Why buy Holden Cruze?

The Holden Cruze, discontinued in 2017, offers a budget-friendly option for a small car in Australia, with affordable prices due to its discontinuation. Manufactured in Australia until 2016, it can appeal to those who want to support local production. Parts and servicing are readily available and generally affordable due to its once-common status.

However, potential buyers should consider some downsides. The Holden Cruze received a 4-star ANCAP safety rating, which is not as high as some competitors. As a discontinued model, its resale value may be lower, and it won't come with a new car warranty, leading to potential repair costs.

Holden Cruze range and updates

The range of the Holden Cruze depends on the model year, engine type, and driving conditions, with fuel efficiency for early models (2009-2014) with a 1.8L engine around 6.8L/100km, while later models (2015-2016) with a 1.4L turbo engine achieved closer to 5.2L/100km. Given a typical fuel tank size of about 60 liters, the Cruze could travel between approximately 400 km and 800 km on a single tank, depending on driving style and conditions. Notable updates like the 2011 introduction of the more efficient 1.4L turbo engine and the 2016 aerodynamic enhancements contributed to improvements in fuel efficiency and range.

Holden Cruze tech and features

Holden Cruze in Australia offered a range of tech and features, here's a general breakdown:

Infotainment:

• MyLink System: This touchscreen system was available on some Cruze models and offered features like audio control, Bluetooth connectivity, and phone integration. Later versions included voice control and Siri Eyes-Free for iPhone users.
• Satellite Navigation: Not standard on all models, but the SRi-V variant came with navigation with features like split-screen views, 3D maps, and speed limit information.
• Audio System: A 6-speaker CD system with USB input and iPod compatibility was common.

Driver Assistance:

• Cruise Control: Most Cruze models had cruise control for highway driving.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This safety feature helped maintain control during sharp turns or slippery conditions.
• Parking Sensors: Rear parking sensors were available on some models to aid in parking manoeuvres.

Other Features:

• Bluetooth Connectivity: This allowed for hands-free phone calls and audio streaming.
• Multifunction Steering Wheel: Controls for audio, cruise control, and phone calls were integrated into the steering wheel on some models.
• Trip Computer: This displayed information like average fuel consumption, trip distance, and current speed.
• Climate Control: Both manual and electronic climate control options were available depending on the model.

Important to Note:

• Holden stopped production of the Cruze in 2017, so these features are for reference for older models.
• The features listed here may not be exhaustive and could vary depending on the Cruze model and year.

Holden Cruze running costs and value

The Holden Cruze in Australia has varied fuel efficiency based on engine type and model year: 1.8L petrol models (pre-2011) range from 6.5L/100km to 8.0L/100km, 1.4L turbo petrol (2011-2016) from 5.0L/100km to 6.0L/100km, and the 2.0L diesel from 5.6L/100km to 7.0L/100km. The annual costs of owning a Cruze include registration ($600-$1000), servicing ($200-$400 every 12 months or 15,000km), and variable insurance costs. Repair costs can be higher due to known issues with pre-2011 models, such as transmission problems and oil leaks. In terms of value, used Cruzes are priced from a few thousand dollars for older models to over $10,000 for newer ones, with parts and maintenance potentially costing more than Japanese brands. The Cruze is generally fuel-efficient, particularly with the later turbo engine, but potential buyers should weigh repair and maintenance costs, especially with older models.

Overall

The Holden Cruze, though discontinued in 2017, remains an affordable small car option in Australia, offering reasonable fuel efficiency, a solid range of tech features like the MyLink infotainment system, and available driver assistance tools like cruise control and electronic stability control. Its manufacturing in Australia may appeal to those supporting local production, and parts and servicing are generally accessible. However, buyers should be aware of the potential for higher repair costs, particularly with older models, and the lower resale value due to the discontinuation of the Cruze.