2009 Holden Cruze – Review & Road Test
June 17, 2009 by Nadine Armstrong
2009 Holden Cruze CD Review & Road Test
The struggle to be noticed
Model Tested:
- 2009 Holden Cruze CD – 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, SOHC, turbo diesel, six-speed auto – $25,990
Options: none fitted
Positives: steering & handling; interior styling
Negatives: turbo lag; visibility
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Nadine Armstrong
With its homogeneous styling and extensive ‘small car’ credentials, the new Holden Cruze wedges its way into a crowded line-up of disturbingly similar cars.
More grown up than the Astra, but not quite grasping the maturity of its slightly larger sibling, the Epica, the Cruze suffers from your classic ‘middle child’ syndrome.
Its form, economical engine and respectable price point are not unique selling points. It’s starting on the back foot, but no more so than many of its rivals.
While the Cruze does not leap out and scream, well, anything, it’s far from offensive or disappointing. We’ve just seen it all before; where’s the benchmark?
Its exterior styling is classic, conservative and cohesive. Even proportions made up of large flat panels give the Cruze a solid appearance, while some nice body lines and the occasional splash of chrome add visual appeal and focus points.
Colour-coded wing mirrors and door handles add to a smooth, clean exterior. It looks nice and its design will no doubt stand the test of time.
It’s inside the cabin where the Cruze comes into surprisingly slick form – and well above its competition. Our test vehicle had a leather, plastic, cloth trim combination that worked together beautifully.
The cloth trim wraps in a continuous band from the side doors all the way across the dash. The lines flow nicely and the various interior components blend seamlessly.
This more tactile selection of finishes gives the cabin warmth and added visual appeal. As for cleaning and maintaining an expanse of cloth on these areas, time will tell.
Every element of the Cruze feels well built, from solid closing doors to smooth rolling dials and solid buttons. There’s nothing flimsy or budget about the fit or finish.
The centre console and instrument cluster are simple and easy to navigate or decipher. The centre screen display however, is a little underwhelming and basic.
Powered by a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, four-cylinder engine, the Cruze delivers 110kW at 4000rpm and 320Nm at 2000rpm, but how does this translate to on road performance?
From a stand still, the Cruze suffers distinct turbo lag. On many occasions, where seconds felt like minutes, I found myself willing the car forward in the absence of movement.
On the move, as you creep into the torque band, this is not a problem and auto gear selection feels good and the power at hand is more than adequate.
Overall handling of the Cruze is dynamic and very satisfying. Its steering is firm and turn in is beautifully responsive, and power through the exit is smooth and composed.
There’s minimal body roll and well balanced suspension is quick to diffuse a range of road finish flaws, running the standard 16-inch steel wheels.
The Cruze handled all manner of driving conditions with confidence and ease – the sluggish take-off aside.
On a test cycle that was weighted more to short-trip around town driving rather than long freeway hauls, the Cruze delivered reasonable fuel economy of around 8.5 litres per 100km – a little over the 6.8 litres per 100km claimed.
On the down side, the diesel engine gives off an intrusive, agricultural gurgle that may well be heart-warming to farmers, but I prefer a quiet cabin, unless of course it’s the alluring rumble of something far more exciting.
Although the seats are firm and lack adequate bolstering, the driving position and overall level of comfort is pretty good. The well executed interior design creates a nice, almost premium ambience with ample space.
As you enter the rear seats, there’s a noticeable drop in standards. Seats are slab-like and reminiscent of a ’70s bench seat and heating/cooling is delivered via in floor vents. However, space, head and leg room, is good.
The Cruze offers load versatility you would expect from this segment, with simple to operate 60:40 split folds seats which produce a flat base to cater to larger loads.
In cabin storage is good, with lots of handy storage spaces and cup holders in front and back.
While the Cruze’s large pillars – all of them – are great for safety and build rigidity, they get in the way. Visibility is poor and in some instances completely obstructs the drivers view. I found that I had to be overly cautious with every manoeuvre. At a minimum, rear parking sensors, which come standard on the CDX model, would be a plus.
The Cruze was awarded a five-star ANCAP rating and has six airbags: front, side and curtain. In addition, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and brake assist all come as standard.
The Cruze ticks all of the standard requirement boxes – and in some areas, such as interior styling, it excels.
However, when you’re the middle child, you need more than the basics to make an impression. Holden has missed a chance to rock the boat and intimidate the relatives. Some gentle, rebellious behaviour never hurt anyone; if only to be noticed.
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Specifications:
- Engine:2.0 litre, four-cylinder, SOHC, common rail turbo diesel
- Power:110kW at 4000 rpm
- Torque:320Nm at 2000 rpm
- Induction:Common rail turbo diesel
- Transmission:Six speed auto
- Differential/Driven Wheels: Front
- Brakes:Four wheel disc, ventilated front
- Top Speed: n/a
- 0-100km/h: 10.4sec
- CO2 Emissions: 180g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km (ADR combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity:60 litres
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- ANCAP Rating: Five-star
- Airbags: Front, side and curtain
- Safety:ESC, ABS, TCS, BA, EBD
- Spare Wheel: Full size
- Tow Capacity:1200kg, braked
- Turning Circle:10.9 metres
- Warranty: Three year/100,000km
- Weight: 1506kg
- Wheels:16-inch steel
Print it: 
Roddy,
I owned both the original Magna and a VT SS ,many good points in their day,but unfortunately they both left me stranded on many occasions and proved to be lemons.Lucky they were both company cars so they went back after 3 years.
It’s a huge leap over the previous Daewoo/Holdens & is better then the Astra which I wasn’t convinced it would be before driving it. Overall I still don’t think it’s the best car in it’s class but it isn’t the worst by any stretch either.
The diesel is a bit too vocal at idle but has a lot more poke then the petrol & with a manual the lag isn’t really that noticeable.
Thanks Andrew M. I knew there were some others but I couldn’t put a finger on it at the time! I also just remembered the Astra was available in an auto as well.
I still can’t understand why Holden don’t bite the bullet and build a RWD small / medium car on GM’s Alpha platform around the size of a 3 series BMW! Call it a Torana, give it a small capacity version of the commodore’s v6 (say 2.5L) and watch them roll out the door to a hungry public. They could build a 1.8L omega version targeting fleets and a 2.0L diesel. You could then bring out your ‘hero’ version without having to worry about engineering for high power through the front wheels.
This would give them their point of difference vs. all other cars in the small / medium class.
When will holden get the hint Says:
“I still can’t understand why Holden don’t bite the bullet and build a RWD small / medium car on GM’s Alpha platform around the size of a 3 series BMW”
“This would give them their point of difference vs. all other cars in the small / medium class”
1)The alpha platform is engineered for FWD only
2)General Motors has limited financial means… it is going through bankruptcy after all
3)The majority of new car buying public are not car enthusiasts and won’t care whether a car is FWD or RWD
4)The new Opel/Vauxhall Astra is a much better car in this category than the Cruze but is also more expensive.
Holden should make the Cruze a replacement for the Viva only and bring on the next generation of Astra as well to sell alongside as a premium product and a higher price tag. Ala Honda with its Honda Civic sedan v Civic Hatch and Honda Accord v Honda Accord Euro strategy. The now superseded Astra is still a solid performer for Holden and I think it’d be a great pity not to import the next generation Astra down under. I know they have limited finances and what not but as they say nothing ventured nothing gained…
When will holden get the hint,
Because Korea dosent have a line set up to do it.
I don’t get it. Corolla is butt ugly and dull both inside and out with the feel of the cheapest, hardest, blackest and greyest plastics you can find in the history of motoring. Mazda 3 is a very nice package (relative). But the 3 is in another price league. Arrogant dealers wont let go of a plain bottom of the line Neo for anything less than 28K. i30 is in a slightly smaller league size wise. And if you want to go Civic or French, you’d be thinking the mazda is a good deal. The Cruze aint all that bad. Only drawbacks with it is its questionable quality/reliability and rear end styling. But the interior and front end (ala cadillac cts and honda accord) sure are winners.
Devil, all the cars you mentioned were on the high side of $30,000.
I was referring to small cars on the low side of $30,000.
The Polo and the Cruz are competitors. The i30 and the Golf are another notch up the ladder.
I looked and then I looked some more. There was zip in the affordable small car market until the Cruz appeared.
To Andrew M: the Focus diesel is not offered an automatic transmission. The Focus is a death trap anyway. Ever had occasion to find out where the fuel filter is?
I had one as a company car a couple of years ago. I would never, ever, want to own a Focus.
The fuel filter is under the floorpan, about half way along. I cannot think of a place where it would be more likely to be knocked and leak. It is also impossible to get at without a hoist.
The Focus I had as a company car went through three fuel pumps in nine months. There is/was a problem with the component supplier, apparently, and Ford continued to supply the crap quality fuel pumps when warranty work was done.
One of my staff was stuck by the roadside in my company car with a leaking fuel filter and fuel pissing all over the road from beneath the car.
I suggested to her that she should drop a match an run like hell, but she declined.
Pity!
I can think of no better end for such an idiotic piece of design.
I think sadly Holden perhaps have done their best with this car with the resources that they would of been provided with (which no doubt isn’t anywhere near enough). The problem is I reckon, when you are trying to compete in the market the Cruze is aiming for, you cant rely on old loyalities or charming simplicity. This market demands sophistication, quality, flexibility at a low cost. Like anything you need to learn the task before you can be a master at it. Holden should continue to pursue this, but its a gamble and they cannot be surprised if they find its a bit of a flop. Once Holden have learned the task and refined the car to a competitive level (let alone a dominant level) then maybe they’ll get somewhere. Its a fight for them and its going to be a hard one. Also, just on a side note ‘Cruze’ appears to be just another name they (Holden/GM) pulled from their shed of old product names which also shows lack of imagination.
In the new edition WHEELS July Edition Magazine, In the Small Car Test……..these were the positions of the cars tested………………………………….
1st. Volkswagen Golf 90 TSI Tredline
2nd. Mazda 3 Maxx hatch
3rd. Ford Focus LX hatch
4th. Holden Cruze CDX
5th. Subaru Impreza RX sedan
6th. Mitsubishi Lancer VR Sportback
7th. Honda Civic VTi-L
8th. Kia Cerato SLi
9th. Toyota Corolla Ascent hatch
10th. Hyundai i30 SLX hatch
11th. Nissan Tiida Q hatch
(And yes this is posted on the other article about the ‘Cruze’).
Mumble Duck, do you not realise that Holden PAYS MONEY to Wheels magazine to give them good reviews? Some people say the same about CarAdvice but I reckon they seem the most unbiased of all the motoring websites.
Only ignorant redneck retards will buy this car because it has a Lion on the grill, just like they have done for the past 20 years.
Robin Graves,
The fact that the Focus, Mazda and VW placed in front of the Cruze would seem to contradict your statement about Wheels magazine being paid by Holden to give favourable reviews.
One would hope that you will follow up your claim with proof of bribery?
It would seem, also, that other reviewers in websites and magazines who describe Cruze as being not bad but not superb would also contradict your staement regarding bribery, and would also seem to support the placing of Cruze in the aforementioned comparison in fourth place as being valid and accurate.
Additionally you have my sympathy for having such low self-esteem as to come onto this Forum and specifically call purchasers of Holden product of the last 20 years as ‘ignorant redneck retards’.
One would sincerely hope that the moderators of this Forum will act in an appropriate manner in dealing with such inflammatory remarks.
Robin Graves, do you realise that you are wrong?
Oh, and good work Roddy.
Roddy and MumbleDuck, If you wont or cant see that Wheels is ‘lubricated’ by Holden then maybe you should have your eyes checked. The ‘fact’ that Focus, Mazda and VW placed in front of the Holden is purely a smokescreen to prevent the obvious being visible to all those who have the wool firmly pulled over their eyes. I mean come on – look at the vehicles the Cruze placed in front of? Hello?
And my self asteem is fine thanks Roddy, I drive whatever car I like and I dont care if rednecks scoff at the badge on the front or in what country it was made, I drive them and compare them on their merits not some schoolyard mob mentality.
Why do so many people on here have a problem with Motor and Wheels magazine – and the fact that in almost every issue there is an article/review of a particular Holden let alone seeing one on the cover
I mean you look at a similar auto magazine form the USA UK Japan or Europe etc and they would have a locally built car on the cover just as much as Wheels or Motor has a Holden or Ford.. Its exactly the same
They have a number or supplementary articles or reports about what’s going on overseas just as wheels and motor do]
However their primary focus is the Local market They often compare the locally built cars against each other or against something from overseas just as does Wheels or Motor do because it instills a sense of national pride to see how good their cars are
The magazine publishers are in the business of making money therefore they need stories that sell and to do this they need an image on the cover of a car which people recognise or love – In Australia its generally either a Holden or Ford whereas in America it would be a Mustang or a Corvette or a Challenger etc
Then they eed a major article on how the Cover car goes against one of its traditional rivals.. once again In Australia its generally either a Holden or Ford whereas in America it would be a Mustang or a Corvette or a Challenger etc
Because they know the majority of their readers have a particular favourite and that the result will always be contentious or controversial and will help sell future issues as people will want to see if their favourite can defend its title or improve next time round.. it’s that simple
I subscribe to both Car and Driver and UK Evo Magazine, both these mags have a good variety of international cars that grace their covers on a regular basis, infact Car and Driver seem to put more Euorpean cars on their cover than home grown cars. Evo is not to dissimilar, quite often showing both Euro and Japanese cars equally, with the occasional American car and lo and behold even an HSV on the cover.
Wheels and Motor need to spread the covers out more, it’s called appealing to a wider reader base.
I mean look at how many comments the Holden v Ford articles on this website get compared to those where the Topic is either a VW or a Nissan etc.
I know its a bit hard as we often end up arguiing about the supposed superiority etc of a particular japanese manufacturer – but it shows what cars most car enthusiasts in Australia are interested in.. So what’s your problem
No one is making you read or buy Motor or Wheels magazine If you are sick of reading about Holden or Ford there are a number of newsagents who sell car magazines from the UK or USA etc if not you can subscribe to them over the internet.
Drove one the other day. Without a doubt the worst car I’ve ever driven. The engine is terrible. Don’t make the mistake of the year by buying this car.
JASON^^^
WOW big call, i checked it out on Sat., not my cup of tea design wise, i would not buy a car that does nothing for me or no excitement, would be like forced to drive it.
Would drive ~ the same as a Cerato/i30, all Korean tar-n-feathered the same?
The issue i see is that you can buy superior Made In Japan [ie Lancer Sedan/Sportback] for around the same coin.
Holden are doing heaps of promo on it, they have big expectations for it.Meanwhile over at the Ford camp the superior Focus is a bit of a orphan…FCC “Falcon Car Company”, near totally ignored?
Cheers
F-0
The Cruze diesel is a great car for towing.
The opposition can’t match its torque at low revs and with traction control a FWD has much better grip.
Cruze, 320 Nm at 2000 rpm, Towing Capacity with Brakes 1200 kg, Fuel Consumption 5.7 L/100
Corolla, 175 Nm at 4400 rpm, Towing Capacity with Brakes 1300 kg, Fuel Consumption 7.4 L/100
Mazda 3, 182 Nm at 4500 rpm, Towing Capacity with Brakes 900 kg, Fuel Consumption 7.9 L/100
You can’t compare Diesel to petrol for towing.
Robin Graves, I would like to sue you for your remarks about me. It is defamation of character.
I just took ownership of my brand new Holden Cruze.
This in fact, in your world makes me an ignorant redneck retard.
I believe that I might be a bogan, no wait, I am definitely a bogan, but I am in no way ignorant nor am I retarded. I believe you are also insulting the rednecks of this world as well as people who are mentally challenged.
If something as simple as a New Holden brings you to the point of disgraceful insults, aimed at people you have never met, nor will ever meet, luckily for them, then I think you may need some professional help.
So my New Holden Cruze CD petrol is beautiful. I love the style it has, its very nice to drive, has all the creature comforts I desire in a car. It also has above standard safety features which are very impressive. It is perfect for me and I love it. Looking forward to putting some Chrome Rims on it soon.
This car may not be to the liking of everybody, which is fine, but please dont resort to kindergarden name calling. Actually, if you want to …. go for it! You’re only making an arse of yourself anyway.
Robin Graves, a lot of people have made the same stupid, uninformed comments about Wheels magazine for the past 40 odd years. I read the comment like your idiotic rant on a regular basis. NOBODY has been able to prove anything. EVER. My advice for you is to seek professional help. Soon! It will help you to overcome some of the personal problems that obviously effect your ability to reason and interact with others in the wideer community.
OOhhh A little open-minded thinking outside of the sheep mentality that seems to plague so many of the masses, and its labelled as idiotic and in need of professional advice. Neither are correct – and my money will be wisely spent on quality, value packed products that aren’t built for consumer puppets. People like you Max and Trudie are eventually going to be weeded out from the gene-pool – just like GM will be.
Glen,
you are comparing petrol models to the diesel Cruze.
The Focus comes with a diesel that peaks torque at 340nm and comes with low fuel consumption that is actually achieved in real world conditions whereas the Cruze diesels fuel claims are a little…….hmmmmmm.
But anyway, if you are saying a small car of anysort is ideal for towing, then ill be off the roads when you are trying that theory out
Just for one more laugh…….
FWD more grip for towing????? ha ha ha ha ha say no more
Bought a new mazda 3 over the cruze. Base model 3, Neo cost me 26500 with safety option, reverse sensors, window tint, premium plates and mats. Great deal from the dealer (dont think anyone will go lower than that) although not sure if it was worth it over the cruze cdx which would have topped at no more than 27000 with alot more packages than the neo. Test drove both cars and there’s no question that the engine and transmission is superior in the mazda. But the cdx cruze’s interior beats the neo’s easily. I reckon both cars are pretty much equal and their prices cetainly reflect that. Guess it just depends on which brand you’d rather be in. In this case, mazda.
Thanks for the review, looking at getting the CD-X. Keen to see your review when it comes out.
So, Robin Graves, let me see if I understand.
If a Holden wins a Wheels comparison it is a sure indication of Holden bias.
If a Holden doesn’t win a Wheels then it is a sure indication of Holden bias.
I think I need you to run it past me again.
This Cruze prices up really well in NZ. Here a 4 speed Cloth Corolla is $39,990, A cloth Honda Civic Sport is $40,300, and the LEATHER HEATED seats SIX SPEED AUTOMATIC with 17 inch alloys and park radar is $31,490 !! Its way ahead in price, and for those people looking for a fuel efficient sedan I can’t see how these other brands can compete. Even a cheapo Kia Cerato 4 speed cloth LX is $32,500, the luxury Cruze is smashing everything. Well done Holden
Mate wat r u smoking, none of the prices you quoted are correct. even in NZ those prices are absurd. C’mon if that were true then a base commodore would be 50 grand stock.
There might be something 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
Hey Doc, your right it probably will win Wheels COTY. Just like the Camira did in the ’80s, and plenty of people bought them too….
I must be one of the few that think this car is a class act… a little conservative on the outside maybe but still very pleasant and FAR from ugly, and inside it’s superb. It gives you a smooth ride, I didn’t feel like the engine noise was in any way significant, plus you can get it in a diesel which may not be as economical as an i30’s diesel, but still puts a little extra under the bonnet without punishing you at the pump.
Drive a holden vectra cdx and drive a cruz.Cruz is a cheap copy of a classic german vectra cdx.
Vectra and astra were the best imports for holden
yeah and ur probably one of these people who didnt want to fork up the cash for the Vectra and Astra.
Well lets look at what you get for your money.
1.Leather seats & heated front seats 2.front fog lights
3.rear park sensors 4.17in alloys 5.6 air bags and the list goes on. All these features and more are standard in the CDX.The design is european and so what if it looks like other cars out there.I bet you live in a house that looks like your neighbours down the street. I have never been a Holden man but i think this time Holdens have come up with the answer. I have driven one and for what it is the Cruze is great value. Only draw back if you order one now you have to wait till Jan 2010.
I really dislike the styling of the Cruze… front is unattractive, the grille is ugly and elongated lights are not attractive either; rear end is dull and looks like at least another 2 or 3 cars on the road. This is a car with a serious identity crisis. Holden should’ve stuck with the Euro designed cars – e.g. Astra and Vectra – rather than the uninspired Korean ones (even if the styling is trying to be European). On a positive, the interior looks quite nice. I would never buy one of these – give me a new Lancer or Focus (or Mondeo) any day.
Good Morning All,
I purchased a CDX {Auto} Cruze about two months ago now. I must say, I’m very disappointed in the performance {power}. I’m sure I have a problem within the fuel injection system or some other setting.
When driving on a flat road, you can feel and hear the revs die. Then, after you put your foot down, it will pick up.
I was heading towards Sydney last week so, I set the cruise control at 110 klm. I started climbing a steep hill then, I noticed going by the speedo, I was only doing 80klms.
Has anyone else had this problem ? or, is it just me or my car. Apart from this, it’s a beautiful car. I will say, for the size of the car, I feel it should have a two litre motor.
Thanks.
Rob
An ordinary two litre, or a 1.4 with better power and torque? The latter’s rumoured to be coming.
Hi Rob,
I think you should have a chat to your dealer, i know there was an issue initally with the auto and it just had to be reconfigured on some cars. Ours is fine.
I’ve had trouble with my CDX cruise control on uphill runs. Set on 100kph it sometimes slows to under 90kph before it seems to “wake up”. On a few occasions it has died completely and I have to take over the accelerator. Reported to dealer but they said all checked out OK whereas it certainly isn’t OK.
Hi again Rob
Further to my earlier commen, I took the Cruze back to the dealer today and they did a software upgrade. This seems to have made quite a ♠difference to the car’s ability to hold cruise control speed on a steep upgrade.
I’m a much happier person!
Hi,we drove our cdx to Sydney and had no problems with power going up hills,we had a full load and at the speed limit and sometimes + and it showed a return of 7.1 L/100 klm.The only glitch was you could Feel the auto change down when the car was slowing down but the up grade to the software fixed that.We are very happy with it.
geez i wanted a cruze review and all im gettin is people calling eachother red necks etc…..rrigghhhtttt suppose ill just have to buy one to find out myself then…thanks anyway i guess???????