Oz Cruze diverges from global model

HOLDEN claims the Australian-made Cruze will be “unique” in the General Motors world due to its revised look and dynamics.

Speaking to GoAuto on the eve of the JG Series II unveiling in Adelaide this week, GM Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux said the facelift is for Australia only in order to obtain a more ‘Holden’ looking car.

“Building the Cruze in Australia has given us a great opportunity to put a more European – and a more Holden-specific face and suspension tune – on the car,” Mr Devereux said.

“As we localised the car, we set our particular calibrations for the powertrains … and we did that down at Lang Lang.

“I think you will feel the difference between the old car and the new car.”He said the upcoming global Chevrolet Cruze makeover will be different again, in keeping with the Chevrolet DNA.

Furthermore, chassis testing in Lang Lang, as well as engine recalibrations at Holden HQ at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne, further differentiate the Australian Cruze from its global counterpart.

The result is around 50 per cent Australian content if assessed by retail value of the car in the first instance, a Holden insider said.

Local content will increase even further as more local suppliers – mainly from South Australia and Victoria – come on stream over the next few years.