Holden Cruze Hatchback Concept Hits Melbourne

Visitors at this week's Australian International Motor Show hoping for a look at the locally-built Holden Cruze Hatch will be left wanting - it won't be there. 

Cruze fans won't be left out in the cold however: alongside the recently-launched Series II Cruze sedan range, Holden is showing a lion-badged version of the Australian-designed Cruze Hatchback concept revealed at last year's Paris Auto Show.

Thanks to the international unveiling in February of the Chevrolet-badged production-ready Cruze Hatch, we also know that that - apart from the usual ultra-sporty showcar tweaks - the end product and its concept progenitor are virtually identical.

"We think the hatch will hit a sweet spot with buyers looking for great design, versatility and practicality," Holden boss Mike Devereux said. 

“We’re very proud of the finished product, our contribution to the global design program and that our Cruze hatch will be rolling off the Elizabeth assembly line and into dealerships later this year."

Like the Paris version, the Holden Cruze Hatch concept sits on custom-made 19-inch wheels, with lowered suspension and an even lower offset giving the concept a hunkered down and determined look.

Don't expect to see these specs on the production hatch however, or any more powerful engine options than those offered with the sedan right now.

For the foreseeable future, the 103kW 1.4 litre turbo SRi-V remains the flagship Cruze - although Devereux says Holden "will do what it needs to do to satisfy its customers."

Pricing, full specifications and features of the full Cruze hatch range will be announced closer to launch later this year.