Sportwagon Takes On Off-roaders

The Age

Saturday July 12, 2008

Richard Blackburn

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.

The ride is comfortable and well controlled for the most part, although the Omega and Calais, which have softer suspension than the SS and SV6 models, tend to wallow a little over bigger bumps. There is also a bit more lean through corners.

Steering is accurate and well-weighted, and overall Holden has delivered on its promise of a sedan-like driving feel that is clearly superior to its off-roader opposition.

One concern, though. On one of the test cars there was a metallic grinding noise when the car's suspension loaded up through corners. We had the same thing happen with a couple of Commodore sedans and we suspect it may be the exhaust rubbing on the car's underbody.

The only letdown in the driving experience is Holden's standard V6, which remains off the pace when compared with its local rivals, the Ford Falcon and Toyota Aurion (and the Territory and Kluger offroaders which use the same engines as their sedan equivalents).

With an extra 90 kilograms of weight to lug around, the 180 kW 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 litres per 100 kilometres compared by 10.8 L/100km. Our real world driving suggested the figures were attainable, although much of our drive route was at cruising speed.

The SV6's 195 kW is a little better and at least the exhaust has a sporty rasp to it.

The pick of the bunch is undoubtedly the 270 kW V8, which, when matched with the six-speed automatic transmission, provides effortless and highly entertaining acceleration, provided you can live with the fuel bills. Having said that, the V8 wagon versions have marginally better consumption than the sedan (13.8 L/100km to 13.9).

Inside, the cabin is unchanged from the sedan. The instruments are easy to use, the digital read-outs clear and well illuminated and the trip meter read-out in between the tachometer and speedo adds a touch of Euro-class.

Overall, it's a very convincing package at a price that will tempt buyers of both compact and mid-size offroaders. Whether or not it can stop the 4WD sales juggernaut remains to be seen. -- RICHARD BLACKBURN

© 2008 The Age

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