Holden Cruze SRi V Sedan

Made in GM's Elizabeth plant in Adelaide,South Australia, the Cruze is a quality, well built vehicle. I detected no untoward squeaks or rattles during my week with the car.
The upgraded Cruze is proving a popular pick with buyers, in fact it was the 3rd best seller in April 2013, behind the class leader,Toyota's Corolla and Mazda 3. Cruze had a 13 percent market share for that month.

Equipment levels in the latest Cruze eclipse the Corolla and Mazda, with features previously found on more expensive imports. 
Mylink infotainment system,7 inch touchscreen, Bluetooth audio streaming and phone, heated leather seats, keyless entry and start, just some of the kit that comes as standard on the SRi V.
The seats are easily adjusted (manually) and are quite comfortable.
My only gripe with the interior is a lack of lighting.
On opening the door, the only illumination in the cabin is a feeble central dome light.
A couple more courtesy lights wouldn't go astray to make it more inviting at night.
There are two map lights in front, but they operate independently of the door lamp.

The SRiV 's 132kw 230 nm turbocharged 1.6 litre engine is a smooth and powerful performer, eagerly revving out to its maximum potential when driven hard.
On test here is the 6 speed automatic version. Smooth changes and the ability in Sport mode, to change gears yourself, added  to the appeal of the drivetrain.

The ride on the SRiV is pretty firm, bordering on harsh.I initially thought the tyre pressures had been boosted ( as is often the case for track work) but no, it was  the correct 32 psi.
The unforgiving suspension is great for spirited driving, hanging on surprisingly well, but in the 'burbs every tiny crack or bump is felt in the cabin.I guess an owner would get used to it, but personally I prefer more comfort. Smaller tyred variants (this has 18" wheels) are more forgiving. It can be done. Holden's Monaro went around corners as if on rails, yet had a wonderfully compliant suspension.
Nevertheless the Cruze has many other attributes that offset that observation.
It's very roomy,with about as much interior space as the old VS Commodores, and it's almost as large externally. While billed officially as a small car it's actually a medium sized vehicle
Plenty of glass means no difficulties reversing or lane changing, and the boot is cavernous..
Cruze is priced from 19 to 29K.
There are almost 20 model variants, including a turbo diesel, so no shortage of choice!
With the demise of Ford's Australian production in 2016, there are more reasons than ever to get behind the home built Cruze, not only to support the local industry, and the 60 thousand people employed in car component manufacturing in Australia, but because it's a great drive, deserving of consideration.
Peter Sellen