Countdown to VE Sportwagon

It's a sure bet that Holden's marketing department has fingers collectively crossed for the VE Sportwagon. The new car's release date has left the Commodore range wagonless for months, allowing the Toyota Corolla to snatch the title of Australia's most popular car from the VE Commodore sedan for the first six months of 2008.

With the potential to sell a thousand units extra each month, the VE Sportwagon should provide some breathing space for Holden's large car range -- and move the VE back to number one. For this reason alone it's arguably Holden's most important new car release this year...

The Carsales Network has driven the new beast, but we're constrained by an embargo to remain schtumm until tomorrow, when we'll bring you our driving impressions in glorious detail.

In the meantime, we can tell you that pricing and specification for the wagon remain consistent with the information Holden revealed at the Melbourne International Motor Show back in March.

In other words, it's priced just $1000 more than its sedan counterparts and features standard reverse parking sensors, side-impact airbags for front seat occupants, side curtain airbags and ESP -- all as standard.

Just as the Commodore sedan does, the Sportwagon range comprises base Omega, sporting SV6, SS and SS V models, plus Berlina, Calais and Calais V variants.

Pricing starts from $37,790 for the entry-level Omega with 180kW V6 and four-speed automatic. This car is the model Holden will sell to fleets and yet it comes with gear such as ABS, ESP, multi-function steering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels, auto headlights and cruise control.

For $3300 more ($41,290), the Berlina moves up to 17-inch alloys and adds front fog lights, a leather-bound steering wheel, trip computer, Bluetooth, MP3-compatible six-disc CD audio system, four-way electric adjustment of the driver's seat and dual-zone climate control.

At just $1000 more than the Berlina ($42,290), the SV6 model picks up a 195kW version of the Alloytec V6 and a five-speed automatic in lieu of the four-speeder in the lower-spec models. Standard features include FE2 sports suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and a dual exhaust system. It reverts to the single-disc CD system of the Omega, but retains the Berlina's leather-bound steering wheel and Bluetooth connectivity.

The manual SS climbs to $46,290 for the six-speed manual variant. As for the sedan equivalent, the SS Sportwagon is powered by Holden's 6.0-litre all-alloy V8, developing 270kW of power and 530Nm of torque. A limited slip differential and the Berlina's audio system are the two principal features that set the SS apart from the SV6 -- other than the drivetrain. An extra $2000 ($48,290) buys the six-speed automatic transmission option.

Building on the SS specification, the SS V is priced at $53,790 for the manual or $55,790 for the auto. Both variants are equipped with projector-beam headlights, alloy-faced sports pedals, 19-inch alloys and leather trim for the gear selector and seats.

Priced from $46,790, the Calais shares its higher-output V6 and five-speed auto box with the SV6, except the auto is standard in the luxury grade (optional on the SV6).

For its specification, the Calais builds on the Berlina's equipment list. As standard, the car features 17-inch alloys, leather-bound steering wheel and gear selector, enhanced trip computer, Bluetooth, projector-beam headlights, six-disc CD audio system with MP3 compatibility, dual-zone climate control and six-way electrically adjustable driver's seat.

The Calais V is available with the standard Calais' V6 and auto drivetrain for $55,290, but also offers the option of the 270kW V8 and six-speed automatic for $60,290. Stepping up to 18-inch alloy wheels, the top-spec Sportwagon also incorporates a leather-bound sports steering wheel, more chrome accents for the exterior (door handles and side protection strips), rain-sensing wipers, leather-trimmed seats with memory and electric adjustment for the driver's seat and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.

Many of the features that distinguish one grade from the next can be purchased separately as options. These include leather seat trim ($2500) for the Berlina, SV6 and standard-grade Calais and SS. The six-disc audio system can be specified for the Omega and SV6 for the sum of $595. Full leather trim with eight-way electrically adjustable front seats will cost Calais buyers a further $3000. The rear-seat DVD entertainment system fitted to the Calais V can be purchased for $1290 and will fit all models other than the Omega.

FE2 sports suspension, which is standard on the sports models, can also be fitted to the Omega, Berlina, Calais and Calais V for $330 – adding a limited slip differential is mandatory. The LSD in isolation is a $360 option.

Satellite navigation is an option across the entire range for $1290, or $1990 for the unit with full colour mapping. Similarly, a full-size spare tyre is a $250 option for all models.

Look out for our full launch review of the Holden Sportwagon range from midnight tonight.

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