Holden Cruze Car Review

HerCar Rating: Model Reviewed Holden Cruze 1.8 litre 6 speed auto petrol $25,990* Other models priced from: Holden Cruze 1.8 litre 5 speed manual petrol $20,990* HerCar 3 word summary Holden Goes European

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The Cruze is Holden's weapon to take on the small car market. It's brand new from the ground up and sits between an Astra and Epica in size. It's stylish looking and similar in size and looks to the Honda Accord and BMW 3 series. The best features of the car are its space and safety features. You've got a couple of models to choose from, the CD (in manual and auto) and the fully equipped CDX (also in manual and auto). You've also got a choice of petrol or the more fuel efficient diesel (CD models only). Our review focuses on the top of the line CDX auto petrol.

Driver Comfort & Visibility
The CDX comes standard with leather seats that feel and smell like the leather in more expensive European cars. The dash layout is modern, simple and stylish. At night, the dash lights glow a blue colour, once again reminiscent of a European car. Visibility is great out of the front and rear, with reverse parking sensors making those backward manoeuvres even easier. We took the Cruze for a long, well cruise, down the NSW south coast. Speaking of cruise, the CDX comes with cruise control as standard, with controls mounted on the steering wheel. Audio controls for the CD player are also conveniently located on the steering wheel.

The Drive
The auto could be a bit more energetic, particularly up long hills. I managed to get my hands on a manual diesel, which provided the grunt that I like up hills and a more seamless drive along the freeway. The car feels really firm on the road, with good braking and cornering ability.

Safety
The Holden Cruze has received the top 5 star ANCAP safety rating. Standard features on the Cruze contributing to this include Electronic Stability Control, 6 airbags, Electronic Brake Distribution and ABS brakes. This is one of the few non European cars that can boast the achievement.

Storage
The boot looks deceptively small from the outside. But it easily swallowed up 4 overnight bags, jackets, snacks and wine for our girl's weekend away. The rear seats are 60/40 split, if you need even more space. There are plenty of other storage options including a good sized glove box, centre console box, front and rear door pockets, 2 drinks holders in the front and 2 in the rear and bottle holders in the front door pockets. There is also a sunglass holder and pockets on the back of the front seats.

Rear Passenger Comfort
There's good leg and head room for your adult passengers. My girlfriend is over 6 foot tall and travelled in the back on our road trip and was very impressed. Generally she will only travel in the front seat to avoid her head hitting the roof and legs being squashed by the front seat. The centre armrest with 2 cup holders kept my 2 rear passengers happy as they sat there sipping on their lattes.

Green Factor
The diesel models offer the best fuel consumption with manual consuming 5.7 litres per 100kms. The auto petro wasn't far off consuming 7.5 litres per 100kms. Its Greenhouse rating is good, achieving 7/10.

Service Information
This is worth noting as you get something for free! There is a complimentary inspection at 3,000km or 3 months (whichever occurs first). The first service is due at 15,000km or 12 months (whichever occurs first) and then every 15,000km or 12 months (whichever occurs first) since the last service. Additional services may be required under certain driving conditions such as when towing.

3 Favourite Features
For me it's the little things that I get most excited about.
1. When you press your auto boot unlock on your key (which is the flicky type like BMWs and Audis have) the boot pops up slightly for easy access.
2. When you unlock the car at night, the headlights automatically come on. This gives you plenty of light as you approach your car.
3. Seat warmers for the front seats. It's one of those things that you don't really "get" until you've tried them. And when it's 8 degrees outside, there's no better way to warm you up quickly.

Overall View
The Cruze offers a lot in a small car. No longer to you have to pay the big bucks to get leather, the latest safety technology and the little features that make life more comfortable on the road. It's good for a family, because of the generous rear seating and boot space, it's great if you live inner city where parking can be tight; and perfect for those on the road all day where fuel economy is important.

If you're considering buying this car you might also like to test drive the Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Proton Persona and Ford Focus.

Find out more about the Holden Cruze by clicking here.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	6 airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Dynamic Stability Control:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	6
CD player:	CD player with 4 speakers, MP3 connection
Air conditioning:	Yes
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed auto
Engine:	1.8 litre
Fuel type:	Unleaded Petrol
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	7.5 litres/100 kms
width="315" valign="top"> CO2 Emission:	179gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	7/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
ANCAP Safety rating:
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms
Price:	$25,990*

*Manufacturer's list price. Excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), whi ch are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Holden dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: July 2009

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye