Sydney: Holden’s updated 2015 Cruze range, revealed in its overseas Chevrolet outfit early last year, will go on sale in Australia from January 19.
For the new model year, the Cruze picks up a new grille design that brings it more in line with other Holden (and Chevrolet) models, particularly the light Barina, large Colorado off-roaders and the sports-kitted Commodore models.
That new dual-port grille sits above a redesigned bumper that takes on a more premium look with detailed lines, new chrome garnishes and integrated daytime lights on some models.
1.4 turbo petrol, 2.0 diesel deleted. Changes continue under the skin, with the 2015 Cruze range seeing off the 103kW 1.4 iTi turbo petrol and 120kW 2.0 litre diesel engines previously offered.
That leaves only petrol options for buyers this year, including the entry 104kW 1.8 Ecotec petrol engine and the SRi’s 132kW 1.6 turbo petrol.
Speaking with TMR today, Holden’s Mark Flintoft said the engine consolidation was a matter of reducing complexity in the range, but could not confirm if, in the case of the 2.0 diesel, sales figures had been a factor in the decision.
Mr Flintoft added that the 1.8 litre Cruze Equipe was declared the most affordable small car to own in 2014 by Australia’s motoring clubs with an average weekly cost of $162.69.
The 2.0 diesel Equipe followed with an average weekly cost of $178.40, and the 1.4 iTi did not rank.
Features & Equipment
Updates to the 2015 range see the Cruze Equipe enhanced with new 17-inch alloy wheels and the addition of integrated turn signal lamps in the door mirros.
The sporting Cruze SRi gets the same upgrades, along with the front LED daytime lights and fog lamps.
Moving up to the SRi-V adds new 18-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers and new suede seat inserts.
The SRi-V also gains remote start functionality – also offered with the VF Commodore – that allows owners to cool or heat the car before entering.
Lastly, the CDX gains satellite navigation with voice command and live traffic updates.
These updates apply to the hatch and sedan only, for now, with an update to the wagon scheduled for March.
