Holden VZ Crewman S 4x2 3.6
Priced from: $38620 including a/c
Holden's Crewman is unique in this field as it starts life as a passenger car re-engineered as a twin cab ute. Because the Commodore starting point is a large and imposing sedan, its longer, sleeker nose and better balanced engine location uses up valuable length with no benefit to cabin or load area. Sedans also traditionally place passengers in a semi-reclining position compared to a purpose-built commercial which usually seats them upright like a bar stool.
Even though the Crewman has a totally different emphasis and starting point from the others in this field, dealers are reporting that the Holden is often on the same 'shopping list' with end functions identical.
The design and car roots allow the Crewman to generate front seat comfort and stretching space that is in a class of its own in this segment, but not so for the rear passengers. Faced with cutting the load area (even) shorter, Holden engineers left the rear seat backrest at an almost vertical angle. Short of reworking the cabin sheetmetal (which dictates this angle), there is no easy fix for this. This shortcoming has left some buyers who were expecting five adult seating positions with sedan comfort disappointed.
For those who want only occasional seats for their children or lock-up internal storage separate from the ute bed for valuables, the Crewman is just about perfect. Like the other entries here, it is a case of trying out the Crewman and working out whether the compromises can work for you.
So where does the Crewman stand alone? To load the roof, it is much lower and will fit into a lower carport or storage. It has a powerful engine that can generate reasonable economy with the sleeker Commodore shape. Its load bed is longer than the shortest load beds of some Japanese/Thai rivals and is deeper than most. It also offers the widest load area between the rear wheel arches which can be a clincher for certain flat pack and other load requirements.
Towing capacity is also better than average but only if you specify the auto. Crewman's six speed manual is unique in this class and worth considering.
Holden re-engineered the load support area and rear suspension of the Crewman which means that it is stronger in the back than the standard Commodore ute. The live rear axle which works well in this application does not generate the uneven tyre wear problems of the standard IRS Commodore ute when fully laden.
As a 4x2, the Crewman has more of a road car stance and specification which might exclude it from ongoing fully laden applications where the roads are rough.
The combination of alloy wheels and S body additions lifts it from a basic commercial to a smart family and work carry-all. The standard twin airbags, ABS, soft tonneau, cruise control, trip computer, leather wrap steering wheels, sunglasses holder and other passenger car details reflects its long distance cruising capabilities rather than just a short-haul load-lugger.
Vital Statistics
Body (mm) - Overall Length: 5306
- Width: 1870
- Wheelbase: 3200
- Height: 1512
- Wheels and Tyres: 16X 7JJ Alloy/215/65R16
- Kerb Weight: 1755kg
- Towing Capacity: 1600kg (man)/2100kg (auto)
Load Bed (mm) - Length: 1463
- Width (max/min): 1438/1226
- Wall Height: 484
Engine - Type: V6 DOHC EFI
- Capacity: 3565cc
- Power: 175kW/6000
- Torque: 320Nm/2400