Holden Cruze SRi & SRi-V : First Look

Jay Williams - 17/March/2011

Melbourne, Australia - Holden has just launched two new sports-orientated models to its Cruze sedan range.

Intorducing the Cruze SRi and Cruze SRi-V sitting at the top of Holden’s revamped Australian-built Series II Cruze range.

Both models deliver high-torque performance of GM’s all-new 1.4 litre intelligent turbo induction (iTi) petrol engine. They are differentiated by sports styling cues and come equipped with a wide array of safety, comfort and high technology features as standard.

The range-topping Cruze SRi-V features passive entry and start using sensor key technology, an innovation usually associated with luxury brands.

Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said a reason for the success of the Cruze had been its ability to provide people with more than they expected.

"We’ve expanded this value offering with the Series II range and the all-new Cruze SRi models are a particularly good case in point," Mr Elsworth said.   

"There would be few, if any, small sedans that offer such an attractive combination of good looks, great driving dynamics and high equipment levels at such a competitive price."

Cruze SRi models are immediately distinguishable by deep sports styled front bumper featuring a large lower air intake with honeycomb mesh detailing, fog lamps and chrome grille headers.  

Five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels come standard, as do sports rockers and chrome insert door handles.  At the rear, a subtle aero decklid spoiler, sports black diffuser and concealed exhaust are present. 

Inside, the interior features quality finishes, soft-touch components and an ice-blue LED illuminated instrument panel. SRi buyers can choose new Jet Black or Sonic Blue fabric trim depending on the exterior colour; SRi-V offers leather appointed seats with sports stitching and three-level heating control.

The Cruze SRi-V offers a 7-inch colour LCD screen integrated satellite navigation and a premium DVD audio system with a 10GB hard disk drive that allows storage of some 2,000 music tracks and pause live radio functionality.

SRi-V owners can also enjoy the benefits of a 'keyless' passive entry and start feature which uses Sensor Key technology to automatically unlock the vehicle at a touch of the door handle. Engine start and stop is controlled via dash-mounted push button.

Powering both models is a new 1.4-litre intelligent turbo induction (iTi) DOHC four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 103kW of power and 200Nm of torque over a wide rev range.

The 1.4-litre engine is matched with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed Active Select automatic transmission, offering 6.4-litres per 100km and 6.7 litres per 100km respectively (ADR81/01).

SRi and SRi-V models offer the maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Holden Cruze SRi feature highlights:

1.4L iTi DOHC turbo petrol engine
Front and rear sports fascia and rocker covers
Aero decklid lip spoiler
Sports five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels
Chrome insert door handles
Chrome surround fog lamps
Six-speaker multimedia audio system with radio, CD, USB flash drive/iPod/MP3 compatibility
Graphic information display
Jet Black or Sonic Blue* fabric trim (*with Voodoo and Karma exterior colours)
Steering wheel remote audio and cruise controls
Leather wrap steering wheel and shifter
5-star ANCAP safety rating
Six airbags – front driver and passenger, front side impact, side curtain
Watts link performance suspension
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control
Brake Assist
Collapsible pedal assembly system
Electric power steering
Air conditioning
Power windows
Automatic headlamps

Series II Holden Cruze SRi-V additional feature highlights:

Leather appointed seats
Heated front seats
Integrated satellite navigation
Passive entry and start with Sensor Key technology
Integrated 7-inch colour LCD screen
Premium audio system with 10GB hard drive, CD/MP3 rip and store capability, DVD player and pause live radio functionality
Rear park assist

SRi 1.4 iTi - $24,490
SRi-V 1.4 iTi - $27,990

Automatic transmission - $2000
Prestige paint - $500

*excludes delivery and government charges

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