2008 Holden Sportwagon first steer
July 11, 2008 by Paul Maric
I started off in a Berlina. The bleak looking interior and monotone LCD screen did nothing to detract attention from the lifeless four-speed automatic gearbox featured in Omega and Berlina variants. The gearbox is mated to the 180kW Alloytec V6 which struggles at time to find the right gear for the terrain. I often found myself sinking the boot right in to keep momentum up, while overtaking took a bit of a run up.
Luckily though, it was a different story in my next ride, the SV6. The five-speed automatic transmission feels light-years ahead of the archaic four-speed and works brilliantly in unison with the 195kW high-output Alloytec motor. Sport shift can be selected by flicking the lever into the sequential mode, providing more apparent downshifts and retention of gears for upshifts.
It wasn’t long before I found myself in the luxo V8 model of the pack – the Calais V-Series V8. Here, 270kW of raw V8 power is delivered via the six-speed 6L80E automatic transmission. Generally speaking, it’s a decent unit which adapts to your driving style quite well. It too features a sport mode which improves shift quality for brisk driving.
The SS V-Series hero model was the most enjoyable of the bunch from a driver’s perspective. By chance our particular test route in nthis car featured some gravel, which simply amplified the SS V’s very impressive on-road dynamics. This particular vehicle featured a tight six-speed manual gearbox, which proved pleasurable to switch through cogs.
The general driving feel of all models was quite positive. You would be hard pressed to realise that you were in fact driving a station wagon. Even during the latter part of the day when the heavens opened, all vehicles remained firmly planted to the road, without even a hint of the regular light-end feel of a station wagon.
One of the vehicles (the Berlina) had a rattle coming from the rear roofline which became more apparent as we trekked over rougher terrain.
Sportwagon’s model range mirrors its sedan counterpart both in terms of features and model designations. The only difference being the addition of alloy wheels for the base model Omega.
Pricing was a keen talking point. Holden were keen to point out that Sportwagon is up to $5600 cheaper than the VZ station wagon it replaces. With prices maxing out at $60,290 for the V8 Calais V, it also makes the Sportwagon an affordable prospect for families looking at mid-size SUVs in a similar price range.
Hi Bavarian Missile, no rude words in my post unless they think that the last 3 letters of your other half constitutes a rude word. ralmfao. Checked and re checked. Ayway they can go through all my posts with not one with a rude word.
Starky, the Commodore sales are down because for 6 months they have not had a wagon which averages 900 sales a month going on the last 12 months or so on the VZ model. A 3 month waiting list will ensure the Commodore’s sales will jump massively and we will see if it can overtake the Corolla after giving it a 6 month head start but its ot a massive lead so I think the Commodore can still overtake the Corolla before the years end with sales to date and will be the number one seller for the month when it gets a full month in on the market.
It will sell just like it did before, that market is still there, maybe it will sell more, maybe it will sell less, time will tell.
Sure The VE will overtake the corolla, but they are different markets, so does it really matter?
Holden need this wagon, starky is right, barina, viva, epica and astra are struggling.
But as the base model still come with that drivetrain Holden knows who their biggest buyer will be, fleets…and thats okay, dont get carried away, its a station wagon, its business as usual.
I’m with you Andrew M – Holden will release a smaller more compact car similar in size and possibly design to the TT-36 Concept… However I don’t think it will be called the Torana either; Hoolden will most likely continue on with the Commodore name – or they caold call it the Rection [Hey BM]
As for Exports – I think exports to the US will stop and GM will start making LHD versions of the Commodore and Statesman etc in Canada [not the USA] which will leave Holden free to build RHD versions of other cars from GM such as the Camaro/Monaro; HH-R or Opel GT.. However They could still export RHD Commodores to the UK
Starky – wait to see what happens when the Large 4×4 market starts to shrink as fuel hits $3 a litre.
You will see more and more people off loading their toorak tractors and trying to get into a more practical fuel efficient load carrier like the Sportwagon..
An article in NRMA stated most people who own a 4×4 didn’t buy it because it was the most suitable car for their needs – they bought it because of the [poseur] image it conveys and they are really bad/dangerous drivers
However; they will have a slight problem that as there will be less and less people wanting to buy a 4×4 they won’t be able to sell itr for anything near what they paid for it even if its less than a year old. infact they’d be lucky to get half of its insured value on a trade in
The other thing is that as a reasonable % of Toyota’s sales are made up of 4×4s don’t be surprised if their market lead shrinks too.
I think Aus will slowly start turning into the poms in terms of car choice, Due to the various taxes over there they generally have smaller cars…even for families. And just look at new vehicles, something like a Lancer can easily fit a family of 4… there is no need for a guzzling Falcon or Commodore unless your towing something large behind it (but i dont see heaps as a % with tow bars)
Quote [TP] there is no need for a guzzling Falcon or Commodore:
Don’t forget the Aurion TP.
Wheelnet – toyota just like putting the words ‘gas guzzling” infront of the words commodore and falcon, nicely overlooking the fact that australia’s second favorite family car is SUV’s which use considerably more petrol then a commodore and falcon.
Also TP, i actually own a current model lancer and even though i love it, it really is too small for a family, hence why it’s just our “run around” car. Want to pack up and drive somewhere for a holiday? forget about it your not getting enough luggage for 2 adults and 2 kids for a week in the lancers boot!
If GM starts to build LHD Commodores Statesmenas and Toranas in Canada; as i expect they will.. that will free up space at Holden to not only build the “Torana” but possibly even increase thie range and build some of the cars from Europe such as the Opel GT
Particularly as GM are working towards a series of more flexible platforms on which a whole range of various cars can be based – an example of which is the one the VE is built on as well as the one the new Insignia is built on
TP….guzzling Falcon? In the real world an FG gets better fuel economy than a Camry or an Aurion (same car different badge) A very large number of Falcons have towbars, so get your facts right. Not much point putting a towbar on a CAMRY|AURION………front wheel drive does not mix with towing much….especially Toyotas very very outdated front drive system………
Load up an Aurion with 2 kids and a boot full of luggage like alot of families do and see how good it drives then.
They stuggle on hills with a bit of weight in the rear thats for sure.
Gotta agree with u Car 1…..thats the word in street on economy with Aurion!
That’s it!
Put all that weight – all the luggage etc a 4 person family would take on a 2 week holiday; in the boot of an Aurion [or any other FWD car for that matter] then add the extra weight of a caravan or boat trailer and you will gradually lift the Front Wheels off the road [if not completely] which will reduce the amount of drive not to mention level of control you have.
The only good thing I guess is that it will however; reduce the likeihood of torque steer
Yep sighted few Aurion / Camry’s in tow mode. The game has changed……….towing is an option!
agree with most….
TP,
just because a car has 5 seats, doesnt mean it can cope as well as a larger car with 5 seats.
yes, legally a lancer can carry as many people as a falcon or commodore,
but it comes down to how effortlessly one does it, and how comfortable its occupants are whilst it is doing it.
no way will i trade the space, power, safety and comfort of a large car to save 2LMax/100k
its like home brand baked beans or ice cream.
sure you might be happy buying your home brand baked beans, but wouldnt you rather have beans that arent crunchy and have a non watery sauce?
or ice cream that doesnt taste like plastic?
sure both labels may suggest they will serve you in the same way, but one should stop buying stuff considering it as “just an item” rather than having something to enjoy and appreciate
TP
What do you do if you have a family of 5. What European car are you going to drive? Not a Astra! A BMW or Merc are out of the price range (though it would be nice to have one). Australia’s population demographics has changed and we are getting older there is no need for a family vehicle. We turned into a nation of pensioners, driving small cheap to buy and run cars. Those fortunate older folk who have looked after themselves finacially have bought a suv to tow a caravan and tour Australia! Of course this vehicle will appeal to those who have a large family, or need the storage space and don’t want to buy a SUV. Remember a SUV has larger on going costs, petrol,tyres,servicing.
“The only difference being the addition of alloy wheels for the base model Omega”.
No Omega has had alloys standard since the upgrade in March when curtain airbags and a few other things also became mandatory.
^6 airbags standard on Omega with Alloys, new grill and proper colour coded door handles.
Does that mean the Commodore get’s 5 stars in the ANCrAP? Or still 4? Due because ANCrAP only tests the main and base seller, the omega.
And correct me if wrong but doesn’t the new FG Falcon has an ANCrAP rating of 4 stars? (Source: Wheels.)
Duck:
Holden would need a re-test to achieve a possible 5 stars.
No, the old Falcon was 4-stars. In fact, the BA Falcon (2002 model) achieved 27.27/37, while the 2006 VE Commodore achieved 27.45/37, despite the fact it comes standard with ESP and is 4 years newer than the Falcon.
The FG Falcon is yet to be tested, but if previous results are anything to go by, it should trump the Commodore in ANCAP testing.
Well so many words but not much about the Sportswagon. Ive been waiting 5 months for mine and cant wait to take possession of my SS in Atomic green. I have owned a Ford Escort (my first dream car), Toyota Seca Twin Cam, Nissan Patrol and soon a Holden. So as you can see I am not a Holden or Ford fan.
At my age I am looking for a car that looks good, has a bit of grunt and perhaps turn a few heads. I dont have a family so a family wagon is not what Im looking for. I wanted this car to carry me, my fishing gear, perhaps my dog and a friend.
Instead of bagging Holden/Ford/Toyota etc, let those who will be spending the money to buy the Sportswagon decide if the car is really any good. If its anything like a SSV I got to drive then Im in for a bloody good time. Fingers crossed, no speeding tickets. Thanks for the ramble.
However due to a loophole which still exists inANCrAps Guidelines – If Holden provided 5 cars to do the test and the 5th one failed they could provide more cars until it passed the 5th test
I still believe the insurance companies should buy the cars as they are the main ones who refer to the results – oh and Dingo TP and his crue
So instead of testing the overall safety of a particular model ANCrAP actually test the safety of an individual car of that particular model.
Not only that they dont allow for any external or variable factors such as road or weather conditions as well as driver input etc
Therefore if the ANCrAP 5 star safety rating is important to you you are almostr a bigger dummy as the ones ANCrAp use
^Totally agree Wheelnut! ;)
Im still waitin for the VD comodore
Thats gonna be a pisser.
The high-output V6 and 5-speed auto should trickle down to lower Commodores and bin the ancient 4-speed and low-performing engine. Ford may also come up with a sporty wagon and right now it’s creaming the Holden big-time on pace (well, until the one with the Z06 engine comes out).
It’s also a shame the rear lamps seem to have come straight out of the ute.
holden wagon and ute tail lights have always been the same (pretty much)
…which only shows how much cost-cutting Holden’s undergoing through the years. It’s pretty obvious anyway, since Holden is the only ‘carmaker’ I know that doesn’t make its own cars.
Quote [Al Juraj] since Holden is the only ‘carmaker’ I know that doesn’t make its own cars.
Then can you please explain to me what that massive white building on the Phillip Highway in Elizabeth South Australia is ?
The one which is full of the latest robots etc [which cost almost half of the VEs billion dollar budget] and has a constant stream of both RHD and LHD Commodore Sedans Utes Wagons and Statesmans coming out of it [on average 1 every minute]
I mean if they’re a car maker thats not building their own cars than what the hell are they doing in there…. making bread?
By that I mean Holden have not conceptualised any car on their own. The Commodore yes, it’s built here but its parts are pretty much imported. The engines are of US design and made in Mexico. Some panels even come from Korea and China. To add to that, you can’t even order a door straight away for a previous model VZ, which poses as an Australian car!
Also, Aurions are assembled here just like your beloved VE, but would you say these Toyotas are Aussie?
AL JURAJ WHERE do you think 95% of ford parts come from.
yes overseas my friend so pull your head in
Children, children, children *tsk*
Well given that the VE was designed in Australia from scratch
GM wanted Holden to continue using an existing platform for the VE – that of the Sigma from Pontiac; yet Holden designers and engineers decided it wasn’t suitable for Australia and set about designing an Australian car from scratch.
They prepared a business case for Detroit and were given the go ahead. Now the Zeta platform on which the VE is built is being used in many other GM cars including Pontiac
Whereas the Aurion is a Face-lifted Camry from the USA
If Toyota are the biggest selling manufacturer in Oz not to mention the richest in the world [not the biggest] then surely Toyota Oz could have put forward a similar case to Tokyo for an all new car designed and built or as you like to say “conceptualised” in Australia – hell then they might have been able to make the Aurion RWD and therefore more of a direct rival to the Commodore
So even though approx 25-30% of the components in a VE Commodore are from Overseas in “esscence” it is still more Australian than the Toyota
Either way its good to see two locally built cars getting attention from all around the world
Al Juraj, please name me some parts of the where holden gets parts made in Korea and China for the Commodore?
Please I’m sure Holden where thinking of getting pannels and parts from China for the Commodore but they ditched that idea, hey Wheelnut?
FYI Al Juraj – The platform; the 1/4 panels; the doors; the roof; hood and boot; even those huge one piece side panels for the ute and the tailgate for the sportwagon are made in Australia using Australian steel by a company called Hirotec located in Elizabeth about 5-10 minutes drive away from the Holden Factory
They send a B-Double Truck full of panels for every model in the VE range and the WM Statesman to the Holden factory every 30-45 minutes.
Quote [Starky July 12th] Australians simply aren’t into performance or handling anymore.
Then how do you explain the fact that 90 people have already made out cheques for a HSV VE W427 at a cost of $155000? I mean that’s $13;950;000 whats more there are still another 337 to be built over the next couple of years and people are already placing orders for them even though there could be a 6 month+ wait….
Whilst there are still over 300odd TRD Aurions sitting around Toyota Dealerships and Storage yards.
BTW: There is also a number of people pushing for Holden to put the Coupe 60 into production
Wheelnut,
You mean “semi-trailer” load NOT “B-double”.
And lets not forget to mention that they don’t always go back empty either, just that the “rack” on the trucks go round and round the circuit all day, fully loaded or not.
And BTW if you know any of the drivers, the cops are going to be watching the way they shortcut the roundabouts.
But its also a wagon with the word “sport” in front of it.That bit of marketing from Holden is just as bad as Fords finger ads
Sportswagon?
Must be a weightlifter, or discus thrower or a wrestler; hold on no its a sumo wrestler.
It’s too heavy and out of step for a car in 2008 – it shouldn’t be larger than a Vectra or the sample Torana seen at a motor show a few years ago.
Come on General Motors you are responsible for the mess Holden is in right now. Can’t you gets some good parts from Isuzu, Subaru, Saab, Opel and yes Holden and make a range of cars that suit Australian conditions.
Lower fuel consumption; diesel motors; good 4 cyl motor from Japan; 6 speed autos and manuals across the range; sedans, hatches and wagons.
Some local councils require cars to gain at least a four star fuel rating to be a part of the fleet.
It’s a pity Toyota don’t make them; perhaps we would have cars that looks good and run efficiently too.
Well finally taken possesion of my SS 6sp manual Sportwagon. Im HAPPY with it…not too many kilometers driven yet but looking forward to spending more time behind the wheel.
All thats been written about the ‘A’ pillars and poor visibility out of the rear window is true but its easily overcome by adjusting the mirrors and being more attentive when driving. LOVE IT!
I had to utilise a big car allowance ($20K per annum) which means about a $100K car over six years with a previous company trade in. I looked at the Beamer 5 series entry level at $92K on road, which is a 2 litre stinky little 4 cyl diesel 125 kw which takes 10 secs to get to 100ks. With a $25,000 devaluation in the first year I then looked at holden. I bought an SSV brnd new in July. All leather interior, Sat Nav, six stack, voodoo blue. It has better features than the beamer and does 100ks in 5 secs.It left me $45K over so I bought the wife a new mazda 6. The SSV looks awesome compared to the beamer AND I can service it myself with genuine Holden parts for $60. BMW? Forget it. And I DID see an new SSV Sportswagon on the road yesterday. it looks as awesome as my sedan.
i have had a sv6 sportwagon now since they were released. my wife drives it 80% of the time and we have had no problems with it. its now done approx 9000km.
my complaints would be the bucket seats have no support for going to quick into corners. the steering wheel is to large and i get sore palms if i hold the wheel at the 10-2 postion, if i hold it at 9-3 its not to bad.
for a large car fuel economy is not to bad around town at 11 litres per 100 average and on the highway it gets depending on speed low 8’s to 9.
I have a 2005 VZ sedan thats done 225,000kms and have had no problems with it, however my sister in law has a new Omega Sportswagon company car and has had heaps of trouble with it after doing 30,000 kms. She had the preivious VZ executive wagon before and it was sold after hitting a huge 350,000kms with no problems (it was just 3 yrs old). She has also said that the space is horrbile as well as the blind spots compared to her VZ wagon and would prefer to drive a 350,000kms VZ executive before jumping happily into the new sportswagon. I have to purchase a wagon myself, in order to care for my grandmother, but I am definately going to look for a VZ executive wagon before even going into Holden to purchase a new sportswagon.