Still waiting for my CD diesel to arrive. I hear what you’re saying, but I’m not entirely convinced that it’s Wheels Car of the Year material.
While the diesel drives well and the basics are there (comfort, space, safety, value/equippment etc), I suspect it just lacks that edge that appeals to enthusiast’s, especially the 1.8 litre motor which is wheezy and gutless (thirsty too, according to a recent 11 car Wheels comparison). They’re supposed to award the COTY to the entire range and I suspect that the petrol engine lets it down, at least until the replacement petrol motor arrives next year or so. Then again, stranger things have happened at COTY…. RX8, VE Commodore…..
Not a Bad Car by any means If you need something that large.
However for that sort of money I would go to a Fiat Dealership sign on the dotted line for a Punto using My 2006 Nissan Tiida as a Trade In Order the Dualogic for the Fiat and drive home a happy man.Which is what I intend to do once the Nissans Warranty Runs Out.
Been driving a rental Cruz for three days.
Can’t get it below 11.2 l / 100 driving about Western Sydney.
The auto transmission is extremely annoying. Huge time lags before it makes it’s mind up. Once it must have taken 4 seconds to hunt for a gear. It is even sluggish in manual select mode. The 6 speed Auto in my 2.0 Litre Skoda is far superior and I get 8.4 l / 100 around the city with little effort.
The steering is excellent, seats comfortable but you feel many bumps, the heater will boil water and the tailpipe noise is surprisingly loud. Climate control is very slow to cool things down. Heated seats in Australia? Bizarre.
Ergonomics of the instrumentation is very good.
I bought an iced blue Cruze CD yesterday and I’ve got to say this is one beautiful car. It looks great and is a real pleasure to drive. It sits very nicely on the road and when driving it, it’s very easy to forget that this car didn’t cost a fortune. Well done to Holden on the Cruze. I love it and will recommend it to anyone. Compared to other cars in this price bracket this one certainly is the stand out. I have the manual petrol version.
1982 sales in its first full month is amazing for a new car. Especially one that everyone though twas going to be this Korean load of bullsh@t
My wife & I have been looking & test driving all the mid range cars (up to $35K) for the past 7 months & I haven’t found anything that matches the Cruze CDX. Since I am a rep that drives all over QLD, I need something that covers style, performance, saftey & reliability. My wife loves a manual car but has DVT and this makes it difficult with all the heavy / clunky manuals we test drove.
The Cruze CDX has a feather light clutch which is perfect for her! I haven’t owned a Holden since 1994…but I have been converted back to GM after test driving the new CDX Cruze 1.8 ltr Manual. Simply put…WOW! Smooth to drive, tonnes of saftey features I would never have expected on a car this size yet with enough zip when you need it. Bundle that into a stylish mid size car under $27k (inc full on roads, paint & interoior protect & tint) and there is no way you’ll look at a Holden the same way again.
My wife had a Corolla and I traded my Altise Limited.
The Golf, City & Civic were “nice” but over priced with all the on roads & extras. I don’t bag the other makes & models like some but for “us” it was a no brainer after 2 test drives (just to be sure), we can’t wait to take delivery of ours (yes we both bought one each), in November (which is the only draw back…the wait).
i just bought the cruze cdx in maroccan blue(6sp auto), they told me 14days for delivery, and gave me an awesome price of $24′000.00 drive away (inc all on roads)we looked at the polo golf, mazda sp23/25 and the new lancer, the cruze won hands down, when i took it for a test drive i was blown away, it not only drove well it look’s stylish and will look up to date for time to come. only complant is it could have had a sun roof ;)
i looked around at a few holden dealers who were not only pushy but up’d the price because i was female, i was quoted 32′000.00 by 2 dealers with a 4 month wait,…. i took my partner with me when i went to sign and omg did the price change, i signed for my new car at 24′000.00 inc tinted windows,floor mats,i-pod jack, paint protection and a full tank of pertol and delivered in 14 days to my front door. over all it was a great experiance and i cant wait to recieve it…
Are you sure that this car is not a demo or maybe a CD. The rrp for a CDX auto Cruze is over $29,000.To get over $5,000 off a car that is in short supply is nothing short of amazing!
i can garentee it’s a brand new cruze, its arriving on the 14th December, my partner as i advised above got a better deal than i could (they quoted me 32′000.00) i got all the extra’s listed above also, i double checked my paper work and its deffenetly the holden cruze cdx model in morroccan blue, and estimated delivery date states 14th december 2009. couldn’t believe my luck also
Is there any chance of getting a copy of your paperwork to help me get a better deal as my dealer is playing games with me?
anything built or rebadged by holden will let you down, rewrite your comments in 12 months and tell us all about the headaches with this vehicle.
When mazda change the smiley grill they may steel a few more sales away from the cruze that looks to be the number one reason people are picking the cruze over the mazda 3 and the only reason.. ( Its looks )
Wardy’s about right when he calls the CRuze a mid-size car. I dragged out my ancient WHEELS mags last night to find out that the Cruze leaves a shadow over the old Camiras and Toranas by at least 100mm in every direction and even exceeds every external dimension of the original VB Commodore, bar length.
BEWARE and be prepared to wait….and wait….and wait!!! We ordered a Cruze 10th July, originally to be delivered 8/8, then 9/9 now 1/10 – Rubbish! A Mazda3/Corolla/Focus/Civic/anything is better than waiting indefinitely. Go Holden
Have you asked the dealer why its taking so long. My local dealer is havigna similar predicament. he told me that the ship with my car on it was being searched at an unknow shipping port for suspected drug smugglers.YIKES!!. But said it was on its way but would be checked again by the Aussie governmnet to make sure,am hoping for delivery sometime in october if im lucky
i signed for my new car on saturday 28th nov and my car is being delivered on the 12th december ((((or so i hope)))) now im worried
The 2009 Honda Civic has out classed the cruze even though it’s 2006 design.
1. Better Resale Value
2. Hybrid Option
3. Looks better
4. Digital Speedometer
5. The 2 rear lights on the Cruze way too small looks wierd
6. For a few extra dollars a whole different car
7. Spacesaving handbrake
8. Stronger engine
I am not anti holden, it’s just honda is higher in its class than the cruze. Belive me in 3 years time selling the cruze is terrible. probally only worth 10k below.
Yer but whats the price difference ????.
1. Why wasn’t Honda capable of designing a 5 star car in 2006?
2.Why was Australia just about the only market in the world not have stability control standard until toyota added it to corollas?
3. Why did honda increase the price of the hybrid $4-5000 last year ‘because of exchange rates’, are they lowering them now the exchange rate has gone down again?
4. Why would you pay $7-10 000 for the hybrid option when every road test done on them can’t come even close their claimed fuel economy?
5. Why assume Thai build quality is better than korean?
6. Why can’t Australian buyers option safety features in base model civics?
7. Why isn’t honda an automotive leader like it was 10-15 years ago?
I used to be a big honda fan, now they are nothing more than a toyota clone
well I have had my CD diesil Cruze for a week now and i love it, handles brilliantly, look fantastic, great fuel economy and plenty of power, really impressed even up steep hills not a problem, safty unmatched in the price range and at night I doubt theres a better looking dash. To all the knockers I think you would whinge nomatter what Holden released into the market, some people just have to critisise even when they have not driven a Cruze, well done Holden and I am sure there are going to be many many more satified customers just like me. GREAT CAR GREAT PRICE.
i brought my cruze about 10 weeks agao and have just recieved it today, i brought the CD moel in an automatic and in black with tinted windows, i have to say i love cars and i am so happy with mine it looks wicked and not only does it look good it drives like a gem, i couldn’t be anymore happier with my choice, this is only my second car but i am really pleased with my choice and the price i payed for it! i wouldn’t have minded the CDX but didn’t find leather seats, heated seats and rear parking assit neccessary!
great work holden i think the cruze is amazing!!!
Congratulations Cassie, hope the car provides you with some years of fun and reliability. Just one point though, park assist imo is brillant, however you had a budget and glad the car meets/exceeds your expectations,
Good Luck, hope you don’t need it.
Don’t know why everybody is congratulating “Holden” for this badge engineering exercise though – it’s more “great work GM”
Cassie is it a petrol version and how much did you pay?
If it is a petrol how do you find it power wise as this seems to be the biggest criticism of the Cruze?
I am really close to buying the Holden Cruze CD manual petrol model. The only worry I have with it is the Daewoo engine. Is it actually a Daewoo engine and if it is, has it been improved since previous Daewoo engines? I am sold on the rest of the car, I just don’t want it to be costing me heaps of money two or three years down the track!
I believe the engine is basically identical to the engine in the latest AH Astra.
I doubt you will have any problems with the engine or drivetrain.
if there was to be quality issues you would more likley find them with the fit and finish but I don’t think you will have a problem.
YES it is a Daewoo engine.
BUT it is a good unit for Daewoo, and probably industry average. Be no worse or better than many of it’s competitors.
Umm Sorry to burst anyones bubbles, but the engines used in Daewoo’s previous to GM-DAT’s existance were GM engines except the 3cyl in Matiz being a Suzuki engine (funded by GM at the time) and the Ssangyong Mercedes engines towards the end.
The main engine group were Family Four motors out of Fishermans bend. The 1.5 was the same engine as fitted to Opel Cadets during the 80’s, the 2.0 & 2.2 exact same motor as fitted to Vectra. Even the engine numbers were the same. The gearboxes were GM Canada and the steering systems were GM Opel…. That is what was printed on them when you looked at them fro underneath.
I point this out so that you can make a more educated decision. I am NOT casting aspersions either way. I spent many years selling Daewoos (I do not have trouble sleeping at night) and still have customers who bought them from me. If you are concerned about the quality of the vehicle I would not be asking on a site like this I would be fronting up at Avis or Hertz or such and spending a couple of hundred to hire one for a week. Try to get one that has done a few K’s and see what you find.
The engines across the cruze range are from the last family of astras holden sold in australia. The 1.8 petrol was across the astra range and the diesel engine was from the astra diesel.
What would be nice is if Holden can get their hands on the new 1.4L turbo from the brand new 2009 astra which was released durin the middle of the year.
Thanks for your advice guys. Much appreciated.
Holden also did a customer satisfaction survey on the first 200 Cruze’s sold and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
WHY WHY WHY CANT THE MAKERS OFFER A 2.5 LITRE OPTION?…There’s NO way any 1.8 can have enough torque for safety power needed in all round driving in an auto no matter how many gears it has..and forget diesel..its a pig to fill, a pig to fix, and a pig on the highway..try passing a double b on an up hill at 90kph and see how long it takes..it a characteristic of diesel..LOW end grunt…when in times of trouble you need everything at once..whatever the speed. Heated seats???????
Better to fit Yokohama tyres thanks. I think it looks great, but, the CD with a 2.5 litre auto would seem to fit WAY more family profiles.
good point
not unlike the Mitsubishi idea with the hyundai 2,4 in the top spec lancer
the 2.2 from the last vectra was supposed be a good motor wasn’t it?
So much bad mouthing this car for what reason, its a great car, not a single bad review about it. I just dont get why people have allied themselves to a certain manufacturer and stick with them even when they build crap cars, the jokes on you isnt it really?. if its a good car and it does what you want it too do then buy it, what does it matter if its a Nissan or a Holden or a Ford??.
PS ive only just spent 15 mins looking at this car and i already know this car isnt built by daewoo wholly, its made from 4 or more manufacturers under the GM banner. kinda touched on that in this article.
Needs bigger engine? cant overtake? people saying this are the twits you see on the news dead or resposible for killing innocent motorists for your lack of patience!!!!
Gee you reckon you found all that out in 15 minutes. Pity you are wrong.
The Cruze is designed and built by GM Daewoo in Korea. The platform on which it is based is also designed by GM Daewoo, for use with the Cruze and other GM variants. There was input from other GM divisions, but nothing really substantial enough to even call it jointly developed.
Australian input was limited to the hatch variant.
I won’t look at another Holden because I don’t like their gouging attitude on parts. Everything I’ve had to replace on my Astra (wipers, flip-key (twice!) etc) has been much more expensive than other makes. Timing belt was due for replacement at a lousy 60K and my mechanic says the Cruze is the same. No doubt the Cruze is a fun drive while it’s young, but wait til it’s age starts to show, which will be the moment the warranty expires.
Timing Belt change for Cruze is 10 Years or 150,000Km’s(Whichever occurs first).
Parts should be cheaper than Astra since they are made in Korea and later on in Australia.
thats because your astra is a european opel.
OK, my Family has just bought one of the 1.8 CD manual Cruzes. Traded in a pretty thirsty Territory with a few looming issues and only 62k on the clock. I digress though.
Look, I like some Holdens, but also some Fords, and other individual cars amongst other brands. No car is perfect, and they all have their issues somewhere along the line. I like to think I call it as I see it. Firstly, I’m not coming on here to try and justify my decision. My decision is my decision, you make your own. My interest is reaching those who are thinking about one of these cars and would like an intelligent and unbiased opinion. You’ll either like or hate the styling, I like it, so tick for that. We were looking for a small/medium car to run our 3 kids around town for the million short trips you make as a parent. Coming down from a big car, safety was my number 1 priority, followed by fuel economy, but also enough room for a couple of car seats in the back for the short term and one in the long term. I did not find any car that came close for features (and there are plenty), safety (6 airbags plus ABS ESP traction control EBD etc etc) for the money, approx $23990 on the road for CD manual. Fuel ecomony around 7.0 1/100k combined, tick as well. ANCAP 5 star safety rating for this car, really important to me. Some are critical on engine performance for the 1.8 petrol. Let me assure you, it has more than enough power for normal daily driving. If you want to race people between traffic lights, then 1. Don’t buy a Cruze & 2. Stay away from me & my family! I’m more interested in how much it costs to fuel it each week so I can feed my kids, not quarter mile times.
Now, to those who are worried, it is not a Daewoo. Got it! When GM Bought out Daewoo naturally at that time GM got lumbered with ‘Legacy’ vehicles such as the Lacitti and others. And, yes they did badge them as Holden’s, Chev’s etc. However fast forward to now. The Cruze is a wholly GM design with major input from Holden, GM Europe, Chevrolet, GM Canada and no doubt others as well. A truely Global car built on an Astra platform. You’ve only got to sit in it to know it’s no Daewoo. The interior in my opinion is truely outstanding. Can I say being a big car fan, I am amazed at how planted this thing feels on the road, truely un-small car like, solid and stable. No doubt at 1300 kg’s this adds to that solid feel, but also adds to the safety too. See ANCAP 5 star rating. Long term, reliability is unknown as with any new car. Time will tell. Remember though that even amongst traditionally reliable cars you can always get a lemon. Personally if your looking for a small to medium run-about for a new driver or even a smaller family car my suggestion is at least check out the Holden Cruze.
One more thing to think about. As of next year these will be built in Australia by Holden along side Commodore. It’s important to Holden that this car hits the ground running so when local production starts it will have the Sales momentum behind it. So far it appears to be selling well, and we could all do worse than support Aussie jobs, True?