WAGONS HO: six small wagons ready for family value

Just a decade ago, no mid- to family-size model had a hope of making the big time without a wagon derivative in its catalogue. Of course, life was simpler then, with wagons' gender and role clearly defined.

In recent times, though, the wagons' circle has been breeched, their genes stirred and market share eroded by stiff competition from hatchbacks and by the irrepressible influx of all-wheel drive softroaders. This is particularly evident in the small-to-medium wagon sector, where prices range from under $20,000 to about $32K or so.

In some minds, last year's demise of the Toyota Corolla wagon signalled a sizeable hiccup for the small-medium carry-all class. But the ongoing models show that while compact wagons have become as varied in shape (if not size) as they are in versatility, they're as functional as ever when haulin's a'callin'.

Dodge Caliber (more here)
Not your traditional station wagon, Dodge's high-riding Caliber. Though nor is it meant to be. With prices extending from $23,990 to $31,990 across a wider than usual model range, the Caliber epitomises the if-you-can't-beat-them, imitate-them strategy.

Hence the tough looks, the command-position seating and this group's largest (17- or 18-inch) standard wheels. Acknowledging the mainly town and highway lifestyle it's aimed at, however, the Caliber snubs the extra cost, complexity and weight of all-wheel drive for explicitly conventional front-drive design.

Behind the not unimpressive pseudo-SUV facade, are some traditional wagon attributes such as the washable vinyl-faced cargo floor. The usual power assists, air-conditioning, remote central locking and other creature features are included, plus individual touches such as a Chill Zone drinks bin.

Caliber's safety credentials include dual front and front-side airbags, also four-wheel disc brakes with ABS. Electronic stability control is standard on R/T, optional for ST, SX and SXT (pictured).

The four spec levels between them offer a total of nine variants via different combinations of manual 2.0-litre CRD turbodiesel, manual 1.8 and 2.4-litre petrol, and manual or CVT automatic 2.0-litre petrol drivetrains.

Caliber's three-year/100,000km warranty comes with roadside assistance.

Market analysts forecast that Caliber's three-year value rate will, depending on model, retain from low 50s up to 60 per cent.

Holden Astra (more here)
One of the big movers in the compact class, the Astra wagon is recognisably sedan-based, forward of the rear doors at least. However, its 2703mm wheelbase is 89mm longer than its hatch and coupe siblings, and its 4515mm overall length is more than 250mm greater.

This up-sizing benefits the luggage space which amounts to just over 450 litres capacity with the rear seat raised, and almost 1550 litres with the seat lowered.

There's benefit beneath the bonnet too, for the original 1.8-litre engine was replaced in April '07 with an updated version delivering noticeably better performance than before (thanks to maximum power having increased by 11kW and torque by 5Nm) while reducing average fuel consumption by 0.4lt/100km.

The other good news is that the pricing remains unchanged, meaning the CD model opens at $23,790 while the CDX edition (pictured) is $26,490. Either way, optional four-speed automatic transmission adds $2000.

Although the Astra is (just) the lightest wagon here, it feels as tight in the body as its peers and is second to none in its driving dynamics.

Judging by official fuel consumption numbers, the Astra is also one of the most economical models. Other attractions include standard three-year/100,000km warranty and average-or-better projected value retention.

Holden Viva (more here)
As you may be aware, the Holden Viva makes a big deal about having (arguably) more cupholders and stowage spaces than any other model hereabouts. But don't let that distract you from Viva's most significant feature – the lowest price of any wagon in this class. As a five-speed manual, the 1.8-litre Viva opens at $19,490, while the four-speed automatic adds $2000. Metallic paint is $300 extra, and the optional ABS brakes and alloy wheels are packaged at $1190.

Now, skeptics may say there are reasons (nudge-wink) for Viva's openly provocative pricing. Okay, admittedly Holden's cheapest hold-all won't win prizes for its indifferent ride quality and underwhelming handling dynamics, but the build quality seems competitive and the overall presentation certainly echoes that impression.

Apart from reasonably roomy seating, the Viva wagon cites cargo capacity of 400 with the rear seat up, and 1410 litres down.

Features include two-way wheel adjustment, heated exterior mirrors, remote central locking, driver's lumbar/height/tilt adjustments, air conditioning, power front windows (optional rear) and a cargo cover. The passive safety score includes front and front-side airbags and front belt pretensioners. And there's no knocking the three-year/100K warranty, nor the Redbook's estimation of the same value retention rate as the Astra.

Hyundai Tucson City (more here)
The Tucson City is proof positive that many SUV buyers are less interested in all-wheel drive abilities than the tall-boy seating with easy step-up entry, and versatile wagon-style passenger/luggage arrangements.

Leaving the all-wheel drive softroader clientele to its costlier V6-powered stablemates, the strictly four-cylinder front-drive City commands about 65 per cent of Tucson sales.

The SX model (pictured) asks $24,990 as a five-speed manual, and $2K more as a four-speed automatic, while the auto-only Elite version is $29,990. Either way, the City's 2630mm wheelbase is on the long side of average for this class, yet its overall length is shortest thanks to reduced overhangs at both ends. It's also the heaviest model here by two to three hundred kilo.

The SX City's safety features include front airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and front seat belts with pretensioning and load limitation. The Elite adds electronic stability system, traction control, front-side airbags and full-length curtain airbags.

Apart from the usual air conditioning, power windows and power mirrors, the City boasts reclining rear backrests, leather-bound wheel and gear knob, sunnies holder, cruise control, 16-inch alloys, height/tilt driver's cushion and opening tailgate window.

Also, a five-year/unlimited-kilometres warranty, albeit without roadside assistance. And reasonable to good resale prospects.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportswagon (more here)
Closely based on the Lancer sedan, the Sportswagon shares the four-door's 2600mm wheelbase and differs only slightly in length. The entry-level ES costs $22,4490 as a five-speed manual and $24,990 as a four-speed auto. Equivalent VR-X versions (pictured) are $30,490 and $32,990 respectively.

All are powered by a well-developed 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine giving rousing performance with competitive fuel consumption; rated at 9.5lt/100km regardless of model and transmission.

Externally, the VR-X is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels (versus 15-inch steels), mesh grille, front foglights and own front bumper. Inside, one has climate control and six-stack CD player, the other air conditioning and single CD. Indeed, the ES has a relatively plain but serviceable interior where the VR-X's is highlighted by upmarket touches including alloy pedals, richer cloth trim and leather coverings for the wheel, gear knob and handbrake lever.

The two continue on their separate ways, but both provide seat up/down boot capacity of 344/1079 litres.

In the safety department, ABS brakes with EBD, front belt pretensioners, and front airbags are standard, with front-side and curtain airbags as a $1500 option -- unless you prefer the VR-X with a $1600 sun-roof, in which case the extra airbags aren't applicable.

Other plusses include Mitsubishi's five-year/130,000km warranty with roadside assistance, and about-average resale expectations.

Subaru Impreza Hatch (more here)
The Impreza Hatch is a wagon in all but name. Why so? Because the rules governing body types say a real hatchback has shorter rear overhang than the related sedan. The Impreza Hatch however, has the same wheelbase and length as its four-door associate.

And true to form, this Hatch provides wagon-like cargo capacity, expandable from 356 to 1266 litres depending whether the rear seat is upright or folded.

Even without the raunchy WRX model, the Hatch presents on three levels: the 2.0i for $24,440 as a five-speed manual, the RV at $26,940 and the 2.0R (pictured) for $30,440. Optional four-speed automatic transmission adds $2000.

Although the 2.0R's engine has the same bore/stroke, compression ratio and four valves per cylinder as the 2.0i and RV, its DOHC design delivers significantly more performance than their SOHC engines.

It goes without saying that all-wheel drive is included, because it comes standard on every Subaru. The Imprezas' other features include Data Dot security coding, front and front-side airbags, cruise control, semi-automatic air conditioning, four-star ANCAP crash-test rating, and three-year/unlimited km warranty (without roadside assistance).

The Impreza, like the Caliber, has a space saver spare wheel. But the Subaru tops the field with highest projected resale value of up to 67 per cent.

The Carsales Network's picks

Hardhead -- For cargo capacity's sake, all-round sedan-like driving qualities, and keen pricing to boot, it's hard to go past the Holden Astra wagon. About the only thing it lacks is a stand-out personality.

Heartbeat -- Decisions, decisions. If pricing is a top priority you may not be willing or able to see beyond the Holden Viva. But if you prefer the advantages of SUV-like command-position seating without the extra baggage that all-wheel drive entails, the Tucson City could be a good bet. Then again, the Subaru Hatch counts all-wheel drive as major plus among the Impreza's many persuasive features. While the Caliber isn't as capacious as some, it's second to none for range, choice and individuality. And the Lancer ? Well, it does what wagons have always done best, and does that pretty well. See, head or tails?

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