Holden Cruze II (JG) photos

The second-generation Holden Cruze (JG series) launched in 2009 to replace the European-sourced Astra as Holden's main entry in the competitive compact car segment. Built on General Motors' global front-wheel-drive Delta II architecture, the JG was initially fully imported from GM Daewoo in Bupyeong, South Korea, as a four-door sedan. Powertrains consisted of a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated Ecotec petrol four-cylinder producing 104 kW and an optional 2.0-litre common-rail turbo-diesel delivering 110 kW and 320 Nm. Transmissions included a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with Active Select. The JG Cruze achieved a 5-star ANCAP safety score, aided by standard electronic stability control and six airbags across CD and CDX trim levels. Strong retail sales and positive fleet uptake prompted Holden to invest heavily in tooling to localise production of the Cruze at its Elizabeth assembly plant in South Australia, transitioning the car into the JH series in 2011.