WHILE HSV HAS decided not to offer the turbocharged Vauxhall Insignia VXR in Australia and to discontinue the imported Astra VXR, development of a Cruze-based performance model is well underway.
HSV’s Managing Director Phil Harding confirmed on Monday that the Clayton-based company was investigating adding a performance-tuned Cruze to its line-up, although he declined to offer any solid technical details on the forthcoming model.
TMR has learned that HSV’s Cruze will be based on the locally-built model that’s set to enter production at Holden’s South Australian plant in 2010.
The decision to move forward with a Cruze-based HSV model hinged on local production of the car, and work on the project only began after Holden announced late last year that Australian assembly of the car would go ahead.
It’s unclear at this stage whether HSV’s small car offering will be based on the sedan or hatchback version of the Cruze (both of which will be built in SA), but the sedan’s greater structural rigidity may see it get the nod.
A hatchback, however, would be a more direct replacement for the now-discontinued Astra VXR.
With the Cruze being built on General Motors’ versatile Delta II platform (which also underpins the new Astra in Europe), a variety of engine options exist for HSV’s model.
Neither Mr Harding nor HSV spokesperson Simon Frost would be drawn on precise specifications, but both confirmed that diesel engines are not being considered.
As the Delta-platformed Astra VXR utilises a turbocharged 2.0 litre inline four developing 177kW, there’s a great deal of power-making potential for the Cruze.
At this stage, the most powerful petrol engine used by the model is a naturally-aspirated 1.8 litre inline four-cylinder engine with 104kW of power and 176Nm of torque.
Suspension will be modified to improve handling, but it remains to be seen whether HSV sticks with the Cruze’s rear beam axle set-up or ditches it in favour of the Euro-market Astra’s independent rear suspension.
Styling will also be changed for HSV’s Cruze, with new bumpers, wheels and other detail changes signifying the car’s performance intent.
A launch date for the car has yet to be announced, but with local production of the Holden Cruze slated to begin in the third quarter of 2010, don’t expect to see more on HSV’s small car until well into next year.
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So I guess we can bank on rows of silly LED lights, some more chrome for the grille and some butt ugly bonnet vents then.
I wonder how much work will have to go into making the chassis handle and whether it’ll be worth the trouble at all.
I really wish they’d stick to true performance cars with credibility. The Series 1 VEs look fantastic in comparison to the trollop they’re about to roll out now.
I couldn’t agree with you more.
They should be take styling tips from the car (Insignia) they should have imported.
Would have been much better off than going for this longshot of making something sporty of the Cruze. Then again, I am rather curious.
So there is a possibility for this car to look less ugly!
If they plan to make it more powerful via turbo charging, I hope they fit a mechanical LSD.
I still cant believe Holden are actually going to build the Cruze here…..I can’t believe the business case would stack up…Im sure it doesn’t…its probably got more to do with Govt grants and politics than good business sense.
The only way a HSV version would get my interest would be if it were RWD…..sure as hell that aint going to happen.
Holden is better off sticking to the Commodore…keep it large, affordable but make it more fuel efficient (which they are doing). Keep bringing in the Cruze as is, they wont sell anymore just because its built here. HSV do the same.
hmmmm HSV Daewoo…stupid.
The bodykit industry must be rejoicing on this news. I can already picture all the Holden Cruzes dressed up to look like the HSV model when it gets released.
A warmed version of the new 3.0L SIDI direct injection V6 would have some appeal.
Naturally it would have to be mated to a suitable drive-train etc.
All that would probably blow out the costs but it might then be a car that promotes rather than disadvantages of the HSV brand.
is it just me, or does the rear end of the Cruze strongly resemble the rear of a Honda Civic? Oh that’s right, I forgot, the Cruze is actually Korean, so of course it’s going to be a close copy of a Japanese model.
Its about time Holden has met a turning-point. The Crap Viva is now gone! All Holden needs to work on now is the Barina (which should be the Opel Corsa) and the Epica (which replaced the Vectra - the Vectra should have been replaced with the Opel Insignia). I also think that Holden should have a Larger SUV - to Challenge the likes of the Toyota Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero, Holden should also Have a Comapct-SUV, to Challenge the Subaru Forester and Toyota Rav4. The Captiva 5 is a good start!
I Cant wait for next Year When the Aussie-Made Cruze arrives!
I reckon there is one Problem about Holdens new Small-Car. I dont think they should’ve called it the ‘Cruze’ that name has already been used for a Suzuki-Based 4WD that was on the Market between 2002 and 2006. If that was me I wouldve called it something else.
I also agree with Matt, Holden should have kept the German-Built Models, such as the Barina and Vectra (or Insignia). The Astra will be missed also =(.
I reckon that the Cruze Hatchback should have be produced also, next to the current Korean Model. The Cruze sells about 2000 units per months as a Two-Variant Sedan. Can you imagine how high the Sales would be if there was a Hatch there also. On average hatches sell about 30% more than what Sedans do when it comes to small cars.
2000 x 2 + 30%. you do the Math!
Wow! that is about 5200 units per month! do ya reckon its possible?
Well I cant be certain, but it would be interesting to see the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 both beaten!
I have a cruze 1.8 and it is a great vehicle, handles well, good to drive and looks good. The platform has a lot more potential and await HSV offering?
this just seem’s wrong…. and they wont play with the rear suspension, no matter what they do there is so much better competition coming from europe and japan, and no one thinks HSV when it comes to small cars… or anything else appart from the commodore, i never knew until recently there was a HSV Jackaroo lol!
I thought the Cruze was only to get 25% local content. That makes it more Australian assembled than Australian built. Holden seems to have lost the new Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, Astra and Insignia. I guess it didn’t have much to offer to Opel/Vauxhall in exchange, and can no longer use GM US to make deals for it when it comes to European cars. This will cost Holden dearly in the long run.