Australian car manufacturer, Holden has been able to maintain a jump in sales for its Cruze. The corporation declared on Wednesday that it sold 2,514 cars in April, which is its best monthly result ever since it had been launched in June the preceding year. Holden at present is working on the expansion of the locally-produced Cruze, which it intends to bring to the market in the first quarter of 2011.
It is clear from the big success that the customers have liked it styling, safety features and the best deal for money. So lets find out what’s so special about the 2010 Holden Cruze. Holden Cruze.
Specifications:
- Engine:2.0 litre, four-cylinder, SOHC, common rail turbo diesel
- Torque:320Nm at 2000 rpm
- Power:110kW at 4000 rpm
- Induction:Common rail turbo diesel
- Transmission:Six speed auto
- Differential/Driven Wheels: Front
- Brakes:Four wheel disc, ventilated front
- CO2 Emissions: 180g/km
- Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km (ADR combined)
- Fuel Tank Capacity:60 litres
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Airbags: Front, side and curtain
- Safety:ESC, ABS, TCS, BA, EBD
- Weight: 1506kg
- Warranty: Three year/100,000km
Exterior & Styling
Critics have collectively installed the Cruze on the top shelf for small car designs. Even though design input came from GM subsidiaries throughout the world , Cruze is the first use of the company’s global small car architecture, the final result is consistent, stylish and modern without being on the edge. From the side, Cruze presents a slightly sloping downward shoulder line which combines with its comparatively long 2685mm wheelbase and crinkled front fenders and doors to create a purposeful stance. The prominent chrome grille with its large Holden logo plus the wraparound headlights are all very stylish. At the rear, the look is neat and the large translucent taillights have modern twin circular lighting elements. On CDX models like our test car, the 17-inch alloy wheels contribute to a more classy look.
The Interior
Again it’s a global GM collaboration and Rebecca Christianson, Holden’s Lead Designer for Colour and Trim, logged plenty of Frequent Flyer miles between Australia and Korea during the development phase and resulted in a class. Has superb leather seats with contrasting finishes between the insert and bolster. These are finished with French seam stitching and combine with the rest of the trim finishes to provide a real up-market feel. Rear seat passengers will enjoy nice sculpturing and a surprising 917mm of legroom. The sound system is a six-speaker arrangement with four internal amplifiers, an in-dash CD that is MP3 similar in temperament. Vital information is presented in a simple, easy-to-read three-dial cluster. Boot capacity is a handy 400 litres.
Driving
Typically Holden sharp, the Cruze CDX made mincemeat of our mountain test route with its nicely-balanced framework and precise steering. On the move, the five-speed manual was smooth which was providential as we worked it hard to keep the Cruze…well NOT cruising actually, we were pushing hard through the twists and curves and enjoying the good feedback provided at both front and rear ends. Refinement levels were generally high although there was just a bit of suspension clattering over Melbourne’s notorious train and tram track crossings
Conclusion
With a home in Germany, global design and engineering teams based in South Korea and prototype testing in the UK, USA, Canada, Sweden, China, Korea and Australia the term ‘World Car’ certainly applies to this new small car. Entry to the Cruze family starts at $20,990 for the CD and CDX for $23,990. That’s competitive when shopped against direct rivals – sedan versions of the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer and Nissan Tiida. But it’s a perfect blend-booth in exterior and interior features. And so Cruze scored the maximum five-star rating from ANCAP.
Tags: alloy wheels, chrome grille, co2 emissions, design input, fuel tank capacity, inch alloy wheels, turbo diesel, wheel disc