Review: Holden JH.I Cruze Sportwagon (2012-14)

Overview

Released in December 2012, the Holden JH.I Cruze Sportwagon was a mid-size wagon (the JH Cruze sedan and hatchback have been reviewed separately). Manufactured in South Korea, the front-wheel drive Cruze Sportwagon was available with 1.8-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines.

A18XER and Z20S1 engines

Of the engines,

The 1.8-litre A18XER four-cylinder petrol engine had a cast iron cylinder block, an aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuous variable cam phasing and a compression ratio of 10.5:1; and,
The 2.0-litre ‘Family Z’ Z20S1 diesel engine had common rail direct injection, an electronically-controlled variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts with hydraulic tensioners, twin balance shafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.5:1.

Both engines were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.

Dimensions

The Cruze Sportwagon was 4675 mm long, 1797 mm wide, 1484 mm tall and had a 2685 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the Cruze Sportwagon had cargo capacity of 500 litres, though this could be increased to 1478 litres when the rear seats were folded forwards.

Suspension

The Cruze Sportwagon had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension (both with coil springs, gas-filled dampers and anti-roll bars).

Holden JH.I Cruze Sportwagon specifications
Engine	Variant	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
1.8-litre petrol I4	CD, CDX	6sp auto	104 kW at 6200 rpm	176 Nm at 3800 rpm
2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4	CD	6sp auto	120 kW at 3800 rpm	360 Nm at 2000 rpm

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Cruze Sportwagon included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2009 Holden Cruze sedan received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.04 out of 37. Based on information provided to ANCAP, these results were also applied to the Cruze Sportwagon and Cruze hatchback. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for both front occupants. Maximum points, however, were given in the side impact and pole tests.

In Euro NCAP testing , a Chevrolet Cruze sedan received a five star safety rating with a 96 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 84 per cent child occupant protection rating.

Features

Standard features for the Cruze Sportwagon CD included 16-inch steel wheels, a six speaker sound system with a CD player and auxiliary inputs (USB/iPod/MP3), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice recognition, cloth seats, air conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a multi-function steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, silver roof rails, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Cruze Sportwagon CDX was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather seat trim, heated front seats, front fog lamps and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.

Brochure

Brochure: Holden JH Cruze (April 2014)