Sportwagon Coverage by GZLZKD

Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,736.48 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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HOLDEN RE=INVENTS THE TRUSTY.WAGOt

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,736.48 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Good sport has eye on elusive top spot COVER TO RY

Stuart Martin olden's newVE Sportwagon comes to market with a substantial weight on its shoulders. As large car volumes shrink in the face of growing SUV and small-car sales, the company is looking to regain some, if not all, of the 800-900 units per month it has been without since the departure of the VZ wagon. With the fleet companies (where 90 per cent of VZ wagon sales went), keen on the VE load-lugger, Holden expects it will snare some private buyers who will also be enthused and return from the SUV segment. But anyone looking for an LPG option will have to wait until a dedicated LPG becomes part of the whole VE range, as the Sportwagon's load-space (already smaller than the out-going VZ wagon) would be compromised by the addition of an LPG tank. Alan Batey, HoLden's executive director of sales, marketing and after-sales, says that although the new wagon has no LPG option, the company is responding to fuel issues with a range of options. "Rapidly escalating fuel prices are a challenge for all manufacturers," he says. "We at Holden are looking at a range of alternative technologies and fuels to reduce dependence on foreign oil. "Expect to see dedicated LPG, ethanol and diesel - and more fuelefficient internal combustion engines and hybrids." At $1000 above the price of the

VE sedan, the 91 kg heavier VE

Sportwagon looks less sales-replike, with the tapered rear roofline adding to the good looks of the VE wagon, but remarkably Holden says it maintains 50/50 weight balance. On sale from the middle of this month, the company admits there will be some substitution between sedan and wagon, particularly as the range of wagons has doubled in size to mirror the sedan range. The wagons retain the front, side and curtain airbags and stability control of the sedan range, but have 72 unique body parts; all Sportwagons get the 17-inch steel spare as standard, while a full-size wheel remains a $250 option. The Omega entry-level model is priced from $37,790, down $440 from its VZ Executive equivalent. It has multi-function steering wheel, 16-inch alloys, cruise control, trip computer, rear-parking radar, single-CD sound system and automatic headlights among the key features. Berlina drops a huge $5600 from the VZ equivalent to $38,240 and gets 17-inch alloys, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, 6CD stacker, poweradjusted driver's seat and dual-zone climate control among the extras. The SV6 kicks off the sports range at $42,290, with sports suspension, 18in alloys, a sports body kit, dual exhausts and a sports interior. The SS V8 six-speed manual is priced from $46,290 or the sixspeed auto for $48,290 and offers a limited slip differential, the SS V

is priced from $53,790 for the sixspeed manual or $55,790. The Calais wears a $46,790 pricetag, which adds - among

other features - a leatherwrapped steering wheel and gear selector, powered seats and leather seat bolsters; the Calais V V6 starts at $55,290 for the five-speed automatic or the V8 six-speed automatic wears a $60,290 pricetag, with 18-inch alloys, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, front and rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, a rear DVD player, power-adjustable leather seats and the option of the 6.0-litre six-speed automatic. The wagon sits on a slightly shorter wheelbase (down 24mm) than its predecessor and is shorter overall by 36mm and as a result drops in load space from 1402 litres to 895 litres with the seats up; with the rear seats down, the VE claims 2000 litres, down from VZ's 2752. Holden's engineering team says the sedan platform was chosen for the wagon as the long-wheelbase Statesman platform would not have increased rear load area, just

the rear legroom. The front multi-link suspension is largely carry-over apart from a slight increase (1 mm) in the front stabiliser bar (the sports suspension spring rate is up 23 per cent) but the rear multi-link suspension has an upgraded spring rate and a stabiliser bar that has shed 4mm to a 12mm-diameter. The rear-end has also been

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,736.48 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

tweaked with three cross axis ball joints (up from two) to help calm oversteer during press-on driving. Inside, it's largelyVE in the front, but the rear seat has undergone the expected alterations, although anyone looking for a seven-seater will have to switch focus to a Captiva The rear 60/40 seat can fold nearflat for a large cargo area, which is equipped with a two-position cargo blind, four floor load hooks, an extra four hooks, two retractable shopping bag hooks, a storage bin, a 12V power outlet and a lowmounted light for the load area. The Sportwagon has lost none of the VE's agility in the transformation. It retains the good ride quality even on the sports models, which have had their suspension tweaked up a bit.

Bodyshell is stiffer and stronger and as a result there's a minimal amount of "booming" and road noise through from the cargo area. Rear headroom has not been lost to the tapered roof line and the rear cargo area has tie-down hooks and load restraint systems. Holden hopes the Sportwagon will give its sales flagship the boost required to put its nose back in front of Corolla in the 2008 sales race. Certainly there is no questioning the wagon's on-road abilities; the exterior appeal and superior dynamics is what Holden hopes will drag buyers back from the SUV segment and put Commodore back on top. Toyota's Corolla supply looks good for the second half of the year and it has every intention of putting its small car into No.1 spot.

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SNAPSHOT price: from $37,790 engine: 3.6LtV6180kW/330Nm, 3.6L/V6 variable valve 195kW/340Nm, 6L V8 270kW/53ONm

transmission: 4-, 5- and 6-speed autos, 6-speed manual economy: 11.1 L-14.4L/100km RIVALS

Ford Falcon BF MkIII wagon: from $37,720

Ford Territory: from $37,990 Volkswagen Passat wagon: from $44,490

Subaru Liberty wagon: from $34,490

Plenty to offer ... the tapered rear roofline of the Sportwagon VE (left) gives the sedan a sophisticated style; the view inside (top) is spacious and the car has the option of a full-size spare wheel (above)

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,736.48 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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The road ahead ... Holden believes the Sportwagons good looks and performance will win over buyers from the SUV market

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,834.94 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,834.94 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,834.94 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,834.94 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: CARS Guide Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,834.94 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Adelaide Advertiser Saturday 12/7/2008

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Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Adelaide Circulation: 259,807 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,856.26 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Wmadvor4lor

783'8-2888

AUSI.3ZO

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Adelaide Advertiser Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Adelaide Circulation: 259,807 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,856.26 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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On the wagon Holden releases its VE Sportwagon and hopes to load it up with lost sales, writes STUART MARTIN.

OLDEN'S new VE Sportwagon comes to

market with a heavy weight on its shoulders. As large-car volumes shrink in the face

of growing SUV and small-car sales, Holden is looking forward to regaining some, if not all, of the 800-900 units a month it has been

without since the departure of the VZ wagon.

With the fleet companies -

where 90 per cent of VZ wagon sales went - keen on the VE load-

lugger, Holden expects (and hopes) it will snare some private buyers who will be similarly enthused and return from the SUV segment. But anyone looking for an LPG

option will have to wait until a dedicated LPG becomes part of

the whole VE range, as the

Sportwagon's load space - al-

ready smaller than the outgoing VZ wagon - would be compromised by the LPG tank. Holden's executive director of sales, marketing and after sales, Alan Batey, says that although the new wagon has no LPG option, the company is responding

to fuel issues with a range of solutions.

"You can expect to see dedi-

cated LPG. ethanol and diesel as

well as more fuel-efficient internal combustion engines and hybrids. We're not just betting

wagons has doubled to mirror the sedan range.

than its predecessor and is shorter overall by 36mm. As a re-

The wagon retains the front,

sult, load space falls from 1402

range, but has 72 unique body parts. All Sportwagons get the

VE claims 2000 litres, down on the VZ's 2752 litres.

side and curtain airbags and litres to 895 litres with the seats stability control of the sedan up; with the rear seats down, the 17in steel spare as standard, with a full-size wheel a $250 option. The Omega entry-level model is priced from $37,790, down $440 from its VZ Executive equivalent,

Holden's engineering team says

the sedan platform was chosen for the wagon because the longwheelbase Statesman platform would not have increased the rear

with a multi-function steering load area, just the rear leg room. wheel, 16in alloys, cruise control, Inside, it's largely VE in the trip computer, rear parking radar, front, but the rear seat has undera single-CD sound system and gone the expected alterations. automatic headlights among the With a 60/40 split, the seat can key features. fold near-flat for a large cargo The Berlina drops a massive area, which is equipped with a two-position cargo blind, four $5600 from VZ equivalent to load floor hooks, an extra four $38,240 and gets 17in alloys, front

fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, a sixCD stacker, power-adjustment for the driver's seat and dual-zone climate control among the extras.

The SV6 kicks off the sports

range at $42,290, with sports suspension, 18in alloys, a sports body kit, dual exhausts and a sports interior. The SS V8 six-speed man-

ual is priced from $46,290, with the six-speed auto from $48,290, and offers a limited slip differen-

tial. The SS V is priced from

$53,790 for the six-speed manual, $55,790 for the auto. The Calais wears a $46,790 price

hooks, two retractable shopping bag hooks, a storage bin, a 12V power outlet and a low-mounted

light for the load area. The Sportwagon has lost none of the

VE's agility in the transformation,

retaining the good ride quality with handling prowess intact, even on the sports models, which

have had the suspension tweaked. The body shell is stiffer

and stronger and as a result there's a minimal amount of "booming" and road noise through the cargo area.

Rear headroom has not been lost to the tapered roofline and the rear cargo area is equipped

says.

tag, for which, among other features, you get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector,

price of the VE sedan, the

bolsters. The Calais V V6 starts at

Sportwagon looks less sales-rep-like, with the tapered rear roofline add-

matic, while the V8 six-speed

tion of the Sportwagon will give

tag, with 18in alloys, a leatherwrapped sports steering wheel, front and rear park assist, rain-

front of Corolla.

on one type," Mr Batey

At $1000 above the

91kg heavier VE

ing to the good looks,

although Holden says it still maintains 50/50 weight balance.

Holden expects some substi-

tution between sedan and wagon,

powered seats and leather seat $55,290 for the five-speed autoautomatic wears a $60,290 price

with tie-down hooks and load restraint systems that look to have

been inspired by Audi's clever system. Holden is hoping the introduc-

its sales flagship the boost required to puts its nose back in

sensing wipers, a rear DVD

Certainly there is no questioning the wagon's on-road abilities;

seats and the option of the six-

dynamics are what Holden is hop-

The wagon sits on a slightly

sales race in the second half of the year is going to get interesting.

player, power-adjustable leather

the exterior appeal and superior

litre six-speed automatic engine.

ing will drag buyers back. The

particularly as the range of shorter wheelbase (down 24mm)

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Adelaide Advertiser Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Adelaide Circulation: 259,807 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,856.26 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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HOLDEN VE COMMODORE SPORTWAGON Price: From $37,790 Engine: Two 3.6-litre alloy V6 (one with variable valve system), six-litre GenlV alloy V8.

Transmission: Four, five or six-speed automatic, sixspeed manual (SS and SS-V only), rear-wheel drive.

Power: 180kW, 195kW, 270kW.

Torque: 330Nm, 340Nm, 530Nm. Fuel consumption: 11.1-14.4 litres/100km; tank 73 litres.

Emissions: 261-343g/km

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Age Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 8 Section: Drive Region: Melbourne Circulation: 301,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 709.83 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Lightening the load H olden is back in the style fight with its V E wagon.

Richard Blackburn reports. HIS IS Holden's fourwheel-drive fighter. After losing a steady stream of buyers to off-roaders in recent years, the company is banking on the new VE Commodore Sportwagon to stem the flow and win back some of the Holden faithful. The new wagon, which goes on sale next week, sacrifices the loadcar lying ability of its VZ predecessor for a more stylish profile and improved roadholding. Director of marketing Phillip Brook says Holden is looking to attract more private buyers to the wagon by hitting the "sweet spot between form and function". It's a delicate balancing act, but on the style front at least, the S portwagon looks a winner. The new model has shed the dowdy,

awkward looks of its predecessor, with a low-slung, sporty profile that makes most four-wheel-drives look a bit bland. From behind in traffic, it looks more like a mid-size Euro liftback, while the side profile is equally enticing. While the previous model was noticeably longer than the sedan, the Sportwagon is the same size. But has the quest for style hampered function? Despite being about 14 centimetres shorter than the VZ, the Sportwagon still has plenty of rear legroom. In fact, Holden claims there is 15 millimetres more legroom in the V E.

Rear headroom is on par with the VE and the rear seats have deep, supportive backrests. The cargo volume is down by between 507 litres (second row seats up) and 752 litres (seats folded) on the VZ and not in the same league as its four-wheel-drive rivals such as the Ford Territory. That still leaves 895 litres of cargo space seats up, a massive 2000 litres with rear seats folded - by no means inadequate for the average family. And there are some nice practical touches throughout the rear load area

111C 16116d LC 111116C CA1C11UJ WC11

into the roof, which creates a wide

opening for loading cargo. It also means the tailgate doesn't swing out as far as the VZ, which means you can fit into tighter parking spots. The load height of the rear floor is also higher, making it easier to load items, while there is a standard cargo blind. There are also two shopping bag hooks, four luggage tie-downs, a storage bin, a 12-volt power socket and a load area light that sits below the cargo blind so it provides light to the load area even when the blind is drawn. Under the floor is a spacesaver spare tyre and Holden offers an optional wheel well liner that provides some more storage for $127. A full-size spare is $250. Other options include a rigid mesh cargo barrier for $468 and an adjustable luggage net for $72. Vision out of the rear window is a little restricted due to the relatively narrow rear window glass, but it's less of a concern than the windscreen pillars at the front, which restrict your line of sight

through corners.

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Age Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 8 Section: Drive Region: Melbourne Circulation: 301,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 709.83 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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VE SPORTWAGONS PRICE (pIus on-roads) from $37,790 Berlina from $41,290 SV6 from $42,290 SS (6-spd manual) from $46,290 SS (6-spd auto) from $48,290 SSV (6-spd manual) from $53,790 SSV (6-spd auto) from $55,790 Calais from $46,790 Omega

Calais V V6 (5-spd auto)from $55,290 Calais V V8 (6-spd auto) from $60,290

ONLINE See more of the Sportwagon at drive.com.au/sportwagon

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Barrier Daily Truth Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 20 Section: General News Region: Broken Hill NSW Circulation: 5,831 Type: Regional Size: 341.03 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Barrier Daily Truth Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 20 Section: General News Region: Broken Hill NSW Circulation: 5,831 Type: Regional Size: 341.03 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Central Coast Express-Advocate Friday 11/7/2008

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Page: 5 Section: Motoring Region: Gosford Circulation: 113,246 Type: Suburban Size: 486.62 sq.cms. Published: --W-F--

There's a good sport Holden has taken the wraps off its new wagon and it is a looker. But without LPG the big car is going to have trouble finding a buyer, reports CHRIS RILEY

' T was touch and go but Holden has finally come through with a new Commodore wagon. Cor-

rection, make that Sportwagon because that's what they're calling the new VE wagon. It's not as

long as the previous VZ with a smaller load area designed primarily with looks in mind. With a shorter tail, raked

roofline and a tailgate cut back into the roof, Sportwagon is a

fuel was not such an issue. He said changing design midstream was difficult, but added that engineers were still looking at how the gas cylinder could be accommodated.

He said the result would prob-

ably be a "mono fuel", or LPG only model, but that it might not be until well into the wagon's life cycle. As it stands, the entry level

handsome looking car.

3.6-litre V6 auto consumes a mini-

The look is poised, broad and muscular, presenting a strong set of haunches, especially the powerful SS. The SS badge hasn't been seen

mum 11.1 litres/100km, a little more than the sedan's 10.8 while the V8 SS in manual form uses as much as 14.4 litres/100km.

on a wagon since the limited

Commodore sedan consumes 15.5

edition VY in 2003.

litres of LPG for every 100km travelled but, of course, LPG is

But with the same V6 and V8 engines that power the sedan, the new wagon offers nothing new in terms of fuel economy at a time when petrol edges towards $2 a litre.

There is not even a dual fuel option and probably won't be for some time.

Chief designer Richard

Ferlazzo said the difficulty with LPG was finding a suitable place to locate the gas cylinder.

He said a doughnut-shaped tank could have replaced the spare wheel, but this would have

meant sticking a spare or space saver in the load area.

"We put the tyre inside and tried it but it just didn't look right, it didn't look like a truly professional execution for a new car," he said.

The designer, noted for the gorgeous Efijy show car, said planning for the wagon started several years ago when the cost of

In comparison, a dual fuel

less than half the cost.

almost 22cm shorter. Because the tailgates's hingees have been cut back into the roof,

the back can be more easily

opened in confined areas. The

load height has been raised 36mm, to make access easier.

Compared to the sedan, the wagon is 91kg heavier with rear leg room the same in both (but 15mm less than VZ). To accommo-

date the extra weight Holden has retuned the suspension has been retuned with revised spring rates

and a smaller diameter rear stabiliser.

The average driver will find little difference in the way the two ride and handle. Fitted with the standard 180kW V6, Omega and Berlina are still

forced to make do with a four-

It has been almost two years

speed auto. The high output

since the launch of the new VE. With the addition of the Koreanbuilt Captiva, it was speculated

195kW V6 steps up to a five-speed

auto while the V8 is teamed with either a six-speed manual or auto.

the wagon might have outlived its

The five and six-speed autos

usefulness, but its absence left a

add manual change mode via the gear shift.

sizeable hole in Holden's sales figures, particularly in fleet sales.

Our favourite is the Calais V

In a break with tradition, the

fitted with the V8 and auto trans-

new Sportwagon sits on the same

mission. It's not as ostentatious

chassis as the sedan, unlike the previous VZ that was based on the long wheelbase Statesman. Having said this, the VE has a

as the SS but still manages to tick all the right boxes. Standard equipment across the

longer wheelbase to start with, so the difference between the two is just 24mm. At 4897mm, the Sportwagon is 136mm shorter than VZ wagon, with a load capacity of 2000 litres versus the VZ's 2752 litres (895 versus 1402 with seats up). The main point of difference is the size of the load area, 1113mm

seven-model range includes six airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels and air conditioning.

Prices for Sportwagon start at $37,790, just $1000 more than the sedan. Call Central Coast Holden, Pacific Highway,

Tuggerah. Inquiries: 4351 2588 and Pacific Highway, West Gosford. Inquiries: 4325 0511.

long with the seats up - or

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Central Coast Express-Advocate Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 5 Section: Motoring Region: Gosford Circulation: 113,246 Type: Suburban Size: 486.62 sq.cms. Published: --W-F--

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Sportwagon ... Holden reinvents the wheel

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Courier Mail Saturday 12/7/2008

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Page: 3 Section: Motoring Region: Brisbane Circulation: 316,662 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,288.44 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Holden sports a sleek new star The roomy new Holden Sportwagon is taking on the SUV market, writes Brendan Quirk CCORDING to Holden, fleet

owners have been clamouring for

it and families can't wait to get hold of it the Holden

Sportwagon. The Sportwagon was launched to the press in Adelaide over the past week and is on sale

in dealer showrooms next week. Holden is banking on selling 1000 a month, the sales figure deficit for the Commodore range since the previous wagon ran out. The Sportwagon, in seven variants, should

help Holden regain the No.1 spot lost to

Toyota's Corolla. Holden has invested a further $110 million

with six-speed auto, which carries a price tag of $60290. Each model is $1000 more than its Commodore sedan equivalent, although specification in each case is set considerably higher than the equivalent sedan. Electronic Stability Program (ESP), six airbags (including curtain airbags) and Rear Park Assist are standard across the range.

The Sportwagon is hardly a revelation,

having made an appearance

pre-

production model at all the motor shows this

year where, Holden says, the reaction has been as good or better than expected. Richard Ferlazzo, chief designer for Holden,

on top of the sedan development and half a

said the design team approached the task

Sportwagon behaves very much like the VE

thing of an image crisis, second only to

million test kilometres to make sure the

sedans. The object of the exercise was to create a wagon that did not behave like a wagon, a wagon with space but not a large lumbering vehicle that women, in particular, did not want to drive or park. In fact the Sportwagon, while still ranking as one of the biggest wagons around on the global market, gives away nearly 1000 litres of space compared with its predecessor.

And it has to be said, after a 250km jaunt

around the Adelaide hills, that Holden engineers and designers appear to have succeeded in their aim. It was hard to tell you were not in a sedan. A back-to-back drive in a sedan and the Sportwagon would have yielded more light, but apart from what appeared to

be a slightly stiffer ride in the first wagon sampled (a sensation not supported by subsequent drives in other variants), it was only the rear view mirror that revealed there was a lot more vehicle behind the driver.

It rode, handled and performed as you

would expect from a VE sedan, though the extra 90kg attributed to the longer body and

tailgate must have some slight effect on performance. Holden will have no trouble marketing the Sportwagon to a large cross-section of potential buyers. The entry-level wagon will

be the Omega, then comes the Berlina, the SV6, SS, SS V-Series, Calais and Calais V-Series. That's seven models of Sportwagon,

not to mention the automatic and manual options and the Executive version of the Omega.

The cheapest Sportwagon will start at $37,790, $440 or 1.2 per cent less that the starting price for the previous VZ wagon

knowing wagons have long suffered some-

people-movers in lack of sex appeal. "The message we get from the popularity of SUVs is that buyers are willing to trade some outright space for function and style.

"Even if their needs dictate a certain size vehicle, they still want an image that reflects an active lifestyle. We felt we could achieve the same objectives with a Euro-style Sportwagon as a sensible alternative. "So we focused our energies into balancing the essential factors of style and space and I believe the new Sportwagon hits that sweet spot between form and function. "We swept the roofline down to give it a

sleek, sporty silhouette. It was a matter of finding the right balance between style and space. To complement the fast roofline, we slid the tailgate hinge point well forward into the roof almost like a hatchback.

"This delivers two significant benefits. It improves accessibility by allowing better reach into the vehicle and it provides a more vertical

tailgate opening action, which requires less clearance behind the car, only 268mm. "It is the same length as the sedan yet one of the most spacious wagons on the market."

The Sportwagon's re-engineered rear-end structure and its 60/40 split rear seats provide a virtually flat load floor.

With the rear seats folded flat, the bed length extends to almost 2m.

"You can still sleep in the back of the wagon,," Ferlazzo says.

The Sportwagon also has the largest

amount of rear head room out of all VE variants, as well as increased rear knee and leg room when compared with the VZ. The cargo space 895 litres with the seats

range. Top of the range will be the Calais V V8 up and 2000 litres with the seats down Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licenced copy

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Courier Mail Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 3 Section: Motoring Region: Brisbane Circulation: 316,662 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,288.44 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

complemented by a number of other features,

including a cargo blind that slides up the D pillar, allowing easy access to the rear storage

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expect many to be first-time wagon buyers." The Sportwagon sits on the same wheelbase

area without having to fully release the blind.

as the sedan. It has a unique single piece bodyside stamping and the roof structure

Other features include: two retractable shopping bag hooks, four floor tie-down hooks, 12 volt power outlet, four quarter trim tie hooks, multiple-position luggage

differs substantially from the sedan. The rear side inner structure and specific floor structure are designed to accommodate the folding rear seat and rear end assembly.

net (Calais and Calais V) and low-mounted cargo lamp.

over the sedan and the stabiliser bar diameter

Philip Brook, director of marketing, said he

reduced. Front suspension rates on Omega, Berlina, Calais and Calais V carry over from

expected the Sportwagon to carry on two trends already established by the VE sedan.

"The Holden Commodore has been Australia's No.1 selling car for 12 years straight and

the VE model has been a hit with private

buyers, which is proof Commodore remains popular with Australian families," he says. "Not only that, sales are a rich mix of top-end models SS, SS V and Calais V.

"These are two trends we expect will

continue with the Sportwagon. "Traditionally, around 90 per cent of Holden wagon sales have gone to fleets. The

Sportwagon is a chance to build on that and also get private buyers excited about wagons again. Sportwagon will have strong appeal to couples and families with children. "A typical Sportwagon buyer is likely to be working full-time or is a small business owner. The Sportwagon owner loves to drive and has

Rear suspension spring rate is increased

the VE sedan.

Sports suspension spring rates and front stabiliser bar diameters on SV6, SS and SS V Series have been increased to deliver sedanlike limit handling balance. Fuel economy is expected to be roughly the same as the equivalent sedan models, ranging from the Omega (auto) at 11.1 1/100km to the Calais V (V8 auto) at 13.8 1/100km.

Two V6 engine versions are available: an Alloytec 3.6 litre V6 with single exhaust; and

the Alloytec High Output 3.6 litre V6 with dual exhaust. The 6 litre Generation 4 Alloy V8 comes with either a six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic.

There is no talk of a diesel engine in the

near future. And while exports

of the

Sportwagon are not anticipated, HSV is looking at a souped-up wagon.

perhaps traded up from a sedan or SUV. We

WIDE open ... from top, Holden Sportwagon behaves like a sedan, as engineers intended; the VE Omega has a sporty silhouette; rear seats fold down to provide loads of flat space

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Courier Mail Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 3 Section: Motoring Region: Brisbane Circulation: 316,662 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,288.44 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Holden Sportwagon PRICING: Omega $37,790; Executive $38,240; Berlina $41,290-$56,000; Berlina V6 $46,890; SV6 $42,290; SS (6-speed manual) $46,290, SS (6-speed auto) $48,290; SS V (6-speed manual) $53,790, SS V (6-speed auto) $55,790; Calais $46,790; Calais V V6 (5-speed auto) $55,290, Calais V V8 (6-speed auto) $60,290 ENGINES AND TRANSMISSIONS: Omega Alloytec V6 with 4-speed auto transmission; Berlina Alloytec V6 with 4-speed auto transmission; SV6 High Output Alloytec V6 with 5-speed auto transmission; SS Gen 4 V8 with 6-speed manual

transmission or; Gen 4 V8 with 6-speed auto transmission (optional); SS V-Series Gen 4 V8 with 6-speed manual transmission or; Gen 4 V8 with 6-speed auto transmission (optional); Calais High Output Alloytec V6 with 5-speed auto; Calais V-Series High Output Alloytec V6 with 5-speed auto or, Gen 4 V8 with 6-speed auto (optional) ECONOMY: Omega (auto) 11.1E/km; Berlina (auto) 11.1L/km; SV6 (auto)

11.3L/km; SS (V8 Auto) 13.8L/km; SS (V8 manual) 14.4L/km; SS V (V8 Auto) 13.8L/km; SS V (V8 manual) 14.4L/km; Calais (V6 auto) 11.3L/km; Calais V (V6 auto) 11.3L/km; Calais V (V8 auto) 13.8L/km

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,036.73 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Page 1 of 5

first drives news

smithy used

NVEN IS THE TRUSTY WA

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,036.73 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Good sport has eye on elusive top spot oLden's newVE Sportwagon comes

to market with a substantial weight on its shoulders. As large car volumes shrink in the face of growing SUV and small-car sales, the company is looking to regain some, if not all, of the 800-900 units per month it has been without since the departure of the VZ wagon. With the fleet companies (where 90 per cent of VZ wagon sales went), keen on the VE load-lugger, Holden expects it will snare some private buyers who will also be enthused and return from the SUV segment. But anyone looking for an LPG option will have to wait until a dedicated LPG becomes part of the whole VE range, as the Sportwagon's load-space (already smaller than the out-going VZ wagon) would be compromised by the addition of an LPG tank. Alan Batey, Holden's executive director of sales, marketing and after-sales, says that although the

new wagon has no LPG option, the company is responding to fuel issues with a range of options. "Rapidly escalating fuel prices are a challenge for all manufacturers," he says. "We at Holden are looking at a range of alternative technologies and fuels to reduce dependence on foreign oil. "Expect to see dedicated LPG,

ethanol and diesel - and more fuelefficient internal combustion engines and hybrids." At $1000 above the price of the VE sedan, the 91 kg heavierVE

control of the sedan range, but have 72 unique body parts; all Sportwagons get the 17-inch steel spare as standard, while a full-size wheel remains a $250 option. The Omega entry-level model is priced from $37,790, down $440 from its VZ Executive equivalent. It has multi-function steering wheel, 16-inch alloys, cruise control, trip computer, rear-parking radar, single-CD sound system and automatic headlights among the key features. Berlina drops a huge $5600 from the VZ equivalent to $38,240 and gets 17-inch alloys, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth, 6CD stacker, poweradjusted driver's seat and dual-zone climate control among the extras. The SV6 kicks off the sports range at $42,290, with sports suspension, 18in alloys, a sports body kit, dual exhausts and a sports interior. The SS V8 six-speed manual is priced from $46,290 or the six-

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,036.73 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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The road ahead ... Holden believes the Sportwagon's good looks and performance willwin over buyers from the SUV market

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,036.73 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

speed auto for $48,290 and offers a limited slip differential, the SS V is priced from $53,790 for the sixspeed manual or $55,790. The Calais wears a $46,790

pricetag, which adds - among other features - a leatherwrapped steering wheel and gear selector, powered seats and leather seat bolsters; the Calais V V6 starts at $55,290 for the five-speed automatic or the V8 six-speed automatic wears a $60,290 pricetag, with 18-inch alloys, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, front and rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, a rear DVD player, power-adjustable leather seats and the option of the 6.0-litre six-speed automatic. The wagon sits on a slightly shorter wheelbase (down 24mm) than its predecessor and is shorter overall by 36mm and as a result drops in load space from 1402 litres to 895 litres with the seats up; with the rear seats down, the VE claims 2000 litres, down from VZ's 2752. Holden's engineering team says the sedan platform was chosen for

the wagon as the long-wheelbase Statesman platform would not have increased rear load area, just the rear legroom. The front multi-Link suspension is largely carry-over apart from a slight increase 0 mm) in the front stabiliser bar (the sports suspension spring rate is up 23 per cent) but the rear multi-link suspension has an upgraded spring rate and a stabiliser bar that has shed 4mm to a 12mm-diameter. The rear-end has also been tweaked with three cross axis ball joints (up from two) to help calm oversteer during press-on driving. Inside, it's largelyVE in the front, but the rear seat has undergone the expected alterations, although anyone looking for a seven-seater will have to switch focus to a Captiva The rear 60/40 seat can fold nearflat for a large cargo area, which is equipped with a two-position cargo blind, four floor load hooks, an extra four hooks, two retractable shopping bag hooks, a storage bin, a 12V power outlet and a lowmounted light for the load area.

Page 4 of 5

The Sportwagon has lost none of the VE's agility in the transformation. It retains the good ride quality even on the sports models, which have had their suspension tweaked up a bit. Bodyshell is stiffer and stronger and as a result there's a minimal amount of ''booming" and road noise through from the cargo area. Rear headroom has not been lost to the tapered roof line and the rear cargo area has tie-down hooks and load restraint systems. Holden hopes the Sportwagon will give its sales flagship the boost required to put its nose back in front of Corolla in the 2008 sales race. Certainly there is no questioning the wagon's on-road abilities; the exterior appeal and superior dynamics is what Holden hopes will drag buyers back from the SUV segment and put Commodore back on top. Toyota's Corolla supply looks good for the second half of the year and it has every intention of putting its small car into No.1 spot.

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Daily Telegraph Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Sydney Circulation: 392,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,036.73 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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SNAPSHOT price: from $37,790 engine: 3.6L/V618OkW/330Nm, 3.6L/V6 variablevalve 195kW/340Nm, 6LN8 270kW/53ONm

transmission: 4-, 5- and 6-speed autos, 6-speed manual economy: 1 1.1L-14.4U100km RIVALS

Ford Falcon BF MkIII wagon: from $37,720

Ford Territory: from $37,990 Volkswagen Passat wagon: from $44,490

Subaru Liberty wagon: from $34,490

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,172.71 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,172.71 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,172.71 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,172.71 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Herald Sun Friday 11/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Your Customised Content Region: Melbourne Circulation: 535,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 2,172.71 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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Hobart Mercury Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Hobart Circulation: 61,895 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,467.87 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

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/ /

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Hobart Mercury Saturday 12/7/2008

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Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Hobart Circulation: 61,895 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,467.87 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

torciue with KEITH DIDHAM didhamk@dbl.newsltd.com.au

Commodore variant targets wider market Holden is

optimistic about the future of the family-sized car market MARK Twain quipped on

reading his misplaced death notice that reports of his demise had been greatly exaggerated. Holden's new chairman Mark Re-

uss knows just how Twain must have felt.

Reports that the large car market in Australia is all but doomed thanks to a ground swell of buyers moving to smaller, more fuel efficient cars are equally exaggerated, he says.

Reuss holds a buoyant view that family-sized cars have a sound future

in Australia and is backing that

belief by relaunching the Connnodore wagon - a car which has cost Holden an extra $110 million on top of the $1 billion development bill for the VE Commodore sedan, on which it is based.

Called the Sportwagon. the new Commodore variant is being aimed at traditional fleet buyers as well as

being a "family car for all the right reasons" for the private sector, in particular mums who: drive their kids to school: drive to the supermarket; and who want out of their bulky,

thirsty, poor riding all-wheel drive SUVs.

In short. Holden is relauncliing the

wagon as an affordable lifestyle family vehicle where you don't have to sacrifice safety, cabin space and ride comfort, what Holden sees as the downsides of smaller alternatives. Holden is giving the wagon some-

develop engines which run on alternative fuels like LPG and diesel, the new Sportwagon offers neither.

It has been launched with the

same V6 and V8 engines and transmissions from the sedan, with fuel consumption ranging between 11.11/100krn and 14.41/100kin - com-

pared to a typical four-cylinder cars consumption of 81/100km.

The wagon is expected to come with an optional dedicated LPG-only engine soon.

Holden already has a dual petrol/

thing it has never had before desirability - and its very own

LPG engine in the Commodore range

dedicated advertising campaign. The launch of the Sportwagon was delayed for a month on Reuss' orders

compromised storage space.

because he was not totally happy about the suspension feel.

"This is an hnportant car for us and we only get one shot at relaunching it so I wasn't prepared to let it go

until it was right."

As for the wagon's thirsty fuel consumption, Reuss says that's a

but this was not carried over to the wagon because the LPG fuel tanks

Holden's chief designer Richard Ferlazzo admits station wagons.

along with people movers, have suffered a serious loss in desirability

stakes: often being lampooned as little more than unfashionable, conservative workhorses for company reps.

myth, maintaining that in real-world driving conditions, a V6 Connnodore is only $300 dearer to operate over a year (for a typical 20,000km usage) than a four-cylinder Toyota Camry

The Sportwagon puts excitement back into practicality, lie says.

and a dual-fuel LPG Commodore

conies out in front of a Toyota

desirable and great to drive while

Corolla.

retaining all the practical benefits of a wagon."

While Reuss says he is keen to

"It's

a design that

is stylish.

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Hobart Mercury Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Hobart Circulation: 61,895 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,467.87 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Holden will reinforce that message through a clever advertising cam-

AT A GLANCE

Some nice family-friendly design

HOLDEN COMMODORE SPORTWAGON

paign released later this month. points like a dual height cargo blind

- to cater for taller luggage items. shopping bag hooks, cargo tie down points and folding second row seats, are included.

All Sportwagons come standard with six air bags, stability control, air conditioning and reverse parking sensor. While the new model is based on

the VE sedan's shorter wheelbase

platform, there is still enough room to sleep in the luggage area. Previous VZ wagons were built on long wheelbase models but Holden

says Australians no longer want

such a large vehicle. The Sportwagon features a Eurostyle sloping roof and wide opening tailgate. Holden wont disclose sales targets for the Sportwagon but Reuss says he will be happy to double the volume of the outgoing models last year.

For the first time Holden has added luxury versions to the wagon line up. While the previous VZ had just three model variants, the VE has seven to mirror the sedan range.

Pricing starts at $37,790 for the Omega (down $440 on the VZ) and stretches to $60,290 for the Calais V

V8. Each wagon variant is $1000 dearer than its sedan counterpart. The biggest price reduction is on the Berlina which at $41,290 sheds $4600 over the previous wagon. There is a range of factory options

including leather upholstery and power seats ($3000), satellite navigation system ($1290), a full-sized spare

Page 3 of 5

Origin: Australia Price: From $37,790 Engines (3): 3.6-litre, V6; 3.6-litre V6 variablevalve timing; 6-litre V8 Power.180kW;195kW; 270kW Torque: 330Nm; 340Nm; 530Nm Fuel: Unleaded Fuel tank: 73 litres Economy (official): 11.1-14.4 litres/100km Greenhouse: 261-343g/km (Corolla: 175g/km) Transmission: 4-speed auto; 5-speed auto; 6-speed manual; 6-speed auto; rear drive Brakes: 4-wheel discs, ESC, ABS, EBD

Suspension: Front - MacPherson strut, directacting stabiliser bar; Rear - multi-links, coils Wheels: 16-inch alloy (Omega); 17-inch alloy (Berlina, Calais); 18-inch alloy (SV6, SS, Calais V); 19-inch alloy (SS-V); space-saver spare

Length: 4904mm Width: 1899mm Height: 1476mm Wheelbase: 2915mm Cargo capacity: 895-2000 litres Weight: 1785kg-1902kg Prices: $37,790 (Omega), $38,240 (Berlina), $42,290 (SV6), $46,290 (SS V8 man.), $48,290 (SS V8 auto.), $53,790 (SSV man.), $55,790 (SSV auto.), $46,790 (Calais), $55,290 (Calais V V6), - $60,290 (Calais V V8).

wheel ($250) and Bluetooth phone connection $395).

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Hobart Mercury Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Hobart Circulation: 61,895 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,467.87 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Page 4 of 5

FAMILY FRIENDLY: The Holden Sportwagon caters to the family market

A FIRST: The Holden Sportwagon now offers a luxury model

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Hobart Mercury Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Hobart Circulation: 61,895 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,467.87 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Page 5 of 5

RELAUNCH: The Holden Sportwagon has been upgraded for a wider market

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Illawarra Mercury Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 6 Section: Drive Region: Wollongong NSW Circulation: 39,500 Type: Regional Size: 259.78 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Page 1 of 2

Sweet sports wagon It has been two years since Holden launched its VE Commodore and Statesman/Caprice models and close to 12 months since the utility range made its debut. Buyers hanging out for a Commodore wagon though were left high and dry, either cooling their heels waiting for something to appear in Holden showrooms or deserting "The General" for a rival manufacturer. Now all bets are off. A new Holden wagon is here and, stylistically at least, it looks like no other Commodore wagon since the brand name first appeared here 3 ( ) years ago.

Forget big, boxy structures built as a handy add-on to a stretchedwheelbase sedan and think Eurostyle sporty wagon with tight proportions and sweet sheetmetal extensions. In fact this latest effort could almost be considered a Commodore hatchback. Consequently, VE Sportwagon is proportionally large, visually small and is likely to attract among its buyers a small group who might not have considered a wagon but who like the looks and the practicality. In fact Holden believes Sportwagon will have a much broader appeal than wagons past. "The Holden Sporhvagon hits the sweet spot between form and function. We are excited about

its potential," Holden chairman and managing director Mark Reuss said. "Where 90 per cent of Holden's wagon sales have traditionally gone to fleets, Sportwagon can redefine the wagon stereotype by bringing greater style and performance to this segment and putting excitement back into practicality." Sportwagonuses Commodore sedan's platform and wheelbase yet still manages a creditable 895 litres of cargo space. Sportwagon effectively mirrors the VE sedan range with an Omega variant (180kW V6 and four-speed automatic) leading Berlina, a more powerful SV6 (195kW V6 and fivespeed automatic), 6.0-litre V8 SS with six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission, the more luxurious SS-V, luxury Calais with 195kW V6 and five-speed automatic and a Calais V-Series with either the high output V6 or 6.0-litre V8, the V6 sold with a five-speed automatic and the V8 with a sixspeed auto. Pricing starts at $37,790 (plus onroads) for the Omega and rises to $60,290 for the Calais V V8.

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Illawarra Mercury Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 6 Section: Drive Region: Wollongong NSW Circulation: 39,500 Type: Regional Size: 259.78 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Page 2 of 2

Holden's long-awaited Commodore wagon is finally here and comes as a radical departure from the traditional big Aussie station wagon.

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Manly Daily Saturday 12/7/2008

Page 1 of 3

Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Sydney Type: Suburban Size: 1,325.64 sq.cms. Published: -TWTFS-

•1

:11—

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Manly Daily Saturday 12/7/2008

Page 2 of 3

Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Sydney Type: Suburban Size: 1,325.64 sq.cms. Published: -TWTFS-

There's a good sport Holden has taken the wraps off its new wagon and it is a looker. But without LPG the big car is going to have trouble finding a buyer, reports CHRIS RILEY ' T was touch and go but Holden has finally come through with a new Commodore wagon. Cor-

rection, make that Sportwagon because that's what they're calling the new VE wagon. It's not as

long as the previous VZ with a smaller load area designed primarily with looks in mind. With a shorter tail, raked

roofline and a tailgate cut back into the roof, Sportwagon is a handsome looking car.

The look is poised, broad and muscular, presenting a strong set of haunches, especially the powerful SS.

The SS badge hasn't been seen

on a wagon since the limited

several years ago when the cost of fuel was not such an issue. He said changing design mid-

stream was difficult, but added that engineers were still looking at how the gas cylinder could be accommodated.

He said the result would prob-

ably be a "mono fuel", or LPG only model, but that it might not be until well into the wagon's life cycle. As it stands, the entry level 3.6-litre V6 auto consumes a mini-

mum 11.1 litres/l00km, a little more than the sedan's 10.8 while the V8 SS in manual form uses as much as 14.4 litres/100km.

In comparison, a dual fuel

edition VY in 2003.

Commodore sedan consumes 15.5

But with the same V6 and V8 engines that power the sedan, the

litres of LPG for every 100km travelled but, of course, LPG is

new wagon offers nothing new in

less than half the cost.

long with the seats up - or almost 22cm shorter.

Because the tailgates's hinges have been cut back into the roof,

the back can be more easily opened in confined areas. The

load height has been raised 36mm, to make access easier.

Compared to the sedan, the wagon is 91kg heavier with rear leg room the same in both (but 15mm less than VZ). To accommo-

date the extra weight Holden has retuned the suspension has been retuned with revised spring rates

and a smaller diameter rear stabiliser.

The average driver will find little difference in the way the two ride and handle. Fitted with the standard 180kW V6, Omega and Berlina are still

terms of fuel economy at a time when petrol edges towards $2 a litre. There is not even a dual fuel option and probably won't be for

It has been almost two years

forced to make do with a four-

since the launch of the new VE. With the addition of the Koreanbuilt Captiva, it was speculated

195kW V6 steps up to a five-speed

some time.

Chief designer Richard

usefulness, but its absence left a

Ferlazzo said the difficulty with LPG was finding a suitable place to locate the gas cylinder.

figures, particularly in fleet sales.

He said a doughnut-shaped tank could have replaced the spare wheel, but this would have

meant sticking a spare or space saver in the load area.

"We put the tyre inside and tried it but it just didn't look right, it didn't look like a truly professional execution for a new car," he said.

The designer, noted for the gorgeous Efijy show car, said planning for the wagon started

the wagon might have outlived its

sizeable hole in Holden's sales

In a break with tradition, the

speed auto. The high output auto while the V8 is teamed with either a six-speed manual or auto.

The five and six-speed autos add manual change mode via the gear shift.

Our favourite is the Calais V

new Sportwagon sits on the same

fitted with the V8 and auto trans-

chassis as the sedan, unlike the previous VZ that was based on the long wheelbase Statesman. Having said this, the VE has a

mission. It's not as ostentatious as the SS but still manages to tick all the right boxes. Standard equipment across the

seven-model range includes six airbags, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels and air conditioning.

Prices for Sportwagon start at $37,790, just $1000 more than the sedan. Call

Col

Crawford

Holden,

Pittwater Rd,

Brookvale. Ph 9941 1500.

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Manly Daily Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 1 Section: Motoring Region: Sydney Type: Suburban Size: 1,325.64 sq.cms. Published: -TWTFS-

Page 3 of 3

Sportwagon ... Holden reinvents the wheel.

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Newcastle Herald Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 3 Section: Drive Region: Newcastle NSW Circulation: 51,000 Type: Regional Size: 249.46 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Wagon is hitched to new star Holden aims to balance form and function, writes Brent Davison. T has been two years

wheelbase sedan and think

Statesman/Caprice models and close to 12 months since the utility range made its debut. Buyers hanging out for a Commodore wagon, though, were left high and dry, either cooling their heels waiting for something to appear in Holden showrooms or deserting "The General" for a rival manufacturer.

sweet sheetmetal extensions. In fact this latest effort could almost be considered a Commodore hatchback. Consequently, VE Sportwagon is proportionally large, visually small and is likely to attract among its buyers a small group who might not have considered a wagon but who like the looks and the obvious practicality. In fact Holden believes Sportwagon will have a much broader

Holden launched Iits since VE Commodore and

Now all bets are off. A new Holden wagon is here and, stylistically at least, it looks like no other Commodore wagon since

the brand name first appeared here 30 years ago. Forget big, boxy

structures built as a handy add-on to a stretched-

Euro-style sporty wagon with tight proportions and

appeal than wagons past. The Holden Sportwagon hits the sweet spot between form and function. We are excited about its potential,"

Holden chairman and managing director Mark Reuss said. "Where 90 per cent of Holden's wagon sales have traditionally gone to fleets, Sportwagon can redefine the wagon stereotype by bringing greater style and performance to this segment and putting excitement back into practicality." Sportwagon uses Commodore sedan's platform and wheelbase yet still manages a creditable 895 litres of cargo space with the rear seat in place and 2000 litres with the seat folded. In terms of model spread, Sportwagon effectively mirrors the VE sedan range with an Omega variant

(180-kilowatt V6 and four-

speed automatic) leading Berlina, a more powerful SV6 (195-kilowatt V6 and

five-speed automatic), 6.0-litre V8 SS with six-

speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission, the more luxurious SS-V, luxury Calais with 195-kilowatt V6

and five-speed automatic and, at the top of the tree, a Calais V-Series with either the high output V6 or 6.0-litre V8, the V6 sold

with a five-speed automatic and the V8 with a six-speed auto. Pricing starts at $37,790 (plus on-road costs) for the Omega and rises to $60,290 for the Calais V V8, each model costing about $1000 more than the sedan range.

WAGON THETAIL: Holden's long-awaited Commodore wagon is finally here and

comes as a radical departure from the traditional big Aussie station wagon. Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licenced copy

Ref: 38715407

Sunday Mail Brisbane Sunday 13/7/2008 Page: 70 Section: Motoring Region: Brisbane Circulation: 592,440 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 273.58 sq.cms. Published: ------S

ROAD TEST STUART SCOTT

All stations go MEET the cool wagon which Holden hopes will stop the flood of buyers ditching family station wagons and buying SUVs instead. The Euro-style model, with its tapered roofline and smaller cargo area, very much along the

lines of an Audi or Mercedes, even gets a new name. Forget "station wagon", this is the "Sportwagon", and it started arriving in dealerships last week.

After 20 years, Holden has gone for a revolutionary change,

switching back to making its Commodore-based wagon the same length as the sedan, instead

of the long-wheelbase designs which were vast load-luggers but paid the price dynamically. This leaves the Ford Falcon as

with the back seat up, 2000 litres

with it folded down, compared with the previous 1402/2752 litres

Holden's claim is that almost

no one ever loaded the

Sportwagon

V8-powered SS form, and in-

half of the body is identical to the

cludes seven versions. The $37,790 base-model

Omega is $440 less than the Executive it replaces; at $41,290, the Berlina has come down $5600. At the top luxury level, a

V8 Calais V (which had no

equivalent in the superseded series) is $60,290.

But there has been no skimp-

Holden is having an each-way bet here, hoping the more stylish

bags, stability control and antilock brakes in all models. They

will

attract more private cus-

tomers, while fleets (the buyers of 90 per cent of Commodore

wagons in the past) will still find

the Sportwagon roomy enough for their needs. While cargo room has shrunk dramatically now 895 litres

From behind the wheel, the

station wagon brim-full anyway. Certainly it is a bold-looking machine, especially in

per wagon.

shape and more agile handling

$2000.

old

on equipment. The Sportwagon is furnished like the Commodore sedan, with six air-

the only traditional-style whop-

special, with added practicality and few drawbacks. Previously the wagon-sedan gap was about

ing

also come with alloy wheels, cruise control and a smart-design

cargo cover that can be hooked into place at various heights. These wagons are only $1000

more than their sedan counterparts, which should make them popular among families looking

steers,

feels

and

sounds just like a Commodore sedan, and no wonder: the front

sedan's, and fuel economy

almost the same. The wagon gets its own splitfolding rear seat and, despite the sloping roof, backseat passengers

have more head room in the

wagon than in a sedan. Visibility out the back is surprisingly good in traffic, but compromised by the small, hightailgate glass area when parking. Reversing sensors are standard, and thank goodness, because you soon lose sight of any low obstacles out the back.

The Sportwagon arrives two years after the presentgeneration Commodore VE

sedan was launched, and cost Holden $110 million to develop.

The tailgate swings up from well along the roof, so you don't need much room to open it. Plus, you can bend in to load or unload stuff without bumping your head.

for something which looks rather Ri

GREEN LIGHT: The revolutionary new Holden Sportwagon

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Sunday Times Sunday 13/7/2008 Page: 13 Section: CARS Guide Region: Perth Circulation: 336,500 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,704.63 sq.cms. Published: ------S

Page 1 of 3

SiMday rimes I Readers

Q JULY 73. 20OB

carsguide.com.au Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) licenced copy

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Sunday Times Sunday 13/7/2008

Page 2 of 3

Page: 13 Section: CARS Guide Region: Perth Circulation: 336,500 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 1,704.63 sq.cms. Published: ------S

Above its station Holden's new wagon puts pleasure ahead of business. NEIL DOWLING reports

design and features with the sedan.

All get rear park sensors as standard, on top of electronic

stability control, six airbags, alloy wheels and airconditioning. Additional features over the sedan include a two-position cargo blind, four floor hooks, an extra four hooks, two retractable shopping

spare. Holden believes the wagon will greatly boost sales, though won't talk volume because it regards this

car as an "unknown" quantity.

beachside campsites in summer and being driven to footy training

bag hooks, a storage bin, a 1 2v

with your mates on Saturday mornings - has returned.

light for the load area.

This time, however, you'll be the driver and not the kid on the back

easier loading than the traditional

Holden marketing director Philip Brook said: "We're moving in uncharted territory. Fleets are very excited about the Sportwagon. "We want to maintain fleets (90 per cent of the VZ wagon went to fleets), but add private buyers. We expect a lot of first-time wagon buyers, many trading from SUVs

upright door and needs less of an

and sedans, and predominantly

seat.

arc to open, so access is available in

Holden is luring buyers back to the humble station wagon with an enticing offering. Its stunning Sportwagon vigorously shakes off the bland, boxy look of old - even that of last year's Holden wagon, in fact replacing it with a sexy Europeanstyled leisure machine that mixes easily with Audi, Volvo and BMW rivals. Based on the VE Commodore, the Sportwagon is 129mm shorter than last year's VZ Commodore wagon and is on a 24mm shorter

confined spaces. Despite the extra sheetmetal and expanded feature list, the Sportwagon will cost only $1000 more than the sedan when it enters showrooms later this month. Prices start at $37,790 for the

women owners because of the car's family friendly versatility and its style." The Sportwagon added $110 million to the investment made in the VE Commodore sedan, though is bundled within the VE's $1 billion budget. It also added 513,500km to the testing and created about 75 body parts that differ from the sedan. The rear suspension gets increased spring rates to compensate for the wagon's extra weight - up 91 kg on the VZ - and

wheelbase. Yet it has a big cargo

$5600 cheaper than last year's

area that, while down on the VZ, is

model, despite a big jump in specifications and a much prettier look. The base model Omega, destined for fleets, is $440 cheaper.

BABY boomers, rejoice. Part of your

childhood - motoring holidays to

claimed to rival the Toyota Land Cruiser for length. There are seven models in the

Sportwagon line-up and all share model names, drivetrains, interior

power outlet and a low-mounted The forward-hinge tailgate gives

Omega with a four-speed automatic gearbox and 180kW V6 engine that is rated at 11.1 litres/100km. The V8 with six-speed auto claims

13.8 litres/100km - more frugal than its six-speed auto at 14.4 litres/ 100km. Pricing is keen. The Berlina is

The spare wheel is atemporary

cargo duties. Both standard and sport suspension set-ups are

available.

Great care has been made to retain the body rigidity of the sedan and this success provides a neathandling vehicle.

unit with buyers asked for an additional $250 to get a full-size

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It's similar to the sedan in ride comfort and handling, though has an ever-so slight rise in cabin noise. The FE2 sports suspension option feels firm and more confident than the standard set-up, but is still supple enough so it doesn't upset the occupants. Driving impressions show the wagon is confident on the road and relays that to the driver with precise steering, flat cornering and strong

brakes. This alone will lure any SUV owner

who has probably had a gutful of inherent wallowing and excessive body roll. The V8s are impressive, but the best pick is the high-performance V6 with the five-speed automatic transmission in the Berlina spec. Holden will offer a dedicated LPG version in two years. Though rear cargo room is down on the previous VZ wagon model, it's as good as most SUVs.

specs HOLDEN COMMODORE SPORTWAGON

Origin: Australia Price: from $37,790 Engines (3): 3.6-litre, V6; 3.6-litre V6 variable-valve timing; 6-litre V8

Power: 180kW;195kW; 270kW Torque: 330Nm; 340Nm; 530Nm

Page 3 of 3

acting stabiliser bar; Rear multi-links, coils Wheels: 16-inch alloy (Omega); 17-inch alloy

(Berlina, Calais);18nch alloy (SV6, SS, Calais V); 19-inch alloy (SS-V); space-saver

spare Length: 4904mm Width: 1899mm Height: 1476mm Wheelbase: 2915mm Cargo capacity: 895-2000

litres Weight: 17 85kg-1902kg

Fuel: Unleaded

Fuel tank: 73 litres Economy (official): 11.1-14.4

litres/100km

Greenhouse: 261-343g/km

(Corolla:175g/km) Transmission: 4-speed auto; 5-speed auto; 6-speed manual; 6-speed auto; rear drive Brakes: 4-wheel discs, ESC, ABS,EBD

Suspension: FrontMacPherson strut, direct-

prices:

Omega - $37,790 Berlina - $38,240 SV6 - $42,290 SS V8 man - $46,290 SS V8 auto - $48,290 SSV man - $53, 790 SSV auto - $55,790

Calais-$46,790

Calais V VS - $55,290 Calais V V8 - $60,290

Holden's exciting new VE Commodore Sportwagon.

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Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 12/7/2008 Page: 5 Section: Drive Region: Sydney Circulation: 364,000 Type: Capital City Daily Size: 219.42 sq.cms. Published: MTWTFS-

Holden's answer to 4WDs THIS is Holden's four-wheel-drive fighter. After losing a steady stream of buyers to off-roaders in recent years, the company is banking on the newVE Commodore Sportwagon to stem the flow. Philip Brook, the company's director of marketing, says the company is targeting people who may have switched from a large sedan to a four-wheel-drive, as well as sedan owners who might be on the verge of defecting to soft-roaders. "There are people who drive sedans now who want something a bit more practical and might be thinking about a [four-wheel-drive] so this is an alternative, and then there are people who have been in four-wheel-drives and might be looking at coming back. So it's a bit of both, to stop people going and to drag some back," he says. "The wagon is a serious alternative to the [four-wheel-drive]." Toyota, which sells the three best-selling off-roaders in the country, disagrees. Spokesman Mike Breen says the appeal of offroaders is about more than style and space. "I think it's a lifestyle thing," he says. "People like the ability to go a little bit off the beaten track without actually climbing mountains. It may just be a dirt track through the bush but you still need a bit of ground clearance." He says people also like the seven-seat option available with the Toyota Kluger and Prado, as well as the high driving position. The figures support these claims - sales of large sedans and wagons have plummeted in the past five years, while people can't seem to get enough 4WDs.

In 2002, Holden sold roughly 90,000 Commodores, while the tally for 4WDs was just 140,000. Last year, Commodore sales slumped to fewer than 60,000, compared with almost 200,000 4WDs.

This year, Commodore sales are down by 23.5 per cent, while sales of compact, medium, large and luxury 4WDs have increased. Most of the growth in medium softroaders has been fuelled by the Toyota Kluger, which for the first time is available in front-drive. Toyota says sales of two- and four-wheel-drive Klugers are evenly split. The new Commodore wagon has 507 litres of cargo space with the second-row seats up and 752litres with the seats folded. Ford's Territory has about 25 per cent more cargo space than this with the middlerow seat folded while the Kluger has an extra 136 litres. Richard Ferlazzo, Holden's chief designer, says the wagon is designed to shake off the dowdy image of station wagons. "Wagons have long suffered something of an image crisis, second only to peoplemovers in lack of sex appeal - practical but not always desirable." Brook believes the Commodore has other benefits over 4WDs, particularly handling.

Richard Blackburn For more photos, seedrive.com.au/ sportwagon

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Page 1 of 2

RANGE FINDER

Holden's Commodore Sportwagon pitched straight at jaded SUV lovers James Stanford

JUST when it looked like the Holden Commodore would be overwhelmed by the

un-Australian Toyota Corolla, the cavalry has arrived.

The locally-made Commodore has been Australia's best-selling car for the past 12

That's interesting, given Holden also sells an SUV, the GM Daewoo-produced Captiva, which, now they mention it, is a bit 1994 when it comes to quality and refinement. The Sportwagon's biggest advantage over SUVs is its handling capability. It feels very

years, but by the halfway mark this year it was trailing the Japanese Corolla by 1092 sales.

much like a Commodore sedan. Of course, Holden is confident the arrival of its new you notice the extra 90kg of weight and the Sportwagon will give it the numbers to suspension settings are a little different, but it overpower the Toyota. Until it stopped is far better than most loping SUVs. making them last September, it was selling The SS is the pick of the bunch with its firm around 900 VZ wagons a month. Holden is and flat ride and you soon forget you are in a

positioning the new Sportwagon as a different

type of car and expects it to do even better. The old wagon was built off the same longwheelbase platform as the Statesman and the

wagon. A base Omega feels a bit too soft and pitches more in tight corners than you might expect.

The performance is much the same as the Ute, which meant it was a bit unwieldy but sedans, which is not surprising since they had a massive 2752 litres of cargo space. That made it perfect for businesses and as a result, share the same powertrain combinations. That means Omega and Berlina customers 90 per cent of VZ wagons went to fleets. Of course, car companies prefer private have to make do with the 180kW Alloytec customers as they pay more and go for the engine and ye-olde four-speed automatic. This premium models. So Holden has made the is a troubled marriage, as the engine doesn't new Commodore wagon a more stylish and have enough torque for what is now a 1780kg agile machine to increase its appeal. car. The engine is rough when revved and the It started off by basing the Sportwagon on below-par automatic hesitates, ponders and the shorter VE Commodore platform, which often over-actively unlocks the torque convermeans its proportions allow for improved ter. The 195 Alloytec V6 of the Calais and SV6 handling and make it easier to park. is better, but still not as torquey or smooth or The front half of the car is identical to the strong as the inline six of a rival domestic sedan while the designers gave it a sloping brand that shall not be mentioned. This roof profile so the rear looks great. That's engine pairs with a five-speed automatic, made it more desirable than the previous which works better than the base transmismodel, if not as space efficient. Holden insists

sion.

Calais and SS. The level of gear is the same as the sedans,

Fuel economy slips a bit compared with the sedan, starting at 11.1 litres per 100km for the

Of course, the pick of the bunch is the fleets will still love the new wagon, despite lovely 270kW 6.0-litre V8, which is standard load volume dropping by 752 litres. in the SS and can be optioned for Calais. Not While the previous wagon was offered in only does this have a mighty power-band that just three model configurations, the new one starts very low in the rev range, but it also is available in all seven sedan grades ranging delivers a magnificently raucous V8 exhaust from Omega and Berlina, through Calais to note. Start pushing one of these and you'll SV6 and SS, with luxury V versions of the soon forget you're in a practical family wagon. except rear parking sensors are fitted to all Omega version. That's not good, but not as

Sportwagons. Standard safety kit includes six had as most SUVs. Stepping back into the Commodore highlights some interior issues Holden is facing. airbags and electronic stability control. The Sportwagon costs $1000 more than the First there's the huge A-pillars, which impair comparable sedan, which means range book- vision terribly. Second is the general design ends of $37,790 for the Omega and $60,290 and quality of the interiors, which look a bit cheap, while the displays seem dated. for the Calais V V8. Still, the Sportwagon is a good mix of Holden is marketing the Sportwagon as an alternative to booming crossover wagons with practicality and style that should appeal to families who are tiring of their SUV. the line: because SUVs are so 1994.

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Page 2 of 2

NEED TO I(NOW Holden Sportwagon Engines: 3.6-litre V6 or 6.0-litre V8 Outputs: 180kW at 6000rpm and 330Nm at 2600rpm (V6); 195kW at 6500rpm and 340Nm at 2600rpm (high-output V6); 270kW at 5700rpm and 530Nm at 4400rpm (V8) Transmissions: Four-speed automatic (V6); six-speed manual or five-speed automatic (high-outputV6); six-speed manual orsixspeed automatic (V8). All rear-wheel drive Price: From $37,790 (Omega) to $60,290 (Calais V V8)

On sale: Now

Different: The wagon is now built on the sedan platform, not the Statesman's

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Page 1 of 2

Wagon hits the sweet spot RICHARD BLACKBURN

This is Holden's four-wheel-drive fighter, its response to losing a steady stream of buyers to off-roaders in recent years. The new wagon, which goes on sale next week, sacrifices the load-carrying ability of its VZ predecessor for a more stylish profile and improved roadholding. Director of marketing Phillip Brook says Holden wants to attract more private buyers to the wagon by hitting the sweet spot between form and function. It's a delicate balancing act, but on the style front at least, the Sportwagon looks a winner. The new model has shed the dowdy, awkward looks of its predecessor, with a low-slung, sporty profile that makes most four-wheel-drives look bland. From behind, it looks more like a mid-size Euro liftback, while the side profile is equally enticing. Despite being about 14cm shorter than the VZ wagon, the Sportwagon has plenty of rear legroom and headroom. The back seats have deep, supportive backrests. The cargo volume is down by between 507 litres (second row seats up) and 752 litres (seats folded) on the VZ and is not in the same league as its four-wheel-drive rivals, such as the Ford Territory. That still leaves 895 litres of cargo space with the seats up and a massive 2000 litres with rear seats folded -

mesh cargo barrier for $468 and an adjustable luggage net ($72). Rear vision is slightly restricted because of the relatively narrow window glass, but it's less of a concern than the windscreen pillars at the front, which restrict your line of sight through corners. On the road, the Sportwagon feels much the same as the sedan, which is a credit to the engineers who worked to stiffen the body and retain the Commodore's excellent road manners.

by no means inadequate for the

when matched with the six-speed automatic transmission, provides effortless and highly entertaining acceleration, provided you can live with the fuel bills (13.8L/100km). Overall, it's a very convincing package at a price that will tempt buyers of both compact and mid-size off-roaders. Whether it can stop the 4V'D sales juggernaut remains to be seen. Sportwagon prices: Omega $37,790, Berlina $41,290, SV6

average family.

And there are some nice practical touches throughout the load area. The tailgate hinge extends well into the roof, creating a wide opening for loading cargo. The load area also includes a cargo blind, two shopping-bag hooks, four luggage tie-downs, a storage bin, a 12v power socket and a light that sits below the cargo blind. Under the floor is a space-saver spare tyre. A full-size spare costs

The ride is comfortable and well controlled for the most part, though the Omega and Calais, which have softer suspension than the SS and SV6 models, tend to wallow over bigger bumps. There's also a bit more body roll through corners. The only letdown in the driving experience was Holden's standard V6, which remains off the pace when compared with its local rivals, the Ford Falcon and Toyota Aurion. With an extra 90kg to lug around, the 180kW V6 does an acceptable job, but with more noise and less poise than its rivals. It is also thirstier than the VE sedan, using 11.1 L/ 100km, compared with 10.8L/ I00km. The SV6's 195kW is a little better and at least the exhaust has a sporty rasp to it.

The pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the 270kWX' V8 which,

$42,290, SS $46,290, SS V $53,790,

Calais $46,790 Calais V V8 auto

$250.

Other options include a rigid

$60,290.

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Page 2 of 2

Easy on the eye: Holden's sleek new VE Commodore Sportwagon is a mix of style and practicality

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