Holden Cruze SRi-V: Warm Hatch Comparison 2014

The engine fell into 'gutters' through the rev-range which made it feel even slower. One tester even asked if we'd picked up a naturally-aspirated Cruze by mistake. The engine is turbocharged, however, and the 1598cc unit demands 95 RON PULP like the Alfa Romeo and the Nissan.

Turning to the handling equation, the Cruze thankfully redeems itself. Meaty 235/45-series Bridgestone RE050As on 18-inch alloys offer far more grip than the Cruze needs, and the local chassis tuning has also paid off.

The Holden rides with composure but still corners with a nicely flat stance and loads of grip. The flat engine response means full throttle is easier to apply early and the Cruze also brakes and steers with poise.

A 1:04.7 lap time on our test track makes it third-quickest on the day. Given the generally sluggish on-road performance, this was perhaps the biggest surprise of the day.

For example the entire (hard touch) dash, as well as the door trims, fall behind in terms of tactile material quality and, in some cases, the way components actually fit together.

The plastics don't speak of super-high quality, and the fit of the central cubby on the upper dash, the joins in the steering column shroud, the alignment of the glovebox lid and the rough edges of some plastic trim pieces don't make for a lasting, positive impression.

To be fair, the dash otherwise shows plenty of accurate panel joins, and the door jambs are cleanly finished with no rough welding, and a glossy coat of paint. Likewise, the external paint job is excellent and the panel fit consistent all over.

Under the bonnet, the Cruze presents itself honestly: There's none of the shrouding so commonly used. Service points are as easily accessed as all others in the category.

On paper, it gains points for a variety of inclusions shared by its higher-scoring rivals, including cruise control, auto headlights, Bluetooth connectivity for telephony and audio streaming, foglights, electric heated wing mirrors, a reversing camera, remote keyless entry with push-button start and a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen.

It's a list not dissimilar to the category-winning Hyundai i30 SR – minus the depth of functionality and thoughtful execution.

Single-zone climate control is a let down (most of the others are dual-zone). On the plus side, the Cruze SRi-V comes with heated seats.

Holden's MyLink infotainment interface (with Pandora and Stitcher apps included) is intuitive enough and the six-speaker sound system offers good sound clarity. The well-positioned 'Home' button is great for getting back to base, though the quality of the screen's resolution is sub par.

Servicing is set at odd, nine-month/15,000km intervals, though a capped-price servicing programme covers you for 36 months or 60,000km (whichever comes first), with the first service set at $185.

Roadside assist is complimentary for the first 12 months of ownership and metallic paint costs $550.

RedBook.com.au estimates the three-year retained value of the Holden Cruze SRi-V at 60 per cent, or $17,214.

Space aside, however, the Cruze's seats feel flat and formless and there's no lumbar adjustment to speak of. And while the front door armrests are (thinly) padded for comfort, back-seat passengers have to contend with hard, unyielding plastic.

The general ergonomics bring no complaint and are mostly intuitive. There are one-touch power window controls for all, though no footrest for the driver and no face-level vents in the rear.

Rear three-quarter vision, though not as bad as some on test, is restricted by thick C-pillars and a sloping hatch. However, the design endows the Cruze with that big boot and 60/40 split-fold seats. The cargo area offers a solid floor and tie-down points for securing luggage – although the cords that hold the rear parcel tray open get cheap heat-pressed knots to hook the plastic holders.

2014 Warm Hatch Car Comparison

Price: $28,690 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 132kW/230Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP