Top hatch value a Cruze for Holden

Holden Cruze SRi-V. Photo / Supplied

Just because the Holden Cruze SRi-V has five doors, a bright-red badge and a turbo, don't assume that it's a warm hatch. Just because the SRi-V is a small car from Korea, don't assume that it's dull A-to-B transport, either.

The move to Australian-build for the Cruze sedan last year brought a much-improved series II. Now, the addition of a hatchback version brings a much-improved range - especially in New Zealand, where five-doors account for nearly 70 per cent of small-car sales.

What do small-car buyers want? Lots of different things. The flagship Cruze SRi-V succeeds by ticking as many boxes as possible. It's a little bit CO2-conscious, with a high-tech direct-injection 1.4-litre turbo engine that manages 6.9 litres per 100km, even in automatic-transmission form.

It's a little bit sporty, with 103kW/200Nm, special Watts Link rear suspension that's different from the hardware on the humbler Cruze models, and a body kit with extra exterior brightwork.

There's a hint of luxury, too, with a smooth six-speed gearbox and keyless entry/start, power seats, integrated sat-nav with DVD audio and hard drive, and leather upholstery.

The danger is that such a car could wind up being jack of all trades and ... well, you know the rest. Cruze isn't like that. It might attempt to tick oh-so-many boxes, but it's also a likeably unpretentious package.

It's flawed, but I came away from the SRi-V feeling impressed that a mainstream hatchback does so much.

The iTi (intelligent Turbo induction) engine is gruff at high revs but marvellously energetic, with peak torque at 1850rpm and crisp throttle response. The steering and chassis are aloof when you're pressing on, but the car is nicely balanced and the ride remains comfortable.

The automatic gearbox hangs between shifts a bit too often for my liking, but with six ratios, it's adept at keeping that iTi engine on song.

Inside, there are too many hard plastics and uneven edges to earn the Cruze premium small-car status, and in terms of quality and sheer sophistication, it's no match for a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. But that can be forgiven when you consider value for money.

This might be a $40k machine, but the SRi-V's standard equipment list is off the scale compared with its rivals. The $37,900 SRi is probably a closer match in that context.

Or, if those two Cruze iTi models are too rich, the $34,400 CD version has the same impressive powertrain and suspension set-up. It's potentially the best bang-for-buck Cruze of all.

Hatch or sedan? Ordinarily, I'm a big fan of anything with five doors, and the (Australian-styled) Cruze hatch is certainly a sleek shape. Holden reckons it's also quieter than the sedan thanks to overkill on sound deadening.

The hatch is practical, too, with a 60/40 split rear seat and that big fifth door. But oddly, the sedan is still a better looker. With all seats occupied, the four-door also has a little more luggage space: 445 litres versus 413. I reckon I'd stick with the SRi-V sedan.

The bottom line:
Cruze sedan came of age with the arrival of the series II model last year, especially the more talented 1.4-litre turbo versions. The hatchback rounds out the range nicely.

Alternatives
* Ford Focus Sport: $44,490
* Hyundai i30 Elite: $38,490
* Mazda3 GSE SkyActiv: $37,395
* Mitsubishi Lancer VRX: $40,890
* VW Golf TSI 90kW: $38,500