MY14 Cruze

[falcom]

Does anybody have any information on the soon to be released MY14 Cruze.

After some research the following is what I have discovered:

1) 1.8 to get a long overdue overhaul with electric power steering and updated 6 speed auto
2) Equipe will now be base model
3) SRi and SRi/V to get 1.6 Turbo as standard.

Can anyone confirm or deny this info or have anything else to add?

[redvxr8clubby]

Does anybody have any information on the soon to be released MY14 Cruze.

After some research the following is what I have discovered:

1) 1.8 to get a long overdue overhaul with electric power steering and updated 6 speed auto
2) Equipe will now be base model
3) SRi and SRi/V to get 1.6 Turbo as standard.

Can anyone confirm or deny this info or have anything else to add?

1.6 Turbo sounds good, would be nice if the price doesn't get bumped up.

[VY Sleeper]

They need a 2.0ltr turbo or a V6, they have no guts at all for the size car they are.

[zorro]

They need a 2.0ltr turbo or a V6, they have no guts at all for the size car they are.

I agree, although only with the standard model auto. The rest are as they are, small economical car. The sri is a goer, and modded up are a good bit of fun. Most haven't seen all the aftermarket gear for these floating around the states and also here.

Don't discount them too much....

[Jac001]

Anyone know if MY14 will have the MyLink system?

[Jag530G]

Funny, I logged on here after just reading the Drive review of the Cruze wagon. Kinda think the Cruze wagon is a waste of time in this day and age, GM need to stop mucking about and build a Cruze based SUV, that's what the market really wants. Holden desperately needs a smaller/cheaper SUV to slot in at a mid $20K's price and be smaller than the Captiva.

In mentioning the Cruze, I wonder how a modern version of the old Suzuki based Cruze micro SUV from 10 years ago would sell today? Rather well considering the modern love of all things SUV I suspect. Perhaps the Cruze micro SUV was, conceptually, ahead of its time. (I'm not saying I think the old Cruze was a great car, just the idea of a micro SUV)

Cheers, Matthew

[Troutman]

Pics have been posted.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/thumb/640/321/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/2013-Holden-Cruze-1-625x468.jpg

Mylink is mentioned, but the 1.8 will receive only tweaks.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/216080/holden-cruze-get-1-6-litre-turbo-march/

[ti0350]

i think the 1.6T is really what the Cruze needs I spent the day today giving an SRI-V heaps and it's a fun little car to play around in just needs more grunt the 1.6T should remedy it add a tune and exhaust and it would go great.

[tezzastreasures]

micro suv = barina traxx :bounce:

[Marco]

Yep, the SRi with the 1.6 turbo would be a good thing - sort of a warm hatch at a reasonable price (say $25-30k versus $40k for a Golf GTI etc). Having said that I'd like to see them do a proper hot hatch for say $35k as well.

[tezzastreasures]

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1076175_2013-chevrolet-trax-crossover-is-forbidden-fruit-for-u-s-customers

chevrolet traxx my bad........

cheers tezza

[Jag530G]

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1076175_2013-chevrolet-trax-crossover-is-forbidden-fruit-for-u-s-customers

chevrolet traxx my bad........

cheers tezza

Looks good, Gamma II platform (Barina) so should be pretty cheap. Holden need this yesterday.

Its funny really 10-20 years a go a car company needed a range of sedans/hatches (Small/med/large) and an SUV, now it is the other way round, a range of SUVs and a sedan/hatch. So for Holden it can be Trax, Captiva, Colorado 7 (although I think Holden might need a large "soft roader" to compete with the Toyota Kluger. The Colorado 7 is more a Prado competitor with its full chassis etc)

Cheers, Matthew

[Marco]

Agree on the need for a big Holden SUV - maybe they could do the next Chevy Traverse in RHD? Those things are huge!

[BEARWOOD]

Yep, the SRi with the 1.6 turbo would be a good thing - sort of a warm hatch at a reasonable price (say $25-30k versus $40k for a Golf GTI etc). Having said that I'd like to see them do a proper hot hatch for say $35k as well.

I'm glad you said "warm hatch", i dont think it would hold a candle to a Golf GTI in any way.

[Marco]

Yeah. Not that the Golf GTI is as awesome as the motoring press would have you believe.

[Pickles]

Sometimes I just don't understand GM.....RIGHT FROM THE START, the major "complaint", sometimes the only one, was...the lack of a decent engine....and the same comments are still being made here.....with good reason.
Geez, why didn't they put in a decent engine from the start?......anyway, if a bigger, more powerful engine is coming, that will be good news.
Cheers, Pickles.

[redvxr8clubby]

Funny, I logged on here after just reading the Drive review of the Cruze wagon. Kinda think the Cruze wagon is a waste of time in this day and age, GM need to stop mucking about and build a Cruze based SUV, that's what the market really wants. Holden desperately needs a smaller/cheaper SUV to slot in at a mid $20K's price and be smaller than the Captiva.

In mentioning the Cruze, I wonder how a modern version of the old Suzuki based Cruze micro SUV from 10 years ago would sell today? Rather well considering the modern love of all things SUV I suspect. Perhaps the Cruze micro SUV was, conceptually, ahead of its time. (I'm not saying I think the old Cruze was a great car, just the idea of a micro SUV)

Cheers, Matthew

On the contrary I think the Cruze wagon should have its place. There are almost zero small wagons on the market today unless you spend over $30K on say a Peugeot. Unfortunately from what I've seen with the Cruze you are looking at nearly $30K, and in CDX there is only the 1.8 petrol, CD has Diesel and 1.8 petrol available, no 1.4 turbo available. I think they would be making more sales if there was a CD model for not too much more than a CD sedan sedan or hatch, if CD sedan and hatch is say $21,000 da, I can't see a wagon selling for near $30K.

Edit - adding to this Holden is currently selling 2.4 Captiva with sunroof, 18" alloys and front and rear park assist for $25990 Da, I don't get why a Cruze is near $30K.

[planetdavo]

People need to keep in context the comments relating to the "need" for more powerful engines. Obviously, a forum like this makes things like of the highest importance.
If you are in the market for this sort of car, and you value performance over other things, then you have a valid point, and Holden has lost a POTENTIAL sale. If you were never in the market for one then your opinion is purely your opinion, and not likely to cause any loss of sleep to Holden product planners.
Comparisons with Golf GTI are of limited value. Cruze SRI-V is a good bit lower in price than GTI. Golf GTI is good...but reliability is not always so good. Even if SRI-V had equivalent performance to Golf, it would never sell as well as Golf. That, cough, "prestige" badge gets them plenty of sales...:jerk:
Oh by the way, that orange SRI-V is definitely a MY14 built with an A16LET 1.6 turbo engine, as fitted to some of the latest Astra's.
Finally, with all this talk of the "need" for a high performance Cruze, it might be time to remind a few that the highest selling individual Commodore model to private buyers is the SV6. Most buyers are more than happy with "sporty", rather than "high performance". It's an important difference.

[VYBerlinaV8]

Yeah. Not that the Golf GTI is as awesome as the motoring press would have you believe.

Had a ride in a friend's GTI DSG last week. All I can say is that I was surprised: it was nowhere near as good as I thought it would be. I reckon my WRX is much quicker.

[Jag530G]

On the contrary I think the Cruze wagon should have its place. There are almost zero small wagons on the market today unless you spend over $30K on say a Peugeot. Unfortunately from what I've seen with the Cruze you are looking at nearly $30K, and in CDX there is only the 1.8 petrol, CD has Diesel and 1.8 petrol available, no 1.4 turbo available. I think they would be making more sales if there was a CD model for not too much more than a CD sedan sedan or hatch, if CD sedan and hatch is say $21,000 da, I can't see a wagon selling for near $30K.

Edit - adding to this Holden is currently selling 2.4 Captiva with sunroof, 18" alloys and front and rear park assist for $25990 Da, I don't get why a Cruze is near.
$30K.

Don't forget the Cruze wagon comes with standard auto, a $2k option in the rest of the range.

[Marco]

Had a ride in a friend's GTI DSG last week. All I can say is that I was surprised: it was nowhere near as good as I thought it would be. I reckon my WRX is much quicker.

I drove a manual one about a year ago. Don't get me wrong - it was a nice car but that's all I felt about it: "nice". Not wow, not awesome, not "I want one" just "yeah, this is a nice car". Nice wouldn't be enough for me to hand over $40k.

[aratic]

I reckon my WRX is much quicker.

Probably because it is - 5.5 vs 6.9 for the 0-100 sprint

[Plenty]

I don't know about anyone else but it really pisses me off that the Cruze gets the same colour palette as the "hero" models of the Commodore range, i mean those colours used to be the sole domain of the SS and it was a part of exclusivity to have the "cool" colour but now the small hunks of crap have the same colours, kinda takes the hype out of the Commodore!

[Plenty]

Yeah. Not that the Golf GTI is as awesome as the motoring press would have you believe.

Nope but the Renault Megane R.S. 265 is......

[calais190]

People need to keep in context the comments relating to the "need" for more powerful engines. Obviously, a forum like this makes things like of the highest importance.
If you are in the market for this sort of car, and you value performance over other things, then you have a valid point, and Holden has lost a POTENTIAL sale. If you were never in the market for one then your opinion is purely your opinion, and not likely to cause any loss of sleep to Holden product planners.
Comparisons with Golf GTI are of limited value. Cruze SRI-V is a good bit lower in price than GTI. Golf GTI is good...but reliability is not always so good. Even if SRI-V had equivalent performance to Golf, it would never sell as well as Golf. That, cough, "prestige" badge gets them plenty of sales...:jerk:
Oh by the way, that orange SRI-V is definitely a MY14 built with an A16LET 1.6 turbo engine, as fitted to some of the latest Astra's.
Finally, with all this talk of the "need" for a high performance Cruze, it might be time to remind a few that the highest selling individual Commodore model to private buyers is the SV6. Most buyers are more than happy with "sporty", rather than "high performance". It's an important difference.

I agree that everyone on this forum would think the cruze is slow due to us all being naturally bias toward performance and quick vehicles. However, MANY people who know absolutely nothing about cars, and simply do not care about cars have told me "the cruze is a very nice car, but it has no guts". A guy who drives a Hyundai excel every day (by choice, not by financial position) was telling me how slow and useless the cruze feels.

I don't suggest Holden should produce a performance cruise (I don't think anyone would buy it anyway) but I think a model that offers modest-medium power like a 2L turbo, say a 150kw, 300nm kind of engine surely wouldn't be overlooked when in that level of the car buyers market...

I believe a hell of a lot of "small car" buyers won't buy a car because it is too slow.

[white lie]

My missus loves hers apart from the fact that it's so slow. It doesn't need a lot more poke, just a half decent amount of torque down the bottom. It makes a hell of a lot of noise because it has to rev so high and still goes nowhere!

[planetdavo]

Straw polls amongst a few people mean nothing. Cruze has been out for a fair while now, yet it remains a very popular small car.
Clearly, "most" people don't put higher performance at the head of the list of needs. One thing that's far more important to most buyers, and something Cruze is MUCH better than most small cars at, is it's inherent quietness when cruising, and the solid feel of the car.
You can't please everyone all of the time. Wouldn't matter if it had a 200kW engine. Some would still complain that's it's front wheel drive, or it's a "Daewoo", or it doesn't have a snob badge like Golf, or you can have a (noisy) Mazda 3 for similar money, or whatever other whinging you can think of...

[Jag530G]

My missus loves hers apart from the fact that it's so slow. It doesn't need a lot more poke, just a half decent amount of torque down the bottom. It makes a hell of a lot of noise because it has to rev so high and still goes nowhere!


Straw polls amongst a few people mean nothing. Cruze has been out for a fair while now, yet it remains a very popular small car.
Clearly, "most" people don't put higher performance at the head of the list of needs. One thing that's far more important to most buyers, and something Cruze is MUCH better than most small cars at, is it's inherent quietness when cruising, and the solid feel of the car.
You can't please everyone all of the time. Wouldn't matter if it had a 200kW engine. Some would still complain that's it's front wheel drive, or it's a "Daewoo", or it doesn't have a snob badge like Golf, or you can have a (noisy) Mazda 3 for similar money, or whatever other whinging you can think of...

Hopefully the 1.6T will boost the low end torque. If so the fuel economy might actually improve because the downside of what PD talks about, the Cruze's quietness and solidity, is weight and the Cruze is pretty porky. A bit more low end torque will mean it doesn't have to thrashed as much to move around town.

From personal experience with my wife's 2009 1.8L auto Cruze. Yes its pretty gutless, but I actually find it is OK around town. I find it annoying on the hilly Bruce Freeway driving down from Noosa to Brisbane. When I have the cruise control set the speed varies quite significantly before the cruise control reacts (slowly) and gets it back to the set speed. My old 1.8L TS Astra was miles better on cruise control (although it was a manual so that may have helped). As for handling I've always found it surprisingly good. When I took it for a test drive before buying it I must admit I was expecting Korean Car levels of understeer but it holds its line through the curves very well.

Cheers, Matthew

[duke5700]

My missus who is on the opposite end of the hoon scale to me test drove an SRI hatch 1.4T, her first comment after she came back and said to the salesmen, it just isn't zippy enough and seems lost with the gears when you are trying to enter traffic. This coming from a girl who was driving an auto 2002 Corolla.

Everything else was fine, car felt nice, rode well and looked good in the red it was wearing. Took her for a test drive in a VW Jetta with the 1.4TSI and she was sold. In her words, the car was effortless.

I believe it would sell better with a better engine combination.

[falcom]

Gm/Holden really blew a great opportunity with the Cruze.

If I ever talk to a Cruze owner I always ask them what they think of the car and the answer is always the same. They always comment on how underpowered it is.

I really believe the Cruze would have been a top 2 car if it had a decent engine. Unfortunately even if they do put in a decent engine it will take time to repair the brand damage this 1.8 has caused.

Also why is the Cruze so much heavier than the opposition ? The answer seems to be because of the extra safety built in but the opposition cars are also 5 star cars but 100kg lighter. The weight only exaggerates the problem with the 1.8.

[BEARWOOD]

Straw polls amongst a few people mean nothing. Cruze has been out for a fair while now, yet it remains a very popular small car.
Clearly, "most" people don't put higher performance at the head of the list of needs. One thing that's far more important to most buyers, and something Cruze is MUCH better than most small cars at, is it's inherent quietness when cruising, and the solid feel of the car.
You can't please everyone all of the time. Wouldn't matter if it had a 200kW engine. Some would still complain that's it's front wheel drive, or it's a "Daewoo", or it doesn't have a snob badge like Golf, or you can have a (noisy) Mazda 3 for similar money, or whatever other whinging you can think of...


You seriously talk so much shit. In your opinion everything holden produces is spot on and the general public are clueless sheep if they think otherwise. Heres a fact for you, holden have produced some shit over the years and could of done better at some things, you failing to realise/admit this just proves you have no idea and its boring to read your posts as they are always so narrow minded. You highlight so many faults of other manufactures but will not admit holden ever making one. Defend the cruze all you want but its obvious sales would be better if it had more power, and no one is talking massive power like you keep making out.

Has anyone not bought a cruze cause its too powerful, no.
Has anyone not bought a cruze cause its under powered, yes.

[carneb]

One thing that would be nice is a drivers footrest. I couldn't believe it when we took one for a test drive and and it didn't have one!

[ti0350]

One thing that would be nice is a drivers footrest. I couldn't believe it when we took one for a test drive and and it didn't have one!
I agree I had an SRI-V for the week last week and really missed the footrest

[Marco]

Davo might have a point on Cruze though. We'd all option the more powerful engine, but in fact Holden has now dropped the 1.4 turbo engine option on the base CD model - which suggests that nobody was buying it (probably because anyone interested in it would have just found another couple of grand and got the SRi with the extra stuff that it also offers).

For someone like my wife, the base 1.8 Cruze would be fine - and it's people like my wife who are the market for these types of cars. Me, I'd want more power - but then I'd also want better suspension, alloys etc so I'd go straight to the SRi, or more probably, a totally different car altogether.

[Jag530G]

One thing that would be nice is a drivers footrest. I couldn't believe it when we took one for a test drive and and it didn't have one!

Left foot rests have been going the way of the dodo because they contribute to lower leg injuries in a crash and hurt the car's NCAP score.

Cheers, Matthew

[Jag530G]

Davo might have a point on Cruze though. We'd all option the more powerful engine, but in fact Holden has now dropped the 1.4 turbo engine option on the base CD model - which suggests that nobody was buying it (probably because anyone interested in it would have just found another couple of grand and got the SRi with the extra stuff that it also offers).

For someone like my wife, the base 1.8 Cruze would be fine - and it's people like my wife who are the market for these types of cars. Me, I'd want more power - but then I'd also want better suspension, alloys etc so I'd go straight to the SRi, or more probably, a totally different car altogether.

Just like us, when we got ours I thought about getting the diesel because it went better but it cost $3K more plus more for servicing (the 1.4T wasn't available in the early models) and I thought well I'm hardly ever going to drive it and my wife doesn't care about performance and she won't drive it enough for the fuel savings to pay for the extra cost so what's the point? So we got the plain ol' 1.8.

Cheers, Matthew

[mac06]

We'd all option the more powerful engine, but in fact Holden has now dropped the 1.4 turbo engine option on the base CD model

I'm not so sure that Holden has dropped the 1.4 turbo engine on the base CD (which is now the Equipe). It may be that the 1.6 turbo will be kept for the SRi and SRiV to differentiate
from the Equipe, and the Equipe will keep the 1.4 turbo. Have to wait and see I guess. Note from the first post by falcom that the 1.6 turbo is only mentioned in relation to the sportier models. That doesn't necessarily mean the Equipe doesn't keep the 1.4 turbo. I also have a feeling the electric power steering (if true) and the new 6 speed auto may make quite a difference to the 1.8 Cruze, relatively speaking. I would imagine that most people would be happy with an improved drive feel in the 1.8 base model, coupled with better fuel economy. That may be enough to get more bums in seats. Those who want more power are more likely to go for the 1.6 turbo in the sportier models, which could also equate to more bums in seats.


Does anybody have any information on the soon to be released MY14 Cruze.

After some research the following is what I have discovered:

1) 1.8 to get a long overdue overhaul with electric power steering and updated 6 speed auto
2) Equipe will now be base model
3) SRi and SRi/V to get 1.6 Turbo as standard.

[Marco]

I misunderstood what I read in Wheels - you can still get the 1.4 on the CD, just not with a manual anymore.

[planetdavo]

You seriously talk so much shit. In your opinion everything holden produces is spot on and the general public are clueless sheep if they think otherwise. Heres a fact for you, holden have produced some shit over the years and could of done better at some things, you failing to realise/admit this just proves you have no idea and its boring to read your posts as they are always so narrow minded. You highlight so many faults of other manufactures but will not admit holden ever making one. Defend the cruze all you want but its obvious sales would be better if it had more power, and no one is talking massive power like you keep making out.

Has anyone not bought a cruze cause its too powerful, no.
Has anyone not bought a cruze cause its under powered, yes.

No worries fella. :lmao:
Your post has been filed where it belongs...in the toilet. Most people don't give a sh!t about high powered cars, and when you start understanding that, I might just start believing what you post.
:)

[C4B]

Play nice children. If the school ground name calling continues school holidays will come early!

[planetdavo]

The point I made is that Cruze doesn't "need" grunty engines to be successful. It already IS successful.
Corolla proves you don't "need" more powerful engines to sell. It all depends on what market you are chasing.
If you chase every single "potential" sale possible then you would have to release (perhaps) 100 different Cruze variants with 20 different engines and 6 different transmission options.
Sheer stupidity for a mainstream car manufacturer. Holden have to work with what is AFFORDABLE within the GM empire. The only more powerful option available in the Delta 11 chassis, besides the upcoming 1.6, is the Astra OPC's 2.0. That car will be about $43K + on roads, and is already engineered.
Can Cruze gain many sales playing in this price bracket, considering Holden will have to engineer it into a Cruze (and price the VERY low sales volumes accordingly)?
Nope.
There is far more to it than some people seem to realise...

[VYBerlinaV8]

The point I made is that Cruze doesn't "need" grunty engines to be successful. It already IS successful.
Corolla proves you don't "need" more powerful engines to sell. It all depends on what market you are chasing.


Corolla does well because it has been around for a long time and developed a reputation as honest and reliable transport. My sister-in-law has a 7 year old Corolla with 90,000km on it, and it is as tight and quiet as when it was bought new. Holden could do worse than try to emulate this approach.

[ti0350]

Holden just released all the details of the My14 Cruze, SRi and SRi-V get the 1.6L turbo 132kw and 230nm cant wait to drive it next month.
More details here. http://wp.me/pW2ZJ-bf

[Troutman]

First Drive test:

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor-reviews/first-drive-2014-holden-cruze-sri-20130307-2fnxs.html

[BEARWOOD]

No worries fella. :lmao:
Your post has been filed where it belongs...in the toilet. Most people don't give a sh!t about high powered cars, and when you start understanding that, I might just start believing what you post.
:)

I'll slow it down for you in hope that you understand this time, NO ONE expects it to be a "high powered" car but just a bit more than what it has would improve the car alot as otherwise the car is reasonably good!

Obviously Holden have taken more notice of real people and missed your 1 track thoughts on the new version as they have given it more power....this must be hard for you given that they have done what you keep saying they don't need to do....

Like i said before, no one is not going to buy it because it has too much power.

[Marco]

$22,490 for the SRI with the 1.6 turbo engine sounds like a good thing. Wonder what gains could be had with a little exhaust work and a tune maybe?

[falcom]

When Cruze was released in 2009 it was better value than the opposition but over time it lost that advantage where it was actually expensive when compared.

It looks like Holden has been listening and has made the MY14 Cruze worth considering again.

The only thing I would add to complete the value equation is a 5 year warranty.

Good job Holden.

[super coach]

SRi-V sounds the good, like the wheels and also you get Bridgestones. would be good if self park was an option on this thats the only thing missing from the Commodore. Apart from that I'm liking what I read! Think might order one in the Fantale colour

[Pickles]

I reckon the 1.6 Turbo engine is, at least, a step in the right direction.
I've ALWAYS said that Cruze is under powered....and so do a lot of others, some of whom may have been buyers, with a better engine.
Anyway, if ya've got the Melbourne Sun today, there's a double page feature on the "new" Cruze with the 1.6 Turbo engine.....the writer is literally "over the moon" with the new drive train.....he says it addresses just about all the deficiencies that were there...he says Focus etc had better look out...because this Cruze is GOOD.
Anyway, I hope Holden sell heaps.
Cheers, Pickles.

[redvxr8clubby]

I'm not so sure that Holden has dropped the 1.4 turbo engine on the base CD (which is now the Equipe). It may be that the 1.6 turbo will be kept for the SRi and SRiV to differentiate
from the Equipe, and the Equipe will keep the 1.4 turbo. Have to wait and see I guess. Note from the first post by falcom that the 1.6 turbo is only mentioned in relation to the sportier models. That doesn't necessarily mean the Equipe doesn't keep the 1.4 turbo. I also have a feeling the electric power steering (if true) and the new 6 speed auto may make quite a difference to the 1.8 Cruze, relatively speaking. I would imagine that most people would be happy with an improved drive feel in the 1.8 base model, coupled with better fuel economy. That may be enough to get more bums in seats. Those who want more power are more likely to go for the 1.6 turbo in the sportier models, which could also equate to more bums in seats.

From Holden website

The new 1.6 litre turbo engine, now standard in both SRi and SRi-V sport models, replaces the 1.4 litre turbo engine which remains an option on the Equipe.

[planetdavo]

I'll slow it down for you in hope that you understand this time, NO ONE expects it to be a "high powered" car but just a bit more than what it has would improve the car alot as otherwise the car is reasonably good!

Obviously Holden have taken more notice of real people and missed your 1 track thoughts on the new version as they have given it more power....this must be hard for you given that they have done what you keep saying they don't need to do....

Like i said before, no one is not going to buy it because it has too much power.

So sorry to have questioned your post. Clearly, with Cruze comfortably entrenched in the top 3 of small car sales around 4 years after launch, and most sales being of the apparently hideously crap and underpowered 1.8 petrol engine, I obviously have no absolutely no idea what I'm talking about...:bawl:
They could stick a V6 in the thing and people will still sook and b!tch their little vaginas off over a lack of power somewhere out there, but these days, most small car buyers are most interested in economy, hence the lack of priority over power outputs...:teach:
They've put a slightly more powerful engine into the "sporty" models as a running change, and massaged other parts of the car. As tends to happen at some point. Gives something new to advertise. Mostly a shuffling of the parts bins.
One day you'll understand why "no one is not going to buy it because it has too much power" is of little importance to this class of car. You'll never please everyone in life...and some just never want to be pleased in life. Think about it.

[zorro]

$22,490 for the SRI with the 1.6 turbo engine sounds like a good thing. Wonder what gains could be had with a little exhaust work and a tune maybe?

Check out what's been done in the states with the 1.4iti engine. Comparatively a small helping of capacity should yield some great results. Also if you don't know it is possible to run an ethanol sensor in the Cruze and with the PCM can run them as a full flex fuel vehicle

[redvxr8clubby]

They've put a slightly more powerful engine into the "sporty" models as a running change, and massaged other parts of the car. As tends to happen at some point. Gives something new to advertise. Mostly a shuffling of the parts bins.


Slightly more power? Unless these figures don't translate in the real world, the current 1.8 and 1.4 iti are 104 and 103 Kw, the iti having 200nm of torque at just 1850 RPM. The 1.6 turbo is claimed to 132 Kw and 230 nm, almost a 30% increase in power, and 15% increase in torque. Most on here would sacrifice a family member for those increases on their V8's. I guess the weight of the Cruze is working against it. I wouldn't mind that puppy in my little Fiesta (89 Kw and 150nm), it would really hoot, given it only weighs about 1100Kg.

[redvxr8clubby]

but these days, most small car buyers are most interested in economy, hence the lack of priority over power outputs...:teach:


I don't disagree with this statement, but it will be a bit sad if there isn't even a blip on the sales radar with the new 1.6 turbo. It's getting good write ups, should help to boost sales I would think, wouldn't mind one myself.

[planetdavo]

Slightly more power? Unless these figures don't translate in the real world, the current 1.8 and 1.4 iti are 104 and 103 Kw, the iti having 200nm of torque at just 1850 RPM. The 1.6 turbo is claimed to 132 Kw and 230 nm, almost a 30% increase in power, and 15% increase in torque. Most on here would sacrifice a family member for those increases on their V8's. I guess the weight of the Cruze is working against it. I wouldn't mind that puppy in my little Fiesta (89 Kw and 150nm), it would really hoot, given it only weighs about 1100Kg.

If you look at it from the on-road performance rather than the dyno sheet performance perspective, it is only "slightly" more performance. That was what I was trying to get at. Perhaps I should have said (on road) "performance" rather than (dyno sheet) "power".
Neither engine makes it a competitor for Focus ST, Mazda MPS, Megane RS265 etc. They're not trying to compete with that (small) market.
The engine will most likely gain "some" sales (initially anyway), but like anything in this industry (and something many seem to forget on the internet), the sales gain must be balanced against the MILLIONS of dollars required to fund the change. Yes, it is actually that much. It's no cheap thing to introduce an engine option into a new car, and when you are trying to recoup your costs on a car that will mostly sell in the red hot 20-30K ish region, margins aren't exactly huge...
As always, time will tell just how much the market appreciates this (apparently hugely necessary to some) more powerful engine. Fact is most buyers want the illusion of sporty, rather than the reality of sports. So, the "look" is the most important thing...

[redvxr8clubby]

All fair enough Davo and if you look at it rationally, it is really torque that you perceive as power when driven normally, and this is a 15% increase over the 1.4 turbo, it's not massive but it definitely is a worthwhile improvement, I hope they sell plenty, good for Holden and Aussie jobs. In some respects Holden may even attract some buyers of SP25 and Lancer VRX etc to an SRI and SRI-V. The SP25 and the VRX are pretty pricey, and an SRI maybe something like $10K cheaper, I fugure even an SRI-V probably $5K cheaper. I figure a lot of SP25 and VRX buyers simply want something a bit more powerful than the standard 2.0 litre engines and decently equipped. I also wonder what Opel are thinking given their Astra 1.6 turbo is a little bit less of a niche market now. Main thing I see as a downer for the Cruze is the looks department certainly not as good looking as an SP25 hatch for example. I agree they are no competition for the 2.0 litre turbos like GTI and ST, MPS and RS265, and realistically I think beyond the current Cruze body styles to compete in that market place. Overall well done Holden, this should sell, Holden should be shouting this and the Aussie made angle from the rooftops.

[C4B]

The Mazda SP25 is a corker of a car. Holden offerings wouldn't hold a candle to the 25.

[Smashfist]

The Mazda SP25 is a corker of a car. Holden offerings wouldn't hold a candle to the 25.

True, but while the SRI and SRI-V won't compete fully on a feature/power scale, you can bet with that pricing some people considering other turbo hatches will jump ship. If I was looking for a smaller car I'd be all over an SRI manual like a fat kid on a box of tim tams.

So far the JH/series 2 Cruze has shown itself to be quite a solid little car. Holden/GM have come a long way since the early Daewoo days.

[ti0350]

True, but while the SRI and SRI-V won't compete fully on a feature/power scale, you can bet with that pricing some people considering other turbo hatches will jump ship. If I was looking for a smaller car I'd be all over an SRI manual like a fat kid on a box of tim tams.

So far the JH/series 2 Cruze has shown itself to be quite a solid little car. Holden/GM have come a long way since the early Daewoo days.

The only thing I can see the 25 gets over the Cruze is bi zenons and led tail lights the 1.6 has more power and torque at lower revs, think the SRi is going to steel a few sales with the pricing. While it can't compete with the hot hatches Holden hasn't aimed it at them either, they are going Opel to that with the OPC Astra.

[Pickles]

The only thing I can see the 25 gets over the Cruze is bi zenons and led tail lights the 1.6 has more power and torque at lower revs, think the SRi is going to steel a few sales with the pricing. While it can't compete with the hot hatches Holden hasn't aimed it at them either, they are going Opel to that with the OPC Astra.
+1.
It's a shame Holden didn't get the Astra "franchise" 100%.......aaaahhhh, the "Politics"!
Cheers, Pickles.

[planetdavo]

The Mazda SP25 is a corker of a car. Holden offerings wouldn't hold a candle to the 25.

Unless you just want cruise mode, like most people do the vast majority of the time. Compare a Cruze, ANY Cruze, to ANY Mazda 3 on the course chip roads oh so common in Australia, and you quickly discover just how hellishly noisy they are compared to a Cruze...
They are not a refined small car.

[planetdavo]

All fair enough Davo and if you look at it rationally, it is really torque that you perceive as power when driven normally, and this is a 15% increase over the 1.4 turbo, it's not massive but it definitely is a worthwhile improvement, I hope they sell plenty, good for Holden and Aussie jobs. In some respects Holden may even attract some buyers of SP25 and Lancer VRX etc to an SRI and SRI-V. The SP25 and the VRX are pretty pricey, and an SRI maybe something like $10K cheaper, I fugure even an SRI-V probably $5K cheaper. I figure a lot of SP25 and VRX buyers simply want something a bit more powerful than the standard 2.0 litre engines and decently equipped. I also wonder what Opel are thinking given their Astra 1.6 turbo is a little bit less of a niche market now. Main thing I see as a downer for the Cruze is the looks department certainly not as good looking as an SP25 hatch for example. I agree they are no competition for the 2.0 litre turbos like GTI and ST, MPS and RS265, and realistically I think beyond the current Cruze body styles to compete in that market place. Overall well done Holden, this should sell, Holden should be shouting this and the Aussie made angle from the rooftops.

I agree. Torque is always more important than power to most drivers. It's what they feel as "performance". Not as impressive on a dyno sheet bat off though for those types.
Re the Opel vs Holden 1.6 question posed, I doubt the big GM boss would be that worried.
More likely to be worried if neither of them get the sale. Most buyers can't even find the engine dipstick or the windscreen washer bottle cap these days, so two cars having the same engine doesn't rate.
VW and Audi get a VERY special mention on this subject...;)

[macca_779]

Unless you just want cruise mode, like most people do the vast majority of the time. Compare a Cruze, ANY Cruze, to ANY Mazda 3 on the course chip roads oh so common in Australia, and you quickly discover just how hellishly noisy they are compared to a Cruze...
They are not a refined small car.

Buy a Subaru then. Far more insulated for NVH and capable/safe grip wise by a mile

[C4B]

Buy a Subaru then. Far more insulated for NVH and capable/safe grip wise by a mile

And resale values Holden owners could only dream about.

[planetdavo]

Buy a Subaru then. Far more insulated for NVH and capable/safe grip wise by a mile

My girlfriend has one of the just superceded ones, so been in it and driven it many, many times. It came out roughly around the same time as the first of the current shape Cruze, so she's had it for over 3 years.
Reckon Cruze 1.8 has "sluggish" performance? Drive an auto one of these. Barely any more engine output- but with two less gears.
Reckon VE has a plastic interior? Hard plastics everywhere in the Suby!
Shut the doors and listen for the hollow sounding thwang. They are one lightweight, hollow sounding door. Now shut a Cruze door. Impressively solid.
It is quiet though when moving- about equal to Cruze (and I've taken home every type of Cruze available). Resale on Subaru's is excellent.
Although not an issue in her car, the indicators often seem to have trouble working in many modern Subaru's though...;)

[whitels1ss]

The Mazda SP25 is a corker of a car. Holden offerings wouldn't hold a candle to the 25.

Yeah, I would have to agree, I reckon the Mazda 3 is a great little car :goodjob:

It is a great retail seller as well because it is such a great little car.

It would certainly be my first choice in cars around that size group.

[planetdavo]

Yeah, I would have to agree, I reckon the Mazda 3 is a great little car :goodjob:

It is a great retail seller as well because it is such a great little car.

It would certainly be my first choice in cars around that size group.

3 is certainly a worthy small car with, like all cars, positive and negative points, but one thing is rather interesting about Mazda.
Apart from Australia, they are a struggling company around the world, and it has nothing to do with post-GFC hangovers. We have access to as much production capacity as we want, and they have PLENTY of it available.
Trust me, those who know do indeed know.

[macca_779]

My girlfriend has one of the just superceded ones, so been in it and driven it many, many times. It came out roughly around the same time as the first of the current shape Cruze, so she's had it for over 3 years.
Reckon Cruze 1.8 has "sluggish" performance? Drive an auto one of these. Barely any more engine output- but with two less gears.
Reckon VE has a plastic interior? Hard plastics everywhere in the Suby!
Shut the doors and listen for the hollow sounding thwang. They are one lightweight, hollow sounding door. Now shut a Cruze door. Impressively solid.
It is quiet though when moving- about equal to Cruze (and I've taken home every type of Cruze available). Resale on Subaru's is excellent.
Although not an issue in her car, the indicators often seem to have trouble working in many modern Subaru's though...;)

I have an 02 2.5 Auto Outback. It's got 225 000k's on it now. Has successfully traveled to the roper river many times and still doesn't have any rattles. Also managed to drive from the NT to Melbourne towing a 7x4 with a gross of about 500kg plus all the shit in the car (camping equipment, fridge etc) and my family for days at upto 130km/h in over 40c temps with temp not ever budging off where it always sits at half. It's got enough power to do that so I can't complain. I don't know what you would call built for our conditions. But I can tell you right now you would be hard pressed to find an Aussie car that can do all that as easy as having a shit

[csv rulz]

I think this 1.6t is exactly what cruze's porky ass needed. Bloody hell they are a heavy bugger.
Iv driven both an sp25 and a cdx cruze both 09 from memory.
The cruze was quiter but that was the only area in my opinion it was better. I was disappointed by the interior plastics, the leather felt cheap and talk about a slug. I also use to have an 09 KIA Rio 1.4auto as a company car and the cruze would be as sluggish (dangerously so in some circumstances)
If it had been my money between the cruze cdx and sp25 my money would have been on the Mazda every day.
Hopefully that will change with the new motor.

[csv rulz]

In terms of subies my opinion is they have dropped the ball massivley. My old man had an 02 liberty, it was a beautiful car to drive, great quality. Made my Commodore feel like a tin can.
However last year when we were looking for a new car we checked out both brand new forester and outback. Both felt so cheap and tinnie we didn't even bother taking one for a test drive. We were really dissapointed as they were high on our list

[planetdavo]

In terms of subies my opinion is they have dropped the ball massivley. My old man had an 02 liberty, it was a beautiful car to drive, great quality. Made my Commodore feel like a tin can.
However last year when we were looking for a new car we checked out both brand new forester and outback. Both felt so cheap and tinnie we didn't even bother taking one for a test drive. We were really dissapointed as they were high on our list

Sounds familiar.
Honda dropped the ball too. Lost their "premium" years ago, to be nothing more than shopping trolleys in most cases nowadays.

[mickeyVX350]

I quite like the Cruze, in fact, if i had the cash my gf would be driving one. They are a bit lacking, but i expect that. The 1.8t starts ticking more boxes. I've just jumped into a Captiva,Craptiva, Daewoo, whatever and i love it. I'm also keen to support Australian manufacturing, even if i subsidise it via buying an import.

[super coach]

I'm going to buy one for the Mrs and support South Australia and also Australian Automotive Manufacturing!

[Smitty]

And resale values Holden owners could only dream about.

really..???? apparently not unless you go get another one.

One of my golfing buddies is chasing a new smaller car at present (yes he is interested in a new Cruze or even the wagon)
and his 7 yo Subbie is at about $8k for a trade in with 100,000kms (and he paid $35k for it new....ouch)
The Subaru dealer offered him $13k ...on a new Liberty.

[Marco]

Thread revival - has anyone bought or at least driven the 1.6T yet? Vectra is becoming a money pit so we are considering options. Cruze SRi would be top of my shopping list (wife has said not another Commodore, too big, you drive the SS daily and get me something smaller).

[ti0350]

Had one for a week to do a review on and absolutely love it, if i could afford it I would be buying one. This is not the first Cruze brung home to review and the missus was never fussed on any of them until this one now she wants one mind you she wants the SRiV for the extra fruit it has I'd be happy with the SRi. Ticked all the boxes for me fun to drive handles great, decent amount of power a huge step up from the previous model. here's my review if it interests you http://wp.me/pW2ZJ-hl

[Marco]

Sounds good, cheers. To be honest I reckon my Mrs would be happy with the base 1.8 but I'm not going there; the one I drove a few years ago was unimpressive (as was the diesel).

Anyone know what the cam belt change interval on the 1.6T is? (Or is it chain driven?)

[ti0350]

Sounds good, cheers. To be honest I reckon my Mrs would be happy with the base 1.8 but I'm not going there; the one I drove a few years ago was unimpressive (as was the diesel).

Anyone know what the cam belt change interval on the 1.6T is? (Or is it chain driven?)
definitely chain driven

[Marco]

Excellent. After the Vectra and an Astra before it, I'm over 60k timing belt changes!

[Waughy]

Got my Nitrate SRi-V last Thursday. Haven't driven any of the other engine variants, but the 1.6 manual goes very well. Obviously I'll be waiting until it's done a few more k's to loosen up before giving it a good poke, but so far I'm very happy with it. A step down from the LS1 but I already know I'll be happy with this thing (with a change in circumstances it's time to settle down a bit and put my money elsewhere, like the mortgage).
the Mylink system is quite good, still sussing out all the options it has but no issues with connecting my iPhone 5, both with bluetooth and USB. A pity it misses the satnav stuff (coming in July apparently, wonder if I will be able to upgrade mine).
One thing I thought it should have at least is an electric driver's seat. Had it in the VZ Calais, and the Captiva before that. Cranking a handle for height adjustment just seems too old to me tech wise now.

[Marco]

The Mrs and I had a good look over an SRi on the weekend - she seemed to like it and I was fairly impressed as well. Felt like a very solid car, and even though some of the plastics etc inside are hard they at least felt solid rather than flimsy (unlike when you sit in, say, a Lancer). It was raining so we didn't want to take one for a drive but we'll go back soonish and do that, and hopefully my wife will like it enough to want to place an order. We'll also check out a few other things but more likely small SUVs than other hatchbacks; but basically unless my wife finds a reason not to like the Cruze we'll go for that.

[BEARWOOD]

I agree about the handle to pump the seat, but theres still quite a few cars with that option and still some that you cant even adjust height. It's kind of strange given that you get just about everything else you could possibly want in cars these days but still can adjust a seat up & down....

[csv rulz]

I agree about the handle to pump the seat, but theres still quite a few cars with that option and still some that you cant even adjust height. It's kind of strange given that you get just about everything else you could possibly want in cars these days but still can adjust a seat up & down....

Or a steering wheel in and out. Not sure about the crude but it amazes me how many new cars don't have reach adjust on the steering wheel. You end up with your legs all cramped and your arms stretched right out

[Waughy]

Haven't checked it out for myself in my Cruze, but the Holden site says that it has height and reach adjustable steering.

[white lie]

Nearly 100% that the missus 2011 CDX has height/reach adjustment. Couldn't see them losing it?

[csv rulz]

Nearly 100% that the missus 2011 CDX has height/reach adjustment. Couldn't see them losing it?

As I said wasn't sure about the cruze. Just amazes me the amount of modern cars that don't have it

[VYBerlinaV8]

Sat in a Cruze wagon a couple of weeks ago, and I was surprised that it didn't seem particularly roomy. My WRX has much more space in the front seats.

[VX2VESS]

Nope but the Renault Megane R.S. 265 is...... if it wasn't so expensive for a small car

[VXSS346]

Revising this thread again. :)

Any updated views/issues/problems with the My14 model?

Specifically looking at the 1.4T Equipe auto.

I drove the 1.6T and that's impressive I must say, ..........then drove the 1.4T and while impressive enough for a base model, I thought it felt a bit hesitant just before and during each gear change, (driven normally) very hard to explain, its nothing major and easy to get used to, but just wondering if anyone else has felt that? Or maybe its a bit of turbo lag??

Or maybe my imagination? :D

[RRR888]

Hi mate, funny you brought this thread back up as I was only having a read through yesterday. I have a pretty similar experience to yourself.

I don't think it's turbo lag, but maybe a lack of turbo boost entirely!

I recently drove a 1.4T MY13 Cruze CD. While I found it a pleasant place to be, I was dissapointed with the driving experience. Driving it had kind of put me off looking at the Cruze any further, I had come to the conclusion that I may need to maybe spend a bit more than what I had wanted to and get into the hot-hatch market to find the car that the Mrs and I could both be happy with.

However - I was glad to read in reviews of the MY14 Cruze, that holden engineer's had focused on addressing the very issues I wasn't impressed with in the MY13.

From what I have read, the 1.6T has made the Cruze a fair bit more lively. I am now looking foward to taking one for a good test drive.


Has anyone tuned a turbo Cruze? Is there any benefit?

[super coach]

I drove a MY12 SRiV from Melb to Adel and loved it but thought the same thing the power, Cant wait to go for a test drive in the new 1.6. Also the other day the SRiV now get the new radio and sat nav standard for 28k which I thought was a good price for whats included in top of the range sports model. and thank goodness it gets 18's with the bridgestone.

[EddieVE06]

Hi
Didn't want to start a new thread and wanted to keep it under the cruze thread also. My wife has a SRI hatch built Nov 2011. Has the 17x7 inch rims. The new cruze sriv has 18x8 inch rims. Is anyone aware whether these rims will fit the older model. I've noticed the offset is a little diffrent but not sure if that has to do with being an 8 inch rather than a 7 inch rim.
Thanks

[Troutman]

http://liveimages.motoring.com.au/carsales/general/editorial/ge5240041736570315454.jpg

Wednesday, 10 July 2013

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.


MY14 Cruze sedan and hatch pricing (plus ORCs):
Equipe 1.8 -- $19,490
Equipe 1.8 (a) -- $21,690
Equipe 1.4 (a) -- $23,190
Equipe 2.0L (a) -- $25,690
CDX 1.8L (a) -- $24,190
CDX 2.0L (a) -- $28,190
SRi 1.6 -- $22,490 (hatch only)
SRi 1.6 (a) -- $24,690 (hatch only)
SRi-V 1.6 -- $26,490 (hatch only)
SRi-V 1.6 (a) -- $28,690 (hatch only)


http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2013/small-passenger/holden/cruze/more-tech-for-holden-cruze-37605

[VXSS346]

Ok thanks fellas :cheers:

[Waughy]

Shame I couldn't have held out with my SRi-V, would have liked the satnav. Not to worry, enjoying it very much, the 1.6T has got some go and the car is a joy to drive.

[Marco]

SRi 1.6 -- $22,490 (hatch only)
SRi 1.6 (a) -- $24,690 (hatch only)
SRi-V 1.6 -- $26,490 (hatch only)
SRi-V 1.6 (a) -- $28,690 (hatch only)

Is that right, ie no more SRi/SRiV sedans? Seems odd, I see more of them than I do hatches on any given day (not that I care overly, Mrs wants a hatchback...)

[mac06]

Is that right, ie no more SRi/SRiV sedans? Seems odd, I see more of them than I do hatches on any given day (not that I care overly, Mrs wants a hatchback...)

They've got it wrong, the SRi and SRiV are available in both Sedan and Hatch. The CDX is available in Sedan only. Can't trust a motoring mag to get it right.

[seasmi]

Just bought the wife a MY14 SRI 1.6t. Quite impressed and very happy with the purchase. Just loves twisty roads and handles like a treat.
Seats definitely more comfy than the VE SS.. And plenty of room for tall driver.

[Marco]

Can I ask what you paid? PM me if you prefer.

[seasmi]

Can I ask what you paid? PM me if you prefer.

No problem Marco. 25890 on road with 5 year warranty and roadside assist.

Its an auto by the way.

[Marco]

That's very good buying. Holden's website reckons RRP in the ACT for a manual SRi hatch is about $26400 so it sounds like dealers are willing to play ball if you got an auto for less. Hopefully our Vectra trade in isn't completely worthless...

[seasmi]

Yes I thought so Marco. It was a May build and reading some people were having trouble getting them it was a surprise. Also and being in June maybe a end of financial thing. We're happy campers anyway.

[Marco]

Looks like GM has made a decision to delay the next Cruze by about a year, pushing it out to late 2015. Could be interesting here in 2016 if Holden has to put a new Cruze and a new Commodore/Commodore replacement into production at about the same time.

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/56952/next-holden-cruze-delayed-report

[Waughy]

Had my first flat tyre yesterday. A few things I came across that bugged me (probably to do with the mood I was in at finding a flat after work), I had no way of getting the plugs off the wheel nuts without marking the rims (18" obn the SRi-V). The jack, while nicely placed in a foam carrier so it doesn't rattle around, is extended, so you have to wind it down before you can use it (no big deal, just seems silly). The alloy just fits in the wheel space in the boot, but sits higher so the boot floor doesn't sit flat.
Another thing I found, even though the brochure says the tyre sealant and inflation kit is standard, I can't find one anywhere. Does anyone have one? Where is it stored?

Otherwise, after 5000k's I'm extremely happy with the car. Averaging 700k's to a tank at around 7.6L/100km, and it seems to be gradually improving. Looks like the stickered 7.4 for the 1.6T manual could be achievable. See how it goes in summer when the AC is going non stop........

[planetdavo]

Had my first flat tyre yesterday. A few things I came across that bugged me (probably to do with the mood I was in at finding a flat after work), I had no way of getting the plugs off the wheel nuts without marking the rims (18" obn the SRi-V). The jack, while nicely placed in a foam carrier so it doesn't rattle around, is extended, so you have to wind it down before you can use it (no big deal, just seems silly). The alloy just fits in the wheel space in the boot, but sits higher so the boot floor doesn't sit flat.
Another thing I found, even though the brochure says the tyre sealant and inflation kit is standard, I can't find one anywhere. Does anyone have one? Where is it stored?

Otherwise, after 5000k's I'm extremely happy with the car. Averaging 700k's to a tank at around 7.6L/100km, and it seems to be gradually improving. Looks like the stickered 7.4 for the 1.6T manual could be achievable. See how it goes in summer when the AC is going non stop........

Tyre and inflator kit is fitted in the well when an actual wheel isn't fitted. The higher floor is required (using spacer blocks under the carpet and board) when an alloy or steel spare is fitted as only a cheese cutter would fit otherwise.
Re the nut cover removal issue, you could perhaps keep a 92112267 plastic nut removal tool in there. About $4.50. These Cruzes use the same nut covers as some VY and VZ models- which used this tool.

[Waughy]

Tyre and inflator kit is fitted in the well when an actual wheel isn't fitted. The higher floor is required (using spacer blocks under the carpet and board) when an alloy or steel spare is fitted as only a cheese cutter would fit otherwise.
Re the nut cover removal issue, you could perhaps keep a 92112267 plastic nut removal tool in there. About $4.50. These Cruzes use the same nut covers as some VY and VZ models- which used this tool.

Thanks Davo. The brochure on the holden site with the specs says the inflator kit is standard on all models. I don't care much for it, just thought it was meant to be in there.
The 16" steel spare just fits height wise to allow the boot floor piece to sit flat.
I'll chase the removal tool next time I'm near a dealer.

[Marco]

Booked a test drive of one for Monday. (At least I think I did - the reception person took my details but there was some confusion about whether someone will call me back to confirm or not!)

[seasmi]

Our SRI has a 16 inch steely with a Kuhmo on it. (Bridgestones on vehicle) The steel wheelbrace has a hook on the end of it that can be used to pull off the covers I found.

[Waughy]

Finally gave my Cruze a wash today. Got a few quick snaps while it's clean.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa56/Waughy/2013-07-28172517_zps9153c0ed.png

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa56/Waughy/2013-07-28172423_zpsd8678c20.png

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa56/Waughy/20130728_163047_RichtoneHDR_zps66b71d31.jpg

[Marco]

Took the Cruze SRi for a drive at lunchtime today; it's a good thing. For the money, it's a great thing.

Had to laugh though, they couldn't give me a price or a trade-in value because their IT system is down and they couldn't get in touch with the main showroom where the valuers and managers are. Later voicemail back at $21k changeover ($24k for Cruze, $3k trade on the Vectra) which is close but right now, no cigar.

[Marco]

Probably should add some more about my general impressions of the car. At least on a short test drive, it feels solid - not at all a tinny shitbox like lots of other small cars still are. Chunky pillars and side rails, solid feeling doors, all the rest of it.

Engine is a good thing, not OMG awesome but very fit for purpose in a sporting-ish family hatchback. 132kW and 230Nm, 1.6 litre turbo so it doesn't have bags of low end but a nice midrange and top end once the turbo is on boost. There's a tiny bit of turbo lag - you don't get the same instant foot-down response that you do in a large capacity NA engine but to be honest I was actively looking for it; my wife didn't notice anything at all. It won't slam you back into your seat with sheer speed but it's a good combination of easy to drive (light clutch, difficult to stall, gets away well in most gears) and quick enough for purpose.

Handling seemed decent enough, not that we were pushing hard. Suspension is on the firm side, bumps are felt, but I think that's preferable to a pillow soft ride and so should you. Didn't feel too heavy at the front end, turned in nicely, not much body roll. Electric power steering was light, a bit hard to judge feel from a short test drive but seemed better than the Cruzes I tried a couple of years ago before Holden's engineers did any work on the locally made cars.

Good interior and boot space, nicely designed interior, lots of hard plastic about the place but the context of this being a $22.5k car with a good drivetrain and suspension, and absolutely loaded with kit, it's perfectly acceptable for a few dollars to be saved on door trims and the like. It's not at say Golf standards, or even VF Commodore standards, but it's not "get me out of this plasticky little box" either. All the bits you touch like the wheel and gearshift are leather covered and feel nice. Unlike what everyone says about Aussie cars, it all seemed well put together as well.

On the whole it seems to be a fair way ahead of anything else you can buy new for $22.5k in terms of things that count. So yeah, I liked it, will happily buy one, will be happy to drive it too.

[redvxr8clubby]

If you were shopping it against a Focus that price would be midway between a Trend and a Sport, against a Mazda 3 a MaxSport would be a little dearer, both engines as 2 litre NA on paper less power. Have you checked out either one for comparison purposes? The SRI sounds very good for the money. Mazda have a new 3 coming, but 5 or 6 months away- early 2014. Hopefully plenty of people buy a Cruze and support Aussie manufacturing, I like the 1.6 turbo in the Cruze, it seems to be the right size engine for them, never driven one myself though.

[Marco]

Not interested in the Focus. We looked at the 3 but it's too small for us and felt very cheap and nasty. It would want to be a good drive because you wouldn't want one otherwise.

[Waughy]

After 5500ks I'm still very happy. No issues to date and the 1.6 goes quite well. My parents had a 2007 Mazda 3 and I never really liked it. Was a bit gutless and the motor did sound quite tinny. It was auto too which was downer for me. If I'm going to own a 4cyl it had to be manual.

[seasmi]

Probably should add some more about my general impressions of the car. At least on a short test drive, it feels solid - not at all a tinny shitbox like lots of other small cars still are. Chunky pillars and side rails, solid feeling doors, all the rest of it.

Engine is a good thing, not OMG awesome but very fit for purpose in a sporting-ish family hatchback. 132kW and 230Nm, 1.6 litre turbo so it doesn't have bags of low end but a nice midrange and top end once the turbo is on boost. There's a tiny bit of turbo lag - you don't get the same instant foot-down response that you do in a large capacity NA engine but to be honest I was actively looking for it; my wife didn't notice anything at all. It won't slam you back into your seat with sheer speed but it's a good combination of easy to drive (light clutch, difficult to stall, gets away well in most gears) and quick enough for purpose.

Handling seemed decent enough, not that we were pushing hard. Suspension is on the firm side, bumps are felt, but I think that's preferable to a pillow soft ride and so should you. Didn't feel too heavy at the front end, turned in nicely, not much body roll. Electric power steering was light, a bit hard to judge feel from a short test drive but seemed better than the Cruzes I tried a couple of years ago before Holden's engineers did any work on the locally made cars.

Good interior and boot space, nicely designed interior, lots of hard plastic about the place but the context of this being a $22.5k car with a good drivetrain and suspension, and absolutely loaded with kit, it's perfectly acceptable for a few dollars to be saved on door trims and the like. It's not at say Golf standards, or even VF Commodore standards, but it's not "get me out of this plasticky little box" either. All the bits you touch like the wheel and gearshift are leather covered and feel nice. Unlike what everyone says about Aussie cars, it all seemed well put together as well.

On the whole it seems to be a fair way ahead of anything else you can buy new for $22.5k in terms of things that count. So yeah, I liked it, will happily buy one, will be happy to drive it too.

You observations here are pretty spot on Marco. We have done nearly 3000 k's now and can feel it freeing up nicely but the thing I really like is the suspension. As you say, a little on the firm side and some bumps felt but I've given ours a little try-out around a particular tight windy bit of bitumen with the missus and can say pleasantly that the average driver will scare himself long before the SRI /V scares them. Very sure footed and had to stop due to complaints from the passenger side. (just had an op) For us this is good value and even better being Australian made although to the missus it wouldn't have made a lot of difference if it was a SRI /V or CDX. I did buy it for her,,,,,,,,, didn't I !!! Of course!

[seasmi]

After 5500ks I'm still very happy. No issues to date and the 1.6 goes quite well. My parents had a 2007 Mazda 3 and I never really liked it. Was a bit gutless and the motor did sound quite tinny. It was auto too which was downer for me. If I'm going to own a 4cyl it had to be manual.

Same here, not problems whatsoever although still early at 3000 k's. Was expecting a blemish somewhere as there's usually something even if very very minor. I know how you feel about wanting manual only as I was the same once. I guess old age got to me but this 1.6 t in the Cruze with the sports auto is good value and nothing like autos of old, but then again I haven't tried any other latest brand ones either.

[Waughy]

Only downsides so far are the stone chips on the bonnet and windscreen, unavoidable but annoying. Also, I'm using a Galaxy S4 phone and have found that through bluetooth I can't get any listings for tracks, albums etc, it just says "list is empty". So I have to set my music up before I drive off so I'm not touching the phone when I shouldn't be. That's using the poweramp app (g00gle play and samsung apps are disabled). The timer for each track gets to 3 seconds then goes back to zero also, but the music plays fine. I've used the USB connection as well and it works perfectly, as does Pandora. I had an iPhone 5 as well and it was the same on bluetooth. I find the S4 connects easier to bluetooth as well, I had a few issues with iPhone and had to unpair and start over a few times.
Next is to find out how much and how easy (or not) to update to the mylink with satnav system. Was hoping to hold out for it but couldn't at the time. No big deal to not have it. Was a bit disappointed to see you can't record anymore as well, but no big deal again seeing as I have a 32Gb card in the phone to store music on.

[Marco]

Just ordered one. Manual red SRi hatch, $23250 d/a in the ACT (or $19750 changeover, down from yesterday's $21k offer). Wife happy and I subscribe to the "happy wife, happy life" theory so it's all good :)

Best of all - now I can do whatever I please to my SS as it won't need to be Mum's taxi Monday to Friday :yahoo:

[seasmi]

Congrats and well done Marco, you've done well!

[seasmi]

Only downsides so far are the stone chips on the bonnet and windscreen, unavoidable but annoying. Also, I'm using a Galaxy S4 phone and have found that through bluetooth I can't get any listings for tracks, albums etc, it just says "list is empty". So I have to set my music up before I drive off so I'm not touching the phone when I shouldn't be. That's using the poweramp app (g00gle play and samsung apps are disabled). The timer for each track gets to 3 seconds then goes back to zero also, but the music plays fine. I've used the USB connection as well and it works perfectly, as does Pandora. I had an iPhone 5 as well and it was the same on bluetooth. I find the S4 connects easier to bluetooth as well, I had a few issues with iPhone and had to unpair and start over a few times.
Next is to find out how much and how easy (or not) to update to the mylink with satnav system. Was hoping to hold out for it but couldn't at the time. No big deal to not have it. Was a bit disappointed to see you can't record anymore as well, but no big deal again seeing as I have a 32Gb card in the phone to store music on.

Ok, I might have to take back what I said cause the iphone works perfectly through Mylink but the HTC one X has trouble with the music. Bluetooth not a problem just can't seem to sort and play music. No doubt an update somewhere along the line. I also now have the mandatory stone chips but I guess thats life!

[redvxr8clubby]

Just ordered one. Manual red SRi hatch, $23250 d/a in the ACT (or $19750 changeover, down from yesterday's $21k offer). Wife happy and I subscribe to the "happy wife, happy life" theory so it's all good :)

Best of all - now I can do whatever I please to my SS as it won't need to be Mum's taxi Monday to Friday :yahoo:

Well done Marco, doesn't hurt to walk away and see if there is a better offer forthcoming. Enjoy the new car. Aussie made car for a value price.

[Waughy]

Stone chips can't be helped, it just hurts a little to see them on a brand new car.
Chasing another Samsung cable for my phone to use in the usb socket then I should be right music wise. Have to get one that will be able to charge the phone too. Seems to be issues with generic ones not putting out enough so the phones keep discharging even though they're plugged in.

[BLACK 346]

Stone chips can't be helped, it just hurts a little to see them on a brand new car.
Chasing another Samsung cable for my phone to use in the usb socket then I should be right music wise. Have to get one that will be able to charge the phone too. Seems to be issues with generic ones not putting out enough so the phones keep discharging even though they're plugged in.

Some usb cables on have data wires, so will not charge the phone. Make sure you have a usb cable with all 4 wires (2 data and 2 power) :)

[Waughy]

Some usb cables on have data wires, so will not charge the phone. Make sure you have a usb cable with all 4 wires (2 data and 2 power) :)

Yeah I'm aware of that. The problem with some of the ones that do charge is that they don't allow enough current to charge the phone while it's in use, say using maps or playing music. So even though it's plugged in and shows it's charging, it's using more than it's getting so the battery runs down.

Anyway, I'm back to bluetooth for music now. I updated my Telstra phone to the unbranded XSA version as it is more recent, and gives the option to move somoe apps to the SD card to free up internal space. Seems to be something with the USB mode in the newer firmwares that isn't allowing the phone to connect properly so it's not reading my music. All it will play now is the hangouts alert, over and over and over........
I might have a play around when I have time and go back to the stock T rom and see if it plays again. Telstra are due to release a new firmware in a couple of weeks also, hopefully it's more recent than the current unbranded version with a few extra fixes. I have a feeling it'll only be up to the version of what I have now.
Bring on the next XSA rom, more recent that Telstra will ever be.

[Marco]

Dealer has confirmed they weren't able to source one from another dealer, as suspected, so it's been ordered from Elizabeth. Quoting 6-8 weeks at the moment, but that's worst case.

My wife seems genuinely excited to get this car; odd as she's not a car person but I think she's as keen to get out of the SS as I am to have it back

[Waughy]

I had a similar wait after putting in my order as there were none around in silver. I was offered red, black and blue but decided to stick with what I originally ordered. The wait was a bit painful knowing a brand new car was on it's way, but also worth it in the end. Also gave me enough time to advertise the VZ, so it wasn't around too long after delivery.

On another note, I dug out my old 5.5gen 30Gb video ipod and loaded it up with music. Plugged it in this morning and it works flawlessly with the Mylink sysytem straight up. Samsung have obviously made changes that have messed things up.