In an effort to take on established performance-oriented rivals, General Motors’ Australian division, Holden, is said to be preparing a sport-oriented version of its domestically-built Cruze.
Launching now as both a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan, the Holden Cruze is mostly identical to the Ohio-built North American-specification Chevrolet Cruze. Of course, the Down Under variant features lightly revised styling and a steering wheel on the opposite side.
Australia’s GoAuto suggests that the Cruze SS could use a version of GM’s upsized 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, an engine already offered in the Opel Astra. Since the Astra and the Cruze share GM’s Delta II front-wheel-drive architecture, the larger engine would be a natural fit for the Cruze.
In the Astra, the 1.6-liter unit cranks out 178 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. of torque. Thanks to the turbocharger, the four-cylinder offers peak torque from 2,200 to 5,400 rpm. That’s a healthy increase over the 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque offered by the current range-topping 1.4-liter turbo four.
“Every engine option available in the Astra is under review,” an unnamed GM “insider” told GoAuto.
The sportier Cruze, badged as a Chevrolet, could also make sense in North America, where the four-door-only offering is selling well but has seen its powertrain derided by some in the press for its middling acceleration.
Holden launches Series II Cruze
To celebrate domestic production of the Cruze, Holden lightly facelifted the existing South Korea-built model and rechristened it the Series II Cruze (see image gallery).
Although mechanically identical to the outgoing imported Cruze, which was launched about two years ago in Australia, the new car will be offered in both four-door and five-door hatchback configurations, the latter of which was envisioned and designed by Holden. Other markets – namely Europe – will also get access to the hatchback.
Revisions to the lower grille and front fascia are designed to make the Cruze look more like its larger Holden Commodore sibling. A new 6T30 automatic transmission replaces the outgoing 6T40 unit for 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated Cruzes, while the 2.0-liter turbodiesel has been uprated for an additional 13 horsepower and 30 lb-ft. of torque.
New for the Australian market is the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine offered in all but base North American Cruzes. Dubbed iTi (intelligent turbo induction) by Holden, the 1.4-liter brings with it electric power steering (in place of hydraulic) and a Watt’s linkage added to the rear torsion beam suspension. The Watt’s linkage is standard across the board on North American Cruzes.
References
1.’Stand by Holden…’ view
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