Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Competitors:
Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf
Design:
European-influenced styling, practical interior, available as sedan and hatchback
Performance Variants:
Offered with a range of efficient petrol engines, focus on fuel economy and everyday usability
Value Proposition:
Generally offered competitive features and value for its segment
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD), axles, differentials
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems, including diagnostics and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, wheel
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake pad and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting system, instrumentation, body electricals, ECUs
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, structural components
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, safety sensor diagnostics
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBD-II diagnostics, troubleshooting guides
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), timing belt/chain replacement
Transmission Repair:
Transmission disassembly, assembly, torque converter replacement, clutch replacement (manual)
Brake Repair:
Caliber replacement, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake line repair
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit tracing
Suspension Repair:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, bushing replacement, ball joint replacement
Body Repair:
Panel replacement, door adjustment, glass sealing
Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common vehicle problems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced diagnostics with detailed wiring schematics and fault code interpretation
Engine Code Options:
A16XER (1.6L Ecotec), B14NET (1.4L Turbo Ecotec), A20NFT (2.0L Ecotec - less common in some markets for 2016)
Engine Type 1.6L:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement 1.6L:
1598 cc
Bore X Stroke 1.6L:
79.0 mm x 81.5 mm
Compression Ratio 1.6L:
10.5:1
Horsepower 1.6L:
Approx. 115 hp (85 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque 1.6L:
Approx. 155 Nm (114 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm
Engine Type 1.4T:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged
Displacement 1.4T:
1364 cc
Horsepower 1.4T:
Approx. 140 hp (103 kW) @ 4900-6000 rpm
Torque 1.4T:
Approx. 200 Nm (148 lb-ft) @ 1850-4900 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (91 RON recommended, 95 RON for optimal performance)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for 1.6L, Direct Injection (DI) for 1.4T
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors
Ancap Rating:
5 Stars (for models tested, typically up to 2013/2014 but reflects platform)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esc:
Standard Electronic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System
Brake Assist:
Standard Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver/passenger), side airbags, curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Infotainment System:
MyLink infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen (on higher trims)
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth audio streaming, USB connectivity, auxiliary input
Camera:
Available Rear View Camera
Parking Sensors:
Available Rear Park Assist
Apple Carplay Android Auto:
Not typically featured in the 2016 model year for this generation.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine type)
Pollen Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km or 24 months
Spark Plug Replacement 1.6L:
Every 60,000 km (Platinum type)
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Recommended every 60,000 km or under severe driving conditions
Engine Oil Spec 1.6L:
SAE 5W-30, API SN, ACEA C3 or GM dexos2 approved
Engine Oil Spec 1.4T:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30, API SN, ACEA C3 or GM dexos1 Gen 2 approved
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 1935343 (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Auto:
GM P/N 19417735 (Dexron VI) or equivalent
Common Complaints 1.4T:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, turbocharger issues, potential for piston ring wear or piston slap (especially if not maintained with correct oil)
Common Complaints General:
Water pump leaks, ignition coil failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, occasional electrical gremlins
Heritage:
Holden, a long-standing Australian automotive manufacturer with a history of local manufacturing and iconic models.
Global Platform:
The Holden Cruze shares its platform (GM's global Delta II platform, also known as J300 or JX) with Chevrolet Cruze, Opel Astra, and Buick Excelle GT. This indicates a global development approach.
Segment Shift:
Represents Holden's move towards offering more globally sourced, smaller vehicles to compete in the growing compact segment.
Manufacturing Location:
While designed globally by GM, Australian market models were predominantly manufactured in South Korea by GM Daewoo (later GM Korea).
Production Years:
Global: 2008-2016 (for this generation). Holden: 2009-2016.
