More tech for Holden Cruze

GM Holden has added a number of new infotainment features for no extra cost to its Australian-made Cruze small sedan and hatch line-up.

Facing continued showroom pressure from newer rivals in the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Pulsar, Hyundai i30 and Volkswagen Golf, all Cruze models (but not the Korean-sourced Cruze wagon) now come with enhanced voice control and text to voice functionality via Siri Eyes-Free Integration.

In addition, the range-topping Cruze SRi-V scores satellite-navigation at no extra cost, while new MY2015 exterior paint colours include Regal Peacock, Fantale and Prussian Steel.

If those colour schemes sound familiar, it’s because they’re from the newly launched VF Commodore line-up, whose MyLink multimedia system was also developed in conjunction with the Cruze SRiV’s new sat-nav system.

Now in production, the latter features a push-to-talk button on the steering wheel, split-screen and 3D map views, speed limit information and points of interest.

Also like the Commodore’s system, the Cruze’s voice activation function has been adapted to recognise an Australian accent, enabling compatible iPhone owners to perform a number of functions hands-free.

Like VF Commodore owners, Holden Cruze drivers can select a music track, switch between embedded apps, listen and (with a compatible iPhone) reply to text messages, dial a contact or -- via iPhone -- instruct Siri to perform a range of tasks in eyes-free mode, such as have their text messages read out to them while driving.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the response to the engineering and technology updates we made to the Holden Cruze, since we launched it in March this year,” said GM Holden Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Philip Brook.

“At the time of launch we promised we would add navigation back to the range-topping SRi-V model as soon as we were able. The system has been introduced to VF Commodore which enables us to put it into production for Cruze as well.

“Through the development of the MyLink system in VF Commodore, we’re also able to add Australian-tuned voice recognition across the entire line up, adding world-class voice control functionality to the already-impressive MyLink in-car entertainment system.”

First introduced in the Barina CDX earlier this year, Siri Eyes-Free is now offered as standard across all locally manufactured Holden cars and will be introduced on more Holden vehicles in coming months.

Holden MyLink, meantime, is now available on the new Holden VF Commodore, MY14 Cruze, Malibu and Barina CDX and will become available across a range of Holden cars in coming months.

Cruze pricing remains unchanged from March 8, when Holden announced price cuts of up to $3500 <<<<<< http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2013/small-passenger/holden/cruze/holdens-2014-cruze-arrives-early-35478 >>>>> for the MY14 model.

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