Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s mini Detroit. Australia’s two biggest car manufacturers Holden and Ford, consider the Melbourne area as their home with various production, design and test and development facilities dotted about the area. Toyota also has a large production facility there so it comes as no surprise that the Melbourne International Motor Show is considered to be the one.
Not to be outdone by Ford’s recently revealed FG Ford Falcon, Holden have used Melbourne International Motor Show to launch the wagon/estate version of their highly acclaimed Commodore sedan. Holden refer to the new body-style as the “Sportwagon”. The Sportwagon can be equipped with a range of engines including a 3.6L V6 and a 6.0L V8. Engine outputs range from a 180kW (240hp) to the mighty 6.0L V8 which offers 270kW (360hp) and can be equipped with a 4 speed, 5 speed or 6 speed automatic transmission depending on engine option. There is also a 6 speed manual option on the more performance orientated V8 model.
As is often the case with modern car designs, the wagon variant is arguably a more cohesive design than the sedan body-style. Holden will be hoping that they steal some of Fords thunder and also attract some of Ford’s customers away from the very popular Ford Territory SUV.
Press Release
VE SPORTWAGON OFFERS GREAT VALUE AND CHOICE
GM Holden released pricing for the all-new VE Sportwagon at the Melbourne International Motor Show today, adding great value to its list of attractive features. The 2008 VE Sportwagon range starts from as little as $37,790 # for Omega, with each of the seven models only $1,000 more than their VE sedan equivalent. At $41,290 #, the new VE Sportwagon Berlina is an amazing $5,600 less than its VZ wagon equivalent whilst offering a range of engineering advances and safety features including Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) , Rear Park Assist and six airbags which are standard across the range.
Having more than doubled the model range from three in VZ to seven in VE, the new Sportwagon offers buyers more choice and more features to further enhance its appeal to both private and business customers.
GM Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey, said value and choice would be key features that would attract buyers to the new VE Sportwagon.
“The Australian market is becoming increasingly challenging and at Holden we believe the VE Sportwagon’s pricing, sedan-like handling and stylish design will ensure it has the competitive edge it needs to succeed in its segment. The extended VE range offers real choices in practicality and flexibility to both the business buyer and Aussie families. With safety features such as ESP and six airbags as standard across the range, many potential buyers will see this as a great value car which ticks all the right boxes ,” Mr Batey said.
VE Sportwagon Model and Powertrain Line-up:
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 transmission
• Calais V-Series High Output Alloytec V6 with 5 speed auto transmission -or- Gen 4 V8 with 6 speed auto transmission (optional)
# RRP – excludes dealer delivery and Government charges
VE Sportwagon Highlights
Overview:
• Great style, performance and practicality
• All the storage advantages that comes with a wagon
• Seats 5 adults in comfort
• Higher cargo floor making it easier to load items into the cargo area
• Flexible cargo cover for security, with innovative D-pillar tracks for added functionality
• 60:40 split 2nd row seat which can be folded flat for storage of larger items
• Innovative opening tailgate which requires less opening space
Safety
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) standard on all models
• Driver, front passenger and side impact airbags standard on all models
• Curtain airbags standard on all models
• Occupant protection system designed for the real world driving environment
• Ultra-stiff body structure, multiple load path strategy and structurally optimised front & rear deformation zones
Technology
• Rear Park Assist standard on all models
• Roof-mounted DVD system available on selected models
• Integrated navigation system available on all models
• Multi-function driver information display system
Performance
• The multi-link Linear Control Suspension system is the most advanced suspension design ever under a Holden
• Large, fade-resistant brake systems help reduce stopping distances
• Increased diameter wheel and tyre packages for braking and cornering control
• As on sedan, two V6 engine versions will be available: an Alloytec 3.6 litre V6 with single exhaust; and the Alloytec High Output 3.6 litre V6 with dual exhaust
• 6.0 litre Generation 4 Alloy V8 coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic transmission
Omega
Standard features on Omega include:
• 3.6L Alloytec V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm*, four-speed automatic
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP ® ) including Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Electronic Brake Assist and Traction Control
• Four 16-inch alloy wheels
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Multifunction driver display
• Cruise control
• Rear Park Assist
• Automatic headlamp mode
• Single disc CD player
• Dual stage front airbags; side and curtain impact airbags
Berlina
Berlina has all Omega standard features and in addition:
• Four 17-inch alloy wheels
• Front fog lamps
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Trip computer with triple display
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Four-way electric adjustment of driver’s seat
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• Six-inch multifunction display screen
SV6
SV6 features include:
• 3.6L High Output Alloytec V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm*, five-speed automatic with Active Select
• Sports suspension
• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Single disc CD player
• Sports interior
• Sports body kit
• Dual exhaust
• Chrome highlights
• Rear Park Assist
SS
SS features include:
• 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm ** , six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic with Active Select
• Limited Slip Differential
• Sports suspension
• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Sports front seats
• Rear Park Assist
SS V
SS V has all SS standard features and in addition:
• Projector headlamps
• Alloy faced pedals
• Four 19-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap gear selector
• Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel
• Leather seat inserts
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• 6.5-inch multi-function display screen
• Zone based Rear Park Assist
Calais
Calais features include:
• 3.6L High Output Alloytec V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm*, five-speed automatic with Active Select
• Four 17-inch alloy wheels
• Leather wrap gear selector
• Leather wrap steering wheel
• Trip computer with triple display
• Bluetooth ® connectivity for compatible mobile phones
• Projector headlamps
• Six-disc in-dash CD player, MP3 compatible
• Six-way electric adjustment of driver’s seat
• Dual zone electronic climate control
• 6.5-inch multi-function display screen
• Zone based Rear Park Assist
Calais V
Calais V has all Calais standard features and in addition:
• Four 18-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome finish body side mouldings
• Chrome highlights on exterior door handles
• Leather wrap sports profile steering wheel
• Zone based Front and Rear Park Assist
• Rain Sensing Wipers
• Rear overhead DVD
• Eight-way driver and front passenger seat
• Leather seat trim
• Memory settings for driver seat & exterior mirrors
*Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations
** Figures quoted using 98 RON (PULP)
Source: Holden
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