The new look Holden Cruze wagon will arrive in Australia within the next 12 months, taking the Cruze range to three body styles including sedan and hatchback.
The Euro-styled wagon is being launched at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March and will be built in Korea. Holden says it has the capacity to build the global model in Australia, if the demand is there.
"It could be [built in Australia]," said Emily Perry, GM Holden's Director of External Communications. "It's hard to know initial demand, but we have the capability to build it in Australia."
Perry said that after the car has arrived in Australia and the sales potential becomes clear, "... we can then decide whether to bring it to local production."
Thus far, more than 1 million Cruze vehicles have been sold worldwide.
Pricing has not been announced for Australia, but the Holden Cruze wagon (which will be badged a Chevrolet in Europe) is expected to command a small premium over current models.
Aimed at family and fleet buyers, the new Cruze wagon at 4675mm is 78mm longer than the sedan (and 230mm shorter than the Holden Sportwagon).
Boot space is 500 litres, expanding to 1500 litres with the seats folded down.
As the teaser photo shows, the design has a strong European influence, particularly towards the rear of the tailgate where the sloping roofline is finished with a short roof spoiler.
Holden says the Cruze wagon "comes with roof racks as standard, providing convenience while maintaining a poised and sporty look".
The Holden Cruze was the third best-selling small car in Australia (and the fifth highest-selling car overall) in 2011, with 33,784 sales that year.
John Elsworth, the Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at GM Holden, was upbeat about the confirmation of the Cruze wagon heading to Australia.
"We’re confident Cruze wagon will take the nameplate from strength to strength and reach new customers who are looking for more versatility," Elsworth said.
Stay tuned for more details on price and specification closer to the local launch in early 2013.
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