Holden Cruze SRi-V review

Joel Helmes has filed this Holden Cruze SRi-V review.

You may remember that the Holden Cruze CD powered by the 1.4 turbo petrol engine with the six speed manual was a finalist in our 2011 Car of the Year.

History shows that the brilliant Kia Optima Platinum took out the title but I tell you what the Cruze was tough to go past.

This time I’ve had the higher spec SRi-V again powered by the turbo petrol engine and mated to the manual gearbox.

It will come as no great surprise that I again walked away impressed.

The SRi-V comes with a few little extra’s that really help to top off the Cruze nicely.

First of all the stereo, navigation interface is absolutely brilliant. I first came across this system in the Saab 9-5 last year, it is by far the best in-car interface I have ever seen or used.

It’s well laid-out, easy to read, easy to program, and a pleasure to use – full marks.

You also get leather seats; the front seats are heated but not electronically controlled.

The Holden Cruze SRi-V is fitted with a push button ignition which is located left of the steering wheel; it works well but the unusual positioning takes a little getting used.

Around the rest of the Cruze cabin it’s pretty much all very good, terrific dashboard design, nice chrome touches and a premium feeling.

I looked hard enough and found only one real area that I thought there was some room for improvement and that was simply the very hard arm rests on the door and centre console.

Leg room is adequate; boot space in the hatch is very good.

On the road there’s no doubt the turbo petrol engine likes to be revved, it really gets in its groove above 2500rpm when the turbo is completely on the job.

Once again this engine is perfectly tailored to the manual; avoid the auto transmission option for reasons given in this recent review.

The Cruze SRi-V comes with 17” alloys and relatively low profile 50 series tires, the ride however is very good – a great mix of comfortable and sporty.

Then we get to the best part – the fuel economy.

I did a week of city driving in the Cruze and managed 8.6 litres per 100, the official combined figure is 6.6 and this sounds spot on when some highway driving is involved.

Summing it up the Holden Cruze is a vehicle that continues to find a large number of buyers and for good reason.

No matter which body type, engine, transmission, or specification the Cruze delivers comfortable, safe, enjoyable, economical and practical motoring.

It’s also just the right size – not too big, nor too small.

The Holden Cruze Sri-V takes it up a notch delivering a car that’s not only got a sporty edge but is certainly knocking on the door of being luxurious.

It’s also a sensational car to look at.

This vehicle will undoubtedly be in the calculations for Behind the Wheel Car of the Year for 2012.

NUTS AND BOLTS

Engine: 1.4lt – turbo charged four cylinder petrol, producing 103kW and 200Nm.

Transmission: Six-speed manual, Six-speed automatic.

Economy: 8.5lt/100 km city; 5.4lt/100km highway, 6.6lt/100km combined.

Price: Manual – $29,490, Auto – $31,790