Holden Cruze CD 1.4 iTi 2011 Review
A new turbo petrol engine gives Cruze a liftPrice Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $22,240
Options fitted (not included in above price): Nil
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 6.4
CO2 emissions (g/km): 153
Also consider: Mazda Mazda3, Ford Focus
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 2.5/5.0
Safety: 2.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.0/5.0
It's a shame there's not clearer external differentiation between the latest version of Holden's Cruze small car and the original... Because the improvements that have been wrought in the latest locally-assembled version are substantial when contrasted to the styling tweaks. At least, in the new six-speed manual 1.4 iTi variant we've just driven.
Afflicted with a flat, lacklustre 1.8-litre petrol engine in its Series I iteration -- an engine that's carried through to its entry-level form today -- the Cruze was not among this writer's favourite small cars. Sure, it had solid locally tuned dynamics, but the only petrol engine option was below the standard set by companies like Mazda and Ford in the small car class. Indeed, the turbodiesel variant was the pick of Series I -- if for no other reason than at least the engine had the get up and go to let the chassis show its class.
Fast forward to the Series II and the same might be true save for the arrival of a thoroughly modern, turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine from the very top of General Motors international toy box.
The engine's a cracker. Coupled with a slick-shifting and well-matched six-speed manual box, it gives the Series II Cruze a level of refinement and eagerness that was totally absent in the original 1.8 variant. Just make sure you choose the manual version. A quick drive of the six-speed auto variant wasn't nearly as convincing -- such was the tardiness of the auto's response.
The new powerplant is not quite possessed of the surprising basement grunt of VW's blown 1.4-litre but it's more than up to the task of propelling the Cruze, even with a load onboard. Indeed, its official power figure betters the larger petrol engine offered (104 v 103kW) and its torque is up (200Nm versus 176)... It's delivered lower and over a wider range to boot -- 1850rpm versus 3800.
In simple terms this adds up to improved driveability in almost every application.
On the freeway, slot into sixth and it's a happy camper at low revs at 100km/h. Roll-on acceleration is not great but a change down to fourth or even third gives enough overtaking grunt to cope. And though the turbo 1.4 can need a little coaxing away from standstill, once rolling it performs in a manner that's consistently superior to its larger naturally-aspirated stablemate.
And all the time it is smooth, cultured and quiet. It's easily worth the extra $1500 you have to pay over the 1.8
Whether it's the positive vibe associated with the engine affecting my opinion or otherwise, the latest Cruze seems to be more polished overall. Internal noise levels are very well controlled and in the steel-wheeled CD base version tested here (CDX pictured) ride is a strong point. We also noted the accuracy and consistency of the sedan's steering. Indeed, dynamics are a standout in comparison to other cooking-model small sedans.
There's a reasonable level of equipment standard, however, Bluetooth is notable in its absence.
All the safety boxes are ticked and reasonable amenity is offered despite the fact Cruze is (almost) a conventional three-box sedan. Split-fold rear seats and a decent-sized load-through allowed me to easily carry the results of several Friday night errands -- two new full-length 'man-sized' garden implements, a bicycle and, ahem, a couple of boxes of beer.
Though the Cruze'a cockpit is well laid out, functional and logical, and the ergos twixt front seats and wheel work well, one aspect of the cabin yours truly praised in the original hasn't worn well...
No mincing words: the covering of the dash reminds me of circa 1980s 'Frontrunner' office and trade show partitions.
Perhaps Holden should offer self-adhesive Velcro pads so we can position our iPhones and sat nav units just so on the fascia. Or nice colour-coded Lion-badged drawing pins for our post-its.
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