2009 Melbourne show - Holden Cruze

Holden Cruze

Concept or production: Production.
What is it: Holden's much-hyped new small car.
Highlights: The headline car at this year's Holden stand was once a Suzuki mini-SUV hatch. Well, sort of... about seven years ago, the AWD Holden Cruze shared the platform of a front-wheel-drive Suzuki Ignis.

While Holden has re-used the nameplate, the car is completely different. The new Cruze small car will go on sale in the second quarter with two petrol engines: a base 1.8-litre four, and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel (CRDI).

Transmission choices are a standard five-speed manual or optional six-speed sports shift auto, and two spec levels of a base CD and CDX will be offered. See the release below for details.

Best of all, Cruze gets standard ABS, EBD, TC and stability control and six airbags as standard, so it's looking at a reasonably high safety rating. Stay tuned for reports from the show floor.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Special Edition Commodore International Sedan and Sportwagon

The 'International' glitter-pack revs up the base Omega with 18-inch alloys, fog lamps, standard reverse sensors, six-stacker, leather trimmings and Bluetooth for $33,990 drive-away (add $2,000 for the Sportwagon)

2009 HOLDEN CRUZE CD:

• 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.