First Drive: 2011 Holden Cruze Series II SRI-V

Appearing soon after General Motors announced its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, the Cruze � which launched in Oz almost two years ago� aims to appeal to buyers that would normally not buy a Holden. Its key competitors in the Australian market are the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and the (European) Ford Focus.
With the recent launch of the Aussie-built Cruze Series II, we thought it was about time we tackled GM�s �game changing� small car. The 1.4 L turbo is said to be the cherry on top of the Cruze cake, and the perfect target for a review. The question is: can it live up to the hype?

First Drive: 2011 Holden VE Series II SS V8 Ute

2011 is a very special year for two Australian motoring icons. For one, it�s the 50th anniversary of Queensland�s first permanent, purpose-built raceway: Lakeside Park. It�s also marks the 60th anniversary of Holden�s FX Utility, a vehicle widely considered by enthusiasts to be the forefather of the home grown Aussie �ute�. In recognition of these historic occasions, we took a Holden VE Series II SS Ute for a test drive and headed north to attend the first of Lakeside�s three 50th anniversary events. Part one of this feature will cover my impressions of the Ute, whilst part two will take in the event itself. So let�s get cracking.

Overview

The VE Ute is already an attractive vehicle and in SS guise this is complemented with 18-inch alloys, front fog lights and a lowered sports suspension. With its 6.0 L V8 the SS is certainly powerful, but it�s also safe with a maximum 5-star ANCAP rating thanks to its six airbags and electronic stability control.

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