Holden’s 5 Star Line-Up Gains Another Member
Holden’s Series II Captiva 7 SX diesel has secured a maximum five-star safety rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
Launched in February 2011, the Holden Series II Captiva range was enhanced with the introduction of six airbags – driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags – as standard on all models, an electric park brake and Hill Start Assist technology to prevent “roll-away” on inclines.
These features were added to Captiva’s already impressive array of active and passive safety technology including Electronic Stability Control system incorporating anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control and active rollover protection.
All Captiva models are also fitted with a descent control system which maintains a slow speed for navigating steep downhill gradients.
Holden’s Vehicle Structure & Safety Integration Manager, Steve Curtis said it was great to receive a local endorsement for this globally successful car.
“We’ve been very confident in the Captiva’s safety credentials, particularly after the Chevrolet Captiva range was awarded a top five star rating from EuroNCAP in October,” Mr Curtis said.
“But it’s great to know that yet another Holden has earned the highest Australian safety rating.”
Captiva 7 SX diesel joins the Commodore, Cruze and Barina range which have all been awarded the maximum five star safety rating from ANCAP.
All New Holden Cruze Series II
Holden has unveiled its new locally-built Series II Cruze sedan range that includes the most fuel-efficient car built in Australia.
The new Cruze, built at Holden’s Vehicle Operations in Elizabeth, South Australia benefits from a multi-million dollar manufacturing and engineering investment.
With powerful, responsive and fuel-efficient new powertrains, a smooth styling makeover, wider model choices and keen pricing, Holden’s ‘big small car’ is expected to build on the success of its predecessor, Australia’s top selling small sedan in 2010.
Two new sports models, Cruze SRi and range topping Cruze SRi-V, join the line-up alongside the high-feature Cruze CDX and popular Cruze CD.
Performance options now include GM’s new generation 2.0 litre turbo diesel which returns fuel economy of 5.6 litres per 100km when paired to its six-speed manual transmission (ADR81/01). The combination makes it Australia’s most fuel-efficient locally-built car.
The range also boasts an outstanding all-new 1.4 litre intelligent turbo induction (1.4 iTi) petrol engine with variable valve timing which returns fuel economy of 6.4 litres per 100km on manual models.
Meanwhile the 1.8 litre DOHC powerplant, already available on Cruze CD and CDX today, delivers fuel economy of 7 litres per 100km.
All engines meet the high Euro 5 emission standard and have been engineered to better match Australian driving preferences with a balanced blend of responsiveness and fuel economy.
A range of refinements, among them the fitment of Watts link performance suspension with all 1.4 iTi models, results in even more controlled and predictable handling qualities and a smoother, quieter ride.
New-look Series II Cruze styling continues to reflect European design influences, blended with bold Holden signature front and rear fascia treatments and new wheel designs. Cruze SRi models are distinguished by new sports-styling cues.
The Cruze SRi-V comes complete with luxury marque innovations such as passive entry and start with Sensor Key technology. Other smart technology features on the Sri-V include integrated satellite navigation with full colour widescreen display and a premium multimedia audio/DVD system with 10GB hard drive enabling owners to store around 2000 songs. The system also has the ability to pause live radio for up to 20 minutes.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said the locally-produced Series II Cruze gave buyers an even more persuasive mix of style and substance.
“We have worked hard to improve on the current model by tailoring the Cruze to better meet the needs of Australian motorists,” Mr Devereux said.
“We think our locally-developed range ticks all the boxes for people who appreciate style, comfort and convenience, as well as high-tech performance options and great interior space.
“Cruze also remains one of the safest small cars on the market and more than ever it represents exceptional value for money in true Holden tradition.”
Performance and Fuel Economy
GM’s sophisticated new generation 2.0 litre DOHC common rail turbo diesel engine is optional on Cruze CD and CDX.
Power output increases by 9 per cent and torque is up by 12.5 per cent compared with the previous model. The 2.0 litre turbo diesel now produces 120 kW at 3800rpm and 360 Nm at 1750 rpm.
Even with the performance boost, fuel economy improves to a frugal 5.6 litres per 100km (with new six-speed manual transmission) and remains at 6.7 litres per 100km with optional six-speed auto.
Meanwhile, an all-new and highly efficient 1.4 iTi DOHC engine with variable valve timing comes standard on SRi and SRi-V models and is optional on Cruze CD.
Also a member of Holden’s Ecoline family, the four-cylinder 1.4 iTi produces peak power of 103 kW at 4900 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm between 1850-4900 rpm; the wide maximum torque range contributing to an enjoyable driving experience.
Matched to a new six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with Active Select, the 1.4 iTi optimises performance and fuel savings. Each model with the 1.4 iTi also comes paired with electronic power steering.
With manual shift, the torquey turbo returns a fuel economy figure of 6.4 litres per 100km and with optional six-speed auto 6.9 litres per 100km.
The 1.8 litre ECOTEC engine standard on Cruze CD and CDX models benefits from Holden engineering refinements that result in a more lively launch feel and all-round improved driveability.
The 16 valve four-cylinder 1.8 litre produces 104 kW of power at 6200 rpm and develops 176 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm.
With five-speed manual transmission, the 1.8 petrol returns 7 litres per 100km; with six-speed auto that includes an improved final drive ratio, it delivers 7.4 litres per 100km.
Feature Highlights
Cruze is a genuine five-seater with a spacious and well-appointed cabin that contributes to its popular appeal.
The smart twin cockpit layout, quality finishes, flush-mounted soft touch components, integrated centre console and ice-blue LED illuminated instrument panel reflect careful attention to detail. Storage, functionality and convenience features include 60/40 split rear seats, CD player, small item storage as well as four cup and four bottle holders.
Series II Holden Cruze CD standard feature highlights:
- Engine options of 1.8L ECOTEC engine, 1.4 iTi DOHC turbo petrol or 2.0L DOHC turbo diesel.
- New 16-inch wheel trims
- Six-speaker multimedia audio system with radio, in-dash CD, USB flash drive/iPod/MP3 compatibility
- Steering wheel remote audio and cruise controls
- Graphic information display
- Six airbags – front driver and passenger, front side impact, side curtain
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Traction Control
- Collapsible pedal assembly system
- Air conditioning
- Power windows all round
- Automatic headlamps
- Body-coloured door handles
- Wattslink performance suspension (paired to 1.4 iTi model only)
Series II Holden Cruze CDX additional feature highlights:
- Engine options of 1.8L ECOTEC or 2.0L DOHC turbo diesel
- New 17-inch alloy wheels
- Fog lamps
- Leather-appointed seat trim
- Leather-wrap steering wheel and shifter
- Rear park assist
- Heated front seats
- Chrome exterior highlights
Series II Holden Cruze SRi additional feature highlights over CD:
- 1.4L iTi DOHC turbo petrol engine
- Front and rear sports fascia and rocker covers
- Rear lip spoiler
- Sporty five-spoke sports 17-inch alloy wheels
- Chrome door handles
- Sonic blue cloth trim (standard on Voodoo and Karma exterior colours only)
- Watts link performance suspension
- Front fog lamps
- Leather-wrap steering wheel and shifter
Series II Holden Cruze SRi-V additional feature highlights over the SRi:
- Leather appointed seats
- Heated front seats
- Integrated satellite navigation
- Passive entry and start with Sensor Key technology
- Integrated 7-inch colour LCD screen
- Premium audio system with 10GB hard drive, CD/MP3 rip and store capability, DVD player and pause live radio functionality
- Rear park assist
Styling
The Series II Cruze is distinguished by a bold new face with Holden’s trademark trapezoidal grille and strong chrome accents. There are new headlamps with bright jewelled bezels and new rear fascias feature sharp aero detailing.
New Cruze SRi and SRi-V models emphasise a sporty aesthetic with stand-out styling cues including exclusive front and rear fascia treatments, aero decklid lip spoiler, sports rockers and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
Cruze’s coupe-like proportions are accentuated by a steeply raked windshield, arched roofline and fast-sloping rear pillars. These dynamic design elements, together with minimal front and rear overhangs that emphasise a wide stance, set it apart from the pack.
Colour Selection
Local production of Series II Cruze at Holden’s world-class vehicle manufacturing facility enables an expanded selection of 10 brilliant exterior finishes and highlights family ties to top-selling Commodore, Sportwagon, Ute and Caprice ranges.
- Phantom Black*
- Alto Grey*
- Nitrate Silver*
- Karma*
- Mirage Glow*
- Voodoo*
- Poison Ivy*
- Sizzle
- Heron White
- Red Hot
* denotes prestige paint
Note – Mirage Glow and Sizzle not available on SRi and SRi-V
Safety and Strength
Series II Cruze boasts the highest possible five-star ANCAP safety rating, thanks to across-the-range standard fitment of a comprehensive range of high-technology active and passive safety features.
Cruze also benefits from a robust body structure which comprises 65 per cent high-strength steel and a technically advanced chassis systems which deliver enhanced accident avoidance capabilities. Energy-absorbing load paths protect the passenger safety cell and offer optimum protection in the event of a collision.
New Series II Holden Captiva
The introduction of new-look Series II Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 models have given Holden’s strong-selling SUV range even more widespread appeal.
High-performing new generation petrol and diesel engines matched to smooth six-speed transmissions and exceptionally competitive pricing are the big Captiva stories.
There’s more power on tap across the range, complemented by fuel efficiency gains on all models.
The seven-seat Captiva 7 range now offers three new powertrain options including a price-leading 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol variant, a 2.2 litre turbo diesel and the Commodore-proven performance benefits of Holden’s advanced, Australian-built 3.0-litre Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) V6.
Captiva 5 buyers get the choice of a turbo diesel powerplant for the first time while refinements to all Series II models deliver quieter cabins and improved ride and handling quality.
The makeover is accentuated by striking new design treatments and additional convenience features which include Bluetooth connectivity and wireless music streaming on all seven-seat models.
Captiva’s safety features have also been enhanced with the introduction of six airbags as standard on all models, an electric park brake and Hill Start Assist technology to prevent “roll-away” on inclines.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mike Devereux, said updates to the Series II Captiva were intended to build on the strengths of an already successful model range in a growing market.
“The introduction of three powerful new generation engines, each providing a performance boost and fuel efficiency benefits will make compact and medium SUV buyers sit up and take notice,” Mr Devereux said.
“That’s on top of the fact that Captiva 5 and 7 continue to hit all the right notes in terms of good looks, high-ride comfort, safety features and flexibility.
“They’re more well-specified than ever and our pricing structure means they remain excellent value for money with each recommended retail price $2000 lower than the previous model.”
Performance and Fuel Economy
Three new Captiva engine choices – a 2.4 litre DOHC four-cylinder petrol with variable valve timing, 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and a 2.2 litre turbo diesel – each paired with six-speed transmissions, spearhead the Series II line-up.
The new powertrain combinations deliver fuel efficiency savings across the board while generating more performance punch than previous models.
The Captiva 7 range now includes a two-wheel-drive (2WD) model powered by a 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol engine. It delivers fuel economy of 9.1L/100km (ADR081/02) – the most fuel efficient petrol seven seater in its class, while producing 123kW of power and 230Nm of torque.
The new, perky 2.2 litre turbo diesel SX model, delivers fuel economy of 8.1L/100km, 135kW of power and 400Nm of torque – a 25 per cent increase on its predecessor.
All-wheel-drive (AWD) Captiva 7 CX and LX models offer a choice of the 2.2 litre turbo diesel or 3.0 litre SIDI V6 powerplants. The 3.0 litre V6 produces 190kW of power and delivers fuel economy of 11.3 L/100km.
Meanwhile buyers of the Holden Captiva 5 compact SUV may now choose between an AWD 2.2 litre turbo diesel model and a 2WD 2.4 litre four cylinder petrol model which offers 19 per cent more power than the engine it replaces.
Styling
The smart Series II Captiva 5 and 7 feature dynamic new front-end styling, dominated by bold facia treatments which delineate differences in character.
Captiva 7 sports a robustly assertive look with its new twin portal grill flanked by prominent fog lamps. Elongated prism style headlamps sweep back to wheel arches which now accommodate three wheel sizes -17-inch (SX), 18-inch (CX) and 19-inch (LX).
The bonnet surface is re-shaped and sculptured; turn signals are integrated into external mirrors; and a clear lens tail lamp design updates the rear end.
The more Euro-style compact Captiva 5 is set apart by a subtle new grille treatment with mesh detailing, echoed in the slim air intake below. Chrome-surround fog lamps make a stylish statement while tough five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels accentuate an athletic stance.
Interior
Featuring abundant space and a standard equipment list to match, all Series II Captiva 7 cabins include MP3 compatible CD players with auxiliary input, Bluetooth® for hands-free calling or music streaming, plus air conditioning, leather wrap steering wheel and cruise control.
The CX model ups the luxury factor even further with climate control, Sportec bolsters, driver information display and Rear Park Assist, while the range-topping LX adds leather appointed seat trim, Satellite Navigation, Rear View Camera, USB port and a 7-inch multifunction touch-screen.
Clever flush fold second and third row split seating, easily transforms the Captiva 7 from spacious seven-seat people mover to ample cargo carrier. Smart storage spaces are in abundance, including centre console and second row armrest compartments, front and rear cup holders, and front and rear door pockets.
The inclusion of the electric park brake also adds elegance to the interior by removing the bulky lever and creating space for a multi-purpose storage compartment.
The Captiva 5 cabin is also equipped with stylish features including a six-disc MP3 compatible CD player, semi-automatic climate control system, leather wrap steering wheel, front and rear park assist, cruise control, trip computer and driver information display as standard.
Safety and driving dynamics
Captiva’s impressive array of active and passive safety technology is augmented at Series II with the inclusion of side impact airbags as standard across the range, bringing the airbag total to six.
An Electronic Stability Control system incorporates anti-lock braking, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control, active rollover protection and the active AWD system which determines requirements for optimum traction.
Series II also sees the introduction of Hill Start Assist (HSA) technology across the Captiva range. It holds the vehicle on gradients of 3 per cent or steeper for 1.5 seconds after the brake pedal has been released, to assist in a smoother and safer drive away from standstill.
Captiva models are also fitted with a descent control system which maintains a slow speed for navigating steep downhill gradients.
Front and rear park assist comes standard on Captiva 5 while Captiva 7 CX features rear park assist and Captiva 7 LX combines rear park assist with a standard rear-view camera.
Re-tuned chassis dynamics and improvements to steering feel contribute to a more refined ride quality and sharper handling feel. A hydraulic control feature automatically adjusts the suspension to maintain a level ride height on the Captiva 5 Diesel and all Captiva 7 models.
Colour Selection
Captiva 5 and Captiva 7 SX, CX and LX are available in a choice of nine exterior finishes including three new colours exclusive to the Series II range. They are:
- Olympic White
- Ironite
- Desert Sand (new colour)
- Carbon Flash
- Thunder Grey
- Moulan Rouge Red (new colour)
- Nitrate
- White Pearl (new colour)
- Midnight Blue
New Berlina International Models
Holden’s new Series II Commodore range has been boosted by the introduction of the Special Edition Berlina International sedan and Sportwagon models.
Catering for motorists seeking great value, the Series II Berlina International delivers $9,500 of extra features including leather seat trim, twin-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear-view camera.
Holden Director of Marketing Philip Brook said the updated offering has been designed to create even more demand for Australia’s best-selling car.
“We think the Series II update to Commodore has made a great car even better by introducing smart multimedia technology, improved fuel economy and the capacity for certain models to run on environmentally friendly bio-ethanol,” Mr Brook said.
“The Berlina International models really build on the success of the Series II range by offering customers yet another smart looking vehicle packaged up with a long-list of features.
“At such a competitive price we expect it to be a winner in our showrooms.”
Now on sale around Australia, the Berlina International can be purchased for the drive away price of $36,990 (sedan) and $38,900 (sportwagon) including prestige paint.
Powered by Holden’s frugal 3.0-litre SIDI V6 which now achieves economy of 9.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (sedan), the Berlina International also features flex-fuel technology which enables customers to run their vehicle on bio-ethanol, known in many markets as E85; a blend of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol.
Bio-ethanol is a cleaner burning fuel made in Australia from the waste by-product of wheat and sugar, as well as sorghum, with the potential to eventually be created from household garbage.
For more information including features and up to date pricing, please feel free to give us a call on (03)5442 3999.
Holden Takes iQ Test Online
Facebook friendships are set to be tested this summer with the launch of Holden’s online iQ test – www.holdeniQ.com.au
The test, which supports the launch of new Series II Commodore, puts participants through their paces in a number of intelligence challenges including memory and spatial recall games and general knowledge.
Once the test is completed, users are given a Holden-iQ score which they can share with friends and followers via Facebook and Twitter and issue an ‘intelligence challenge’ to their online contacts.
In a game of chance, not skill, one lucky participant will also win a new Series II Calais-V Sedan when they enter the draw online. Players with the largest social networks will stand the best chance of winning – every friend they challenge gets them an extra entry into the draw.
Holden’s Director – Marketing, Philip Brook says while the test will be fun, it will also generate healthy rivalries amongst friends.
“The new touch-screen Holden-iQ system is a major feature of the new Series II Commodore – it’s the most advanced infotainment package from Holden and rivals many of the systems in prestige vehicles,” he said.
“Just as Holden-iQ makes Commodore clever, we wanted to extend that theme online – so we’re offering Australians the opportunity to show their friends how clever they are and no doubt create some healthy competition in the process!”
The Holden-iQ system is highly intuitive and features a large colour touch-screen, optional Satellite Navigation with live traffic updates (standard on SS-V, Calais-V, Caprice and Caprice-V), enhanced Bluetooth® and full iPod® compatibility. All models from Berlina upwards include the ability to rip and store up to 15 CDs to an internal flash-drive.
In addition to Holden’s own iQ test, Holden is the major partner of Channel 9′s upcoming National IQ Test which will air live on 9 November. The show will be hosted by Eddie McGuire featuring six teams – WAGs, trendies, entrepreneurs, sports fanatics, Generation Y and impersonators.
To join the conversation on the Holden-iQ test, visit www.facebook.com/holdenaustralia
Commodore on top, as Series II makes its mark
With VE Series II hitting showrooms this month, Commodore has continued its reign as Australia’s favourite car, selling 3674 units in August, up 10.4 per cent on same month last year.
According to figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Commodore contributed to Holden’s total sales of 11,146 vehicles for the month of August up 17.3 per cent from the same month last year, taking market share to 13 per cent for the year.
Holden’s Executive Director, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, said the strong sales pointed to continuing success of Australia’s newest Commodore range being released this month.
“With VE Series II unveiled this week, we’ve taken Australia’s most popular car and made it even better – introducing clever multimedia technology and improved fuel economy,” Mr Elsworth said.
“We’ve also added flex-fuel capability to models powered by the 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and 6.0 litre V8 engines, enabling them to run either on petrol or Bio-ethanol.
“We think customers will be really impressed by our new range which boasts a 6.5 inch full-colour LCD touch screen with full Bluetooth®, USB, iPod® and MP3 integration all the way from Omega to Caprice.”
Strong Commodore sales were complemented by sales of the popular Cruze, Holden’s second best-selling carline. With 2383 vehicles sold in August and 18,965 this year, sales of this impressive small car were up 20.9 per cent on the same month last year.
“From 2011, Cruze will join its big brother Commodore, in coming off the line at Holden’s Elizabeth plant, making it the only small car made in Australia.
“The local manufacture of Holden’s best sellers is a real boost for local manufacturing in South Australia and our national automotive industry,” Mr Elsworth said.
August also saw strong Captiva sales of 1317 units, up 27.7 per cent on August last year, giving Holden its best SUV August sales on record. Barina, too, performed well, with 1325 units, up a considerable 64.8 per cent on the same month last year, and resulting in the highest August Barina sales on record.
New Commodore – Go Better and Smarter
Living up to Holden’s tagline ‘go better’, Commodore drivers can look forward to a range of performance improvements, with the vehicle running on petrol or bio-ethanol, as well as the clever new Holden-iQ touch-screen infotainment system on every model.
Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said Holden was making advanced technology and sustainable performance available to Commodore buyers across the range.
“We’re listening and we know Australians want better performance – but better performance doesn’t mean going faster in a straight line,” Mr Devereux said.
“Better performance means driving more efficiently, more sustainably and the addition of simple-to-use technology that makes driving safe and fun at the same time. Series II makes these features available to every buyer across the Commodore range.”
All Commodores now feature Holden-iQ, a 6.5 inch colour LCD touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless, cable and USB connectivity for music and mobiles.
In a major step forward, Holden also offers drivers the choice to fill-up on a locally produced alternative fuel. Commodore models powered by the 3.0 litre SIDI V6 and 6.0 litre V8 engines are flex-fuel capable. They can run either on petrol or bio-ethanol, a blend of up to 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol, commonly known as E85. The 3.6 litre SIDI V6 engine will also be flex-fuel compatible by 2012.
“Drivers can fill up with petrol as they normally would, or fill-up with bio-ethanol. Giving people this choice is an important and immediate way that Holden can help people reduce their environmental impact when it comes to driving.”
Caltex will sell the new fuel under the name Bio E-Flex at 31 service stations in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide by the end of October and increasing to 100 sites in 2011.
“We estimate 90 per cent of flex-fuel vehicle owners will live within a 10 kilometre radius of a Bio E-Flex pump, making renewable fuel mainstream for the first time Australia. And when they choose Bio E-Flex, they can feel good about reducing their CO2 driving emissions by around 40 per cent,” Mr Devereux said.
Holden doubles Caprice appeal with Series II
The introduction of an updated WM Series II range in September will mark the debut of the Holden Caprice V-Series.
The sports luxury V-Series designation matches that of other premium Holdens and identifies this model as top-of-the-range.
Completing the line-up is the Caprice Series II, which shares the stretched silhouette, 18-inch alloy wheels and strong design character of its counterpart.
With this move, Holden discontinues its long-running Statesman nameplate.
Holden Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales John Elsworth said the revised long-wheel base strategy was the result of detailed customer feedback.
“Market research consistently told us that the Caprice nameplate, with its definite sports luxury character, appealed to a far broader customer base,” Mr Elsworth said.
“We believe that presenting a choice of two models which share the same strong brand appeal but differ in specification will now make the step up to Caprice from its short-wheelbase siblings such as the Calais V, a more natural move for many buyers.
Introducing Series II – The very clever Commodore
With the new range Holden has finessed the formula that has made Commodore the nation’s top selling car for 14 years straight, introducing smart multimedia technology, improved fuel economy and the capacity to run on environmentally friendly bio-ethanol.
VE Series II brings more multimedia features to the Commodore range than ever before through an all-new infotainment system that delivers full Bluetooth®, USB, iPod® and MP3 player integration across the range.
Known as Holden-iQ, the system is controlled through a clever, user-friendly touch screen mounted in the centre stack – the cornerstone of a refreshed interior across all models.
Introducing increased plug-and-play music functions and the ability to rip and store CDs on an internal flash drive[1], the system also delivers advanced satellite navigation features on selected models including live traffic condition alerts to help drivers avoid road congestion.
Commodore’s smart technology extends to the Series II powertrain line-up which delivers further fuel economy improvements on all models.
Holden’s frugal 3.0-litre SIDI V6 now achieves economy of 9.1 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres in the official ADR81/02 test. The 2 per cent improvement adds to the 12 per cent fuel economy gain made in September last year when Spark Ignition Direct Injection engine technology was introduced to the Commodore range.