2008 Holden Sportwagon Review
August 13, 2008 by Matt Brogan
2008 Holden Calais Sportwagon Review & Road Test
Has Holden re-invented the wagon as we know it?
Model Tested:
- 2008 Holden VE Calais Sportwagon 3.6-litre V6, automatic – $46,790 (RRP)
Options:
- Leather Trim with Eight Way Adjustment, Memory & Heated Mirrors $3000 (Fitted); Cargo Barrier $560; Sport Suspension & LSD $720; Full Size Alloy Spare Wheel $250; DVD System $1290; Full Colour Satellite Navigation $1990; Turn By Turn Satellite Navigation $1290; Metallic Paint $400 (Fitted)
Exterior Presentation, Easy Load Area Access, Capable Handling
Rearward Visibility, Coarse Engine & Auto, Diminished Cargo Space
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
Holden seems to be bursting with pride over the release of its VE wagon, it’s almost as if it has reinvented the wheel. But is the new Sportwagon really a revolutionary step forward or just a Commodore with a nice behind?
Better yet, let’s put it this way. Imagine you’re at one of those speed dating nights, and after the passing parade is done you’re down to the final two. Contestant number one is drop dead gorgeous, everything is in the right place and the proportions measure up just fine – simply stunning, but that vacant stare and cute giggle simply won’t see it past the morning. Contestant number two on the other hand has it all together, a great job, double degree, is confident, smart and makes you feel good about yourself but is a little plain when all is said and done. So, who’s it going to be?
The VE already has a tough stance, with masculine lines and an imposing wide track under those large flared guards it was what buyers wanted from Holden’s hero car, and pleasingly the wagon doesn’t detract from these values at all. It’s a handsome car from every angle and with the added practicality and versatility of an open end rear it’s sure to prove a winner among family buyers wanting car-like feel without SUV bulk.
Calais Sportwagon in Red Passion metallic.
The new tailgate design, which is hinged further forward on the roof line, allows easy access in tighter car parks and with higher entry clearance means no more bumps on the head come grocery day. The luggage space, despite being somewhat smaller than we’ve come to expect from Commodore is at 895 litres (to window height – seats up) still quite sufficient, and usable thanks to the completely flat floor. Sadly though it is 359 litres lesser than that of its nearest competitor and even with the 60:40 split fold seats down still doesn’t measure up to that of Ford’s BF III Falcon.
Our road test vehicle, the V6 Calais, sits toward the top of the Sportwagon model line up and is suitably speced for a vehicle of its price tag. Offering 17-inch alloy wheels, dusk sensing projector beam headlights, multi-function trip computer, front fog lamps, and rear parking sensors it’s certainly a looker, and is far better kitted than the base-model only Falcon equivalent.
Cabin space is benign in appearance with an alloy look centre console and dashboard being appealling to the eye as well as neatly contrasting the black plastic and leather throughout. It’s quite simple in layout and offers an appropriate feature list and generous seating proportions for your outlay, especially in the rear leg room department where many modern cars tend to be lacking.
Good Car Still Prefer a G6E
G6E isnt a wagon.
You have to be a real Holden fan to buy this station wagon, for a upmarket Calais model the interior is very plain Jane (dull), exterior is looking old, flare guard’s seem to be sticking out more than ever, most Holden engine’s, drivetrain’s, over the year’s have been terrible, being main reason I would never buy one, also the paint fade’s like Toyota.
I know Ford Falcon has no (Sports Wagon) as the (Station) name has changed but the sedan range has a big boot to make for it, interior is miles ahead, engine and drivetrain many moons ahead, probably best in the country even world standard, exterior is sensational especially G6E Turbo.
I’m sorry Holden, the wagon does not stake up high enough to compete with Ford offering’s, we are talking old technology verse new and Falcon outclass in so many ways, my money is going towards G6E Turbo > Thanks very much..
Show ponies lose their luster very quickly. Unfortunately the VE Commodore wagon should have been released with the sedan. All that has been written about the sedan is magnified in the wagon, a pity. It looks good but from what is written is an average drive. Maybe the V8 model is better. but believe me women do not like blind spots on their cars and this could the the issue that might stiffle the sale number for this car.
Good review. Sums up the pros & cons nicely. Great looking wagon, shame about the driveline. Like the sedans, anyone who could afford to would get the V8.
the comodore has really dated in the last 2 years the flares look tacky and the interior look lame.
Woah!! way to expensive for this piece of garbage!! OMG!! you have to be kidding….right?
I’ve liked the VE wagon styling, in photos, since it was first revealed. However having now seen a couple (base models) in the metel, I must say it’s a little dissapointing.
I agree with comments above regarding the bland interior, and how much the VE interior has dated and badly needs an update – series II?
Lets also not forget that the shrinking wagon (VZ – VE) is more about styling and rear overhang and not wheelbase, as this is only 23mm shorter than a VZ wagon, but a whole 150mm shorter overall.
This WILL sell however, because it’s all about marketing, not so much as substance.
Last point: Funny how the “old” BFIII wagon easily betters the VE wagon for fuel economy, Falcon 10.7 vs Commodore 6 cyl 11.1 & 11.3.
…Freak, take your anti-australian bias and bugger off hey.
I think your review is spot on. I’ve been waiting in eager anticipation for many months for the Sportwagon to finally arrive, but now that it’s here at last, I am unwhelmed. It still looks great on the outside, but that’s about where it ends for me. Interior is neat but plain and that driveline, which seemed at least “acceptable” a couple of years back now just seems “agricultural” – well and truly off the pace. What’s more, I’ve realised that FG Falcon offers a far, far better overall package and even though it’s a sedan, the extra space offered by the fold down seats adds a sufficient degree of practicality to make it the choice for me. So having waited and waited and waited to buy a Sportwagon, I’ve then ended up ordering a Falcon sedan (G6E). Life’s funny, ain’t it.
I love the look and the concept and would choose one over the sedan for those occasions when you want to carry stackable chairs or a new telly home.
It’s a shame that the only desireable engine is the 6 litre V8. We know all these things are coming, but Holden badly needs their turbo diesel, LPG and sweeter six options now, along with transmissions to suit.
I dont know how anyone can say the interior is dated…. since when did function ever go out of date? The new falcon interior is disgusting, with awkward bulges and a keyboard of tiny buttons and small labels. And the disgusting graphics on that crappy low res screen. makes me sick. a big contrast to what i consider to be an excellent exterior on that new falcon… even if it is a bit BFIII….
Davil666,
Have you ever sat in, or driven a G6E in comparison to a Calais?
For that much money I think Id prefer a Saab 93, Volvo V50 or Volkswagen Passat. And youd have to be a real Holden fan to get anything else. Especially considering that the Passat has a boot about as big and with the 2.0 TDI engine, alot more economical.
For my money a 6cyl subaru liberty wagon is much better buying. looks better is safer (5 star), better built, handles better, better resale and has a smoother boxer engine.plus has awd and more features, for only a little more money $53490.. or you can save money and fuel and buy the 2.5 boxer 4cyl models..
Yeah. A Passat 2.0Tdi wagon unless the V8 appeals.
The liberty also has around half the amount of space as the Sportwagon, so it isnt all that a fair comparison – and god help you if you happen to want some decent rear leg room
We\’ve been looking to this car since the sedan came out – delayed purchasing a sedan then to wait for the Sportwagon, and it looks like we\’ll be this exact model with the next month or so, though rear-space is a little lacking…forget about the VZ wagon, this thing has less load space than a VS Wagon (our current ride)
God i wish the direct injection V6 was coming this year and not 2009……at least we\’re getting a staff discount,because no way in hell would we pay $46K for this car
Neil as an owner of a 2007 lib wagon with two kids! I dont see how anyone could need more space than it has. especially in the boot. ok the rear seat isnt huge but its only for the kids most the time and its more than anough for them! With the market/fuel the way it is now most people are downsizing to medium or small cars anyway. We have a 2.5 manual it is powerful anough and is great fun to drive and corner in. Also constantly averages 8.8l/100km
around town and 8.0l/100km on the hwy.
My wife said she loved the look of the Commodore wagon and that on that basis it’s in the running to replace one of our Territory ghia’s.
However where is the reversing camera, direct injection v6,
6 speed auto and lots of little things that make the territory such a good vehicle such as the drink holders, rubbish bins and other kid friendly fittings that even the new falcon doesn’t have.
Time to go back to the drawing board holden to fix these sort of things.
I know that rear visibility is a big thing with the wife and other ladies and to think that holden would release a wagon for women is to treat them with comtempt.
Pretty good looking car but i think the Mondeo wagon will look and sell better, especially the diesel!
Dlunn64,
you have one special territory if it has direct injection.
why is every body so surprised???
didnt you all know holden only builds cars for fans??
design and function always come second.
thats why this thing looks like a stunner, but it all stops there.
but dont worry, they will still sell them.
I think Holden could have still got a good looking, good handling wagon if they had have built it on the ute/statesman wheel base. All the reviews of the VE ute I have said that it is a good driver, so theoretically they should have been able to come up with a “sport” wagon with a bit begger cargo area. Any way I still must say it is a smart looking car.
Seen it before from Holden. Dress up a mule and sell it as a thoroughbread. Design is showing its age around the front and wheel guards.
Nath, I think Devil666 was comparing BFIII wagon interior to FG Sedan, just worded funny.
i really like the design :) … well some small parts need fixing up (and what happend to the chrome window surrounds that were on the concept car…..) But thats were i stop liking it so much…. in todays world pritty looks can only get you so far! but it could be alot worse :)
Gibbo,
VZ LWB wagon wheelbase: 2938mm
VE SWB wagon wheelbase: 2915mm
VE LWB ute/statesman wheelbase: 3009mm
Clearly the VE LWB was too long for the wagon, as it’s almost 3 inches longer than VZ.
The VE design is skewed to rear seat passenger space though.
Anyone making comparisons between a G6 Sedan and a VE Sportwagon have rocks rolling around in their head. They are aimed at a completely different market of buyers so wake up.
Holden sportwagon may be far from perfect but these will sell in numbers for one reason alone…Ford doesn’t offer a sportwagon. Simple.
Well i thought it looked good in the photos but now i cant seem to get over those over done wheel arches !!! They dont look too bad on the Statesman because it is longer but they look way too big on the sedan and this wagon. Yes the drivtrain is a let down and so is the old looking cheap plastic interior…..and that stupid handbrake !! Why are the power window switches on the centre console? Cant see the point with this so called wagon………..small luggage area, poor fuel economy, poor drivetrain, dated looks, poor visibility out the front and back, short wheelbase and no off road ability at all…….
Well Jason, I guess I have rocks in my head!!!! My buying shortlist narrowed down to 2 cars – Calais Sportwagon v G6E sedan. I guess I must be an usual market niche! I needed some load versatility / flexibility, hence my interest in a wagon, but I didn’t necessarily need ALL the space a wagon provides. Since a sedan with a decent fold down arrangement will do the trick for my purposes, I decided I would go with the car that was superior in virtually every way – the G6E.
“Cant see the point with this so called wagon………..small luggage area, poor fuel economy, poor drivetrain, dated looks, poor visibility out the front and back, short wheelbase and no off road ability at all…….”
What The? What The, you cant see the point of the wagon? Holden aims the “Sportwagon” mainly and probably all at private sales. It still a great wagon for families. Even though its got less storage capacity then the outgoing VZ Wagon, it still will appeal. With more storage capacity then the sedans and being only 1 grand extra over the sedan equivelant it WILL appeal and sell to private buyers. Now that Holden is out of the fleet race with the wagon, Ford is the only one hanging in there with the only wagon the XT.
And for you to say the commodore wagon hasn’t still got the looks or any (or dated) is a load of sh*t! A lot of car comparisons between the Calais/G6E and the Calais V/G6ET say the commodore still looks the best with the exterior.
I’ll agree the drivetrain, visibility is not the best and the interior is starting to date but its not bad or crap, but the exterior looks pretty much against the FG range, the VE is still better looking in the exterior looks department.
And off road ability? Out of a wagon? Why would you anyway? You must be a SUV person then.
No-one has mentioned the atrocious fuel economy this hippo returns 14l/100km!!!! FFS my VR berlina wagon returns less than 10l/100km and does the same job with more cargo space…
For my money I would be looking at a Subaru me thinks…
Ian..i mentioned the poor fuel economy. Yes it is much worse than previous models and a disgrace for a so called modern engine. HF V6 its called isnt it ? HF= Horrible fuel economy !!
Front wheel arches need to be toned down.(maybe just have them for HSV models)Other than the huge front wheel arches styling is ok.Interior is bland and V6 is bottom of the heap.
For the update (VF) If Holden think they can put a new grill and rear tail lights on and call it a new model they are doomed.They URGENTLY need the direct injected V6 (with 6 speed auto) and a freshened up interior.
I had a good look at the SV6 and I think it’s a nice car except for the smell of plastic as soon as you opened the door. The spare wheel well is a plastic insert through the rear chassie, thought OH thats different.
Rear Gate just like a C300 Chrysler Wagon without the room, interesting thing is that a guy pulled up to have 1 last look at the SV6 wagon and said I’m now convinced.
Of what I said and he said his going to buy a Klugger.
It seems that Holden is asking a premimum price for this Wagon and not many willing pay it, the ads aren’t working it’s not a Sports Wagon. It’s a Holden Station Wagon.
What a boring road test!
yes – the fact that the ignition key isnt illuminated is a big issue and requires reporting..
yawn
Saw one of these today. They look very boring.
GTR,
Yep on of the few cars that looks better in the photos than it does on the road. Dissapointing really.
Just got my Sportwagon. SS 6sp manual. Ive seen lots of photos and it looks good but, in the flesh (steel) it looks great. Lots of looks and comments from people and they seem to like it too. I am not disappointed at my Sportwagon.
Bret, youre probably saying that because youre an all blue ford fan.
Sean66, what colour? Any options?
Duck,
No mate. I was impressed by the photos of the VE wagon, however now having seen some on the road (ALL FLEET!), it just doesn’t measure up.
Why is it that, after the way Holden have marketed this, and comments on web sites, why is it that the only ones to be seen on the road are FLEET cars?
The VE Wagon was not meant to be a fleet car. Whats going on??
As an owner of VZ wagon, I’m frankly disappointed that Holden have gone down this Sportwagon path. The decrease in load carrying capacity is a real problem and effectively rules it out of contention. The problem is that the Falcon wagon is prehistoric, so there is only the option of going to a van if you want to carry more than a few bags.
I’m waiting for holden to weld the back doors of the sportwagon shut and cover ip the windows – thereby creating the modern sandman panelvan which Im sure would be extremely popular not only with surfers but also tradies as Ford no longer make a panelvan.
I mean the company that makes the panels for the VE Hirotec in Elizabeth [about 1o minutes from the Holden factory] would’t have to cut out the aperature for the rear windows for a start.
And I expect that there would be a couple of images lying around Holdens state of the art design studio in Melbourne of a Sandman; just as there was images of a Monaro when the VT was released
VZWagoneer – May I suggest that if you aren’t particularly keen on the design of the VE sportwagon and are looking for a new wagon you might want to look at the Volvo V50.
My fiance; Bavarian Missile is looking at getting a new wagon.. she had a look at a 6 Speed Manual V8 Calais however; is leaning more towards a Volvo T-5 V50 wagon with AWD.
Another thing holden could probably do is whack either the Haldex AWD system [as used in the Saab 9-X crossover] or even the AWD system which will be under the new Insignia; under the Sportwagon and voila a new Adventra – afterall if the Torana is going to be built on the same platform as the Insignia it seems to be the next logical step
It’s the T-6 AWD V70 My Fiance is looking at not the V-50
I looked at the new V70 also. It’s got rugged style and I like the overall package but my money is going towards an SS Sportwagon. 270kw and it comes in manual. Luv-velly!
Duck…Sorry for the late reply. Not been to this blog in a long time.
Colour is Atomic Metallic green. SS 6sp Manual. No options its bog standard but have extras like, SS seat covers, moulded mudflaps and boot protector. Darkest legal tint, headlight and bonnet protectors. You can almost say I am pver protective…lol..paranoid about the car getting dirty or damaged.
Driven just under 7000km since getting the car in mid August. Did the drive to Perth and back. Very comfy and the assurance of having a V8 under the bonnet when overtaking roadtrains was great. Only downfall….washing and polishin. In Port Hedland I have to contend with iron ore dust and salt air. If I dont keep on top of things, then the paintwork will suffer.
Duck….people do stop and stare when I drive around. I think Holden has done a good job with the car. Being the green it stands out even more. So far no notice from the police but then again I dont attract any attention either. LOL…
Um, the ignition barrel is INDEED illuminated, perhaps you had purposely turned the auto lights off or used the SAAB interior light-kill command? Also, the dipping revision mirror on the passenger side is an excellent aid in protecting expensive alloys from gutter rash, unfortunately it only comes with the Drivers Memory Seat option..
I agree Devil666. The ignition barrel has been illuminated on the Holden Commodore for a while. My VT Acclaim has an illuminated ignition barrel!
The VE has got an illuminated ignition barrel CarAdvice!