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By
JOHN CRAWFORD
14 July 2008
The new Commodore Sportwagon is so good, that we predict it will
give Holden strong incremental sales for the Commodore range
(rather than substitute sales of wagon for sedan). And those
combined sales could be sufficient to return Commodore to the
title of Australia's number one-selling car, pushing Toyota's
Corolla back to second place.
The
new Holden wagon surprises and delights at every turn, because
it’s not just good looking, but also reveals thoughtful insights
in design, specification and practicality.
Dynamically,
the most important aspect is that it is built on the short
wheelbase sedan platform not on a long-wheelbase platform as in
previous Commodore wagons. This shorter wheelbase means it handles
like the sedan, is easier to manouevre and is less intimidating,
but still offers good carrying capacity.
A
bonus is that the wagon carries only a small price premium ($1000)
on top of the Commodore sedan range.
Accepting
that in style, dynamics and cabin layout the wagon is identical to
the sedan, we should focus on the rear compartment.
With
the seats folded designers have created a flat floor, just a
smidgin short of two metres in length; they have ensured that
interior width between the rear suspension towers is 1.1 metres,
and that there is adequate height in the load compartment (647
mm). Overall volume is 2000 litres (seats folded); 895 litres
(seats up).
Cleverly
located hooks around the load compartment allow the owner to
utilise the standard cargo net in a variety of ways to restrain
items and stop them sliding around the compartment.
The
cargo cover has two positions, with a sliding locater slot which
allows the owner to lift it, without releasing it. The light in
the compartment is just below the window line, but located under
the cover, to allow you to easily check the compartment at night.
The
tailgate is the most interesting feature of the new wagon. The
hinges are located well forward in the roof of the wagon, so its
lifting arc is only 286 mm beyond the rear of the vehicle, when it
is raised. When open, it’s not too high to reach up and grab,
even for vertically-challenged owners.
To
ensure the styling is sleek and sporty, Holden invested in new
rear doors, with unique upper frames, to maintain the flowing
profile view. That was rather than saving money by simply using
the same doors as the sedan. Headroom is good in the rear seat,
and there's space for an optional LCD screen, to entertain back
seat occupants.
Despite
our focus on the internal practicality, we must mention the
on-road handling – in a word, great! The Sportwagon turns in
beautifully, and provides handling which is confidence-boosting.
This
is a wagon with as much versatility as an SUV, great looks and
sedan-like ride, handling and performance. The range is keenly
priced from around $37,000 up to $60,000 and benefits from all of
the impressive design, engineering and dynamics offered by the VE
Commodore sedan. It's a great effort by Holden.
The
complete Holden Commodore Sportwagon range, with prices (excluding
on-road costs) is:
Omega: $37,790 (automatic)
Berlina: $41,290 (automatic)
SV6: $42,290 (automatic)
SS: $46,290 (manual), $48,290 (automatic)
SS V: $53,790 (manual), $55,790 (automatic)
Calais: $46,790 (automatic)
Calais V V6: $55,290 (automatic)
Calais V V8: $60,290
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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