HSV Tourer due in October

It's not unknown for HSV to build sports-oriented wagons -- it just hasn't been known in recent times. The last base-spec wagon to be built by the low-volume manufacturer was the VT Manta -- a car that ended production with the cessation of the original 'Aussie' cast-iron V8.

With Holden building the new VE Sportwagon on the same short-wheelbase platform as the VE Commodore sedan, it made sense for HSV to develop its own version.

What information there is to know about the E-Series Tourer -- as the HSV wagon will be named -- comes from an address by HSV MD, Scott Grant, to automotive media at the launch of the new HSV range, which is powered by the LS3 engine (more here).

Production of the Tourer will commence from September of this year, aiming for a retail launch in October. The car will be built in one level of trim only, equivalent to ClubSport R8 specification.

"We think it will really add versatility and dimension to the HSV brand and bring in some people that need great flexibility to carry things in the rear or [who] just like the look of it," said Grant.

"But we think it's an outstanding product from a design point of view and we're really looking forward to it."

From subsequent discussions with HSV staff at the LS3 launch, it's apparent that the Tourer will stick with a rear-end look close to the standard Holden's. HSV will not create a unique tailgate for the Tourer as the company did for the Maloo.

Gently mocking Holden's delayed release for the Sportwagon, Grant said about the Tourer: "It will be in production in September -- maybe in production the same month as Holden's wagon is in production. On sale October. Sorry about that. So there could be a simultaneous launch, with a bit of luck. We thought we were going to be six months behind..."

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