What's the consensus on the best solution when wanting to add Cruise Control? Only the US. models got it apparently and here in the UK we need it to stop getting speeding fines.

 

Go a different route

I hate those specs things, so use CC (on different cars) but only use the S elsewhere.

It might be doable on DBW cars but not on early cable throttle I guess

 

I've had a Rostra aftermarket system fitted for years and it works well. This is on a pre-DBW car. The RF wireless buttons fit nicely on the steering wheel and look OEM. Although it seems difficult to source them these days.

 

You can do it on a pre-dbw car using OEM parts, I fitted it to mine (nearly 10 years ago )

It's not an easy job, and nothing is factory fitted to car to help you.
I wouldn't recomend doing that way unless you are (or know someone who is) competent with wiring, welding and fabrication... but it can be done.

 

I'm amazed it would work on manual throttle. Every day is a school day.

The OEM seems to use a throttle actuator of a really crude type

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/165108896839?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=Mwt8h0v2SHS&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=-xekjnuosmo&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=MORE

 

What struck me as weird was that the cable connects to the throttle pedal, not to the throttle body...