2011 Holden Cruze Series II SRI-V

Holden comes with Cruze Series II to appeal to buyers that would normally not buy a Holden. The SRI-V is the kingpin of the Holden Cruze Series II range. Fitted with the new-to-Oz turbocharged 1.4 iTi donk producing 103kW and 200Nm (138HP and 147.5 lb-ft), an improved chassis and a Watts link performance suspension, the SRI models set out to be the sports-flavoured icing on the Cruze cake.

The 17-inch five-spoke alloys, sports body kit and bootlid spoiler help establish the SRI and SRI-V as the Commodore SV6’s little brother. It also has a unique grille design to further differentiate it from the “beiger” members of the Cruze family.



Holden Cruze is in its element on the highway. It’s a quiet, comfortable cruiser (or Cruze-r if you’re in the mood for puns) and is happy to strum along at 2,000 rpm. In suburban areas, the 6spd automatic gearbox begins to struggling, almost randomly shifting up and down on hills. Another disappointment is the steering, which manages to be both too light and too doughy and makes cornering above 40 km/h a bit touch-and-go.

The 2011 Holden Cruze Series II SRI-V is a good all-rounder and worthy contender for the small car crown. Though not as roomy as its competition, it more than makes up for this with pep, creature comforts and its easy-going attitude on the open road.

A larger boot aperture and a less complicated radio / navigation setup would have made the Cruze all the more better; these are lessons its bigger brother (the Commodore) would be more than willing to teach.




2011 Holden Cruze Series II SRI-V

Engine:

1.4 litre DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder iTi turbo petrol
Power: 103kW @ 4900 rpm
Torque: 200 Nm 1850-4900 rpm

Fuel economy (ADR 81/01):

6.4 litres/100km (1.4L petrol manual)
6.9 litres/100km (1.4L petrol automatic)

Emissions:

CO2 emission levels (1.4L petrol manual): 153g/km (4.5 GVG rating)
CO2 emission levels (1.4L petrol automatic): 164 g/km (4.0 GVG rating)