Here comes the new Holden Cruze, same as the last Holden Cruze. The ranks of the small cars parted and from their midst was drawn forth one of their own, similar in almost every way. A lot of small cars these days look similar, drive pretty much the same and cost around the same So, is there anything to get excited about in the latest rendition from Holden? Perhaps more refined and dignified than the Astra, but often petulant in a manner not seen in the more mature Epica, the Cruze is a psychoanalyst’s dream; the celebrated ‘middle child’.

In terms of form, economy and price the Holden Cruze compares respectably, but not spectacularly against its rivals. The externals are synthesised and tidy, a solid conservative. A little sparkle is added by an occasional splash of chrome flanking some toned lines in the chassis, like a second glass of wine after dinner. Wing mirrors and door handles complement the colour theme and contribute to a planed, polished exterior that will no doubt still be buffing up okay when the Liberals are forming their next government.

Arguably though, under the chassis things gets a little more exciting. The one I drove had a leather and plastic combo, with each part setting the others off pleasingly. The cloth trimming extends in an unbroken swathe across the dashboard from door to door, and the finely directed lines subtly suggest a roomier ride than the physical actuality. All the separate moving parts are well designed and bear the heft that tells of good manufacture. You could have a good roll around the front and back seats, limbs flailing, without feeling there was any risk of breakage. The controls and displays in the central console are sensible and intuitive, without any mind-blowing innovative ingenuity but containing everything needed to get the job done.

As for the fundaments of grunt, the Cruze lays out 100kW at 4000rpm to go with 320Nm at 2000rpm, off the back of a 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine running on 4 cylinders. Transliterating this to driving experience, I can report that while the Cruze displays noticeable turbo lag, the power you have at your disposal once you get going is sufficient. The automatic gear shifts also receive my seal of approval. The general handling is good to fair, with firm steering and smooth power through the exit. I picked up on minimal body roll, and the suspension did the job, although whether it delivers anything on top of that I had no cause to gauge. Essentially, it’s an enjoyable and relaxed drive, marred only by the problems with the take-off that may irritate some.

Promotional material for the Cruze claims a fuel economy of 6.8 litres per 100km, although I discerned a less impressive ratio of about 8:100 on my spin around town and the suburbs – still perfectly passable. In the process of turning those litres into kilometres however, the diesel engine let off an uncomfortable gurgle more reminiscent of a combine harvester than a sprightly inner city run-around.

The seats are decently comfortable, and are positioned pretty well for manoeuvrability. The interior is adequately spacious (although how much of this is down to the psychological trickery mentioned earlier I couldn’t say), with an executive air more usually founded in penthouse boardrooms. The back seats are more redolent of something out of the early 1970s, slablike and crabbed, but there is again a surplus of space, which is usually the first imperative with these models. All the mod-cons are present and correct, with cup-holders and little storage caches in abundance.

As for safety, while it’s all very well to have large columns to provide structural integrity similar to that of a fortress, it is less practical if they constantly interfere with one’s line of sight. Manoeuvring becomes a bit like treading on eggshells, all white knuckles and bated breath, in some situations. Unfortunately lacking is those rear parking sensors many rave about. However, the Cruze does boast a five-star ANCAP rating and indulges in six airbags – front, side, and curtain. Additionally, electronic stability control and brakeforce distributors, anti-lock brakes and automatic assist are all thrown in to the mix, thus adding some heft to those lofty safety ambitions. That appears to be the general rule with the Cruze – putting a tick in all the boxes where these days one expects to see ticks, and occasionally also in those where one might not.

But even though the Cruze keeps its head solidly above the water, when the ocean is frothing with a hundred similar models, it can be a little hard to get noticed. And if no one sees your languorous waving, then after a while the legs start to get tired – the breathing gets ragged – and finally the unremarkable middle child slips softly below the surface and down to the sea floor, leaving its space free for next year’s model to fill.

Specifications:

• Engine:2.0 litre, four-cylinder, SOHC, common rail turbo diesel
• Power:110kW at 4000 rpm
• Torque:320Nm at 2000 rpm
• Induction: Common rail turbo diesel
• Transmission: Six speed auto
• Differential/Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Four wheel disc, ventilated front
• Top Speed: n/a
• 0-100km/h: 10.4sec
• CO2 Emissions: 180g/km
• Fuel Consumption: 6.8L/100km (ADR combined)
• Fuel Tank Capacity:60 litres
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• ANCAP Rating: Five-star
• Airbags: Front, side and curtain
• Safety’s, ABS, TCS, BA, EBD
• Spare Wheel: Full size
• Tow Capacity:1200kg, braked
• Turning Circle:10.9 metres
• Warranty: Three year/100,000km
• Weight: 1506kg