HOLDEN Cruze 2002-2005 Photos, engines & full specs

General Motors developed a small crossover vehicle for the Australian market under the Holden badge. It was a joint effort with Suzuki and Subaru.

Both Japanese car companies were known as big manufacturers of small vehicles. While Suzuki was known for off-road vehicles, Subaru was recognized as a world rally-winner with the Impreza range. On the other hand, Holden brought a diesel engine and worked on some details to make it look less Suzuki.

Small, with higher ground clearance, the Cruze was unusual for its class and times. The front fascia featured rectangular headlights swept-back over the hood. A noticeable difference from Suzuki Ignis was the grille and the bumper, which featured more curves and a flowing line that went from the grille across the hood and connected to the A-pillars. A tall greenhouse with a straight roof, but an ascending beltline, were some of the siblings' specific design cues. In the rear, Holden installed round lights up on the D-pillars, and another set low on the bumper.

Inside, it was room enough for four adults due to the high roof, but not that much legroom in the back if all the occupants were above 6 ft (180 cm) tall. With its small trunk, the Ignis was good enough for a city vehicle. The rear split-folding bench seatback could add some more room for a long trip if only two passengers were on-board. Like the Justy, the Ignis featured a small instrument cluster designed in a binocular style.

GM offered the diesel version for the Cruze, while Suzuki brought the gasoline units. Subaru joined the party with the most important piece of the puzzle: the all-wheel-drive system. But not all versions of the Cruze were offered with that. Some of them were only front-wheel-drive.