THE VERDICT

Good:

Modern exterior and classy interior design. Lots of storage compartments. Both grades offer value for money.

Not so Good:

Petrol engine is the inadequate link in an otherwise awesome Small family car.

THE REVIEW

Design and Engineering

Good:

The Holden has moved many steps ahead with this latest released as compared to the Asian-sourced small family car. The make id advanced and classy, also the structure and the quality of built seems exceptional. The handling is enhanced by the longer wheelbase and wider track.

Not so good:

You couldn’t really call the design groundbreaking; rear-end styling is blander than the front.

Interior and Styling

Good:

The Centre console is smartly designed with an instrument cluster that can be understood just after a glance. The plastic used is of high quality and gives a good feels unlike the regular hard stuff. The front seats are comfortable with secured seating. The steering offers tilt and reach adjustment making it a lot more comfortable. The cabin is full of storage compartments with enough legroom for the front and rear seat travelers. The noise insulation effectively curbs the noise on the road.

Not so good:

The rear seats provide less under thigh support for the adults. The front seats have a sporty and tight look that may not be comfortable for all the sizes. Also it lacks the driver’s footrest.

Performance

Good:

2.0L turbo diesel presents lots of useable torque - handles urban traffic and highways with simplicity. There is a slight turbo lag but it’s not uneasy; the turbo diesel engine is processed with not too much engine noise entering the cabin.

Not so good:

The offered 1.8L petrol does not improve the speed and is definitely not sporty. The market offers stories thst Holden will be coming up with a much advanced .4L turbo petrol engine for the Australian market soon. Also the 5-speed manual gearbox in the petrol model could use a makeover.

Ride and Handling

Good:

Cruze’s suspension has been specifically calibrated for Australian roads, providing a smooth, uninterrupted ride. The Cruze is a perfect daily driver, and capable of the weekend drive. It won't perform like a Focus XR5 or Golf GTI (but, nor is it priced in the same bracket).

Not so good:

Steering is soft with limited feedback. Which is great for parking and low-speed manoeuvres, but, not that helpful on the faster, twistier roads. Chassis and suspension feels like it is tuned more for comfortable cruising than carving up a mountain side (however, for the engine’s on offer, we’re not complaining) - it’s only one step behind the very best Small Class ‘drivers’ cars.

Buying and Owning

Good:

High levels of tools as standard; selling very well for an all-new model name; Holden claims that current owners are extremely content with the Cruze (we have no reason to disagree).

Not so good:

The 2.0L Petrol engine is not very economical in opposition to competitors' newer, smaller turbocharged engines (even with its 6-speed automatic).