2013 Holden Cruze Launch Review
2014 HOLDEN CRUZE REVIEW
What's Hot: Local chassis tuning hits the mark, zippy 1.6 litre turbo, MyLink could be a winner
What's Not: No interior improvements in trim or build quality
X-Factor: TMR top tip: Buy the SRi manual. It's a proper performance bargain.
Models Driven: Cruze SRi hatch manual, Cruze SRi-V hatch automatic, Cruze Equipe sedan 1.4t automatic, Cruze CDX sedan 1.8 automatic
Vehicle type: Small sedan/hatch
Price: $19,490 (Cruze Equipe 1.8 manual) to $28,690 (Cruze SRi-V auto)
Power/torque: 104kW/175Nm (1.8 petrol), 103kW/200Nm (1.4 petrol), 132kW/230Nm (1.6 petrol), 120kW/360Nm (2.0 diesel)
Fuel economy claimed l/100km: 7.0 (1.8 petrol MT), 6.8 (1.4 petrol AT), 7.4 (1.6 petrol MT), 6.7 (2.0 diesel AT)
OVERVIEW
It’s world’s apart from its predecessor, but you’d struggle to tell them apart.
That’s because the improvements to Holden’s Cruze sedan and hatch are largely under-the-skin. And, although the changes aren’t readily visible, there is a world of difference between the MY14 Cruze and the car it replaces.
Holden has extensively re-engineered the Cruze, revising the suspension and tyres of all petrol models, while adding a punchy 1.6 litre turbo to the SRi grades.
The 1.8 litre petrol, 2.0 litre turbodiesel and 1.4 litre petrol turbo carry over, however the six-speed auto that’s offered on petrol models has undergone substantial revisions to improve driveability.
There’s also enhanced connectivity, thanks to Holden’s MyLink infotainment system now standard across the range.
But most enticingly for new car buyers, the prices have been slashed.
Officially on sale at the end of this month, the 2014 Cruze line-up will start from just $19,490 for the Cruze Equipe 1.8 petrol manual, which replaces the $21,490 CD 1.8 as the entrypoint to the range.
The range tops out at $28,690 for the SRi-V auto, representing an $800 saving in retail price - not counting the added value from the more powerful 1.6 turbo engine and MyLink system.
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