Holden Sportwagon Car Review

FamilyCar Rating: Model Reviewed: Sportwagon Berlina 3.0 litre SIDI V6 petrol 6 speed auto $45,490* Other models priced from Omega 3.0 litre SIDI V6 petrol 6 speed auto $41,990* 3 word summary: Solid Family Wagon

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Holden have just launched their new range of 2010 model year Commodores and Sportwagon. The big news is the brand spanking new power train and transmission that's been fitted across the V6 Commodore and Sportwagon range. The big pluses from the new engine are better fuel efficiency and better performance. There are some very minor feature changes on the latest models but the exterior is the same.

There are plenty of Sportwagon models to choose from depending on the level of features you want and how important the performance is, and of course your budget. The most affordable is the 3.0 litre V6 Omega; the Calais V Series gives you all the luxury under the sun; and the SS V Series with a V8 under the bonnet gets you off at the lights with a lightening pace with the luxury of leather and plenty of other features. Our review focuses on the Berlina 3.0 litre V6 with the new SIDI engine.

Driver's View
Overall the Sportwagon feels quite heavy. It feels like a lot of metal around you, but equally plenty of horses under the bonnet to get you moving. I say "heavy" while others my say "solid". The steering wheel is man-size as is the parking brake. On the upsize the glove box is enormous, you can get 3 child restraints across the backseat and the boot space will fit most things a family can throw at it.

There are plenty of adjustments that can be made to give you a good driving position. The driver's seat is power adjustable 4 ways while the steering wheel can also be adjusted in/out and up/down. There's a lso a lumbar support for the driver and front passenger. Cruise control is standard and the audio controls are mounted on steering wheel

I got addicted to the trip computer which shows average speed, odometer/trip meter/trip time, distance/time to go, instantaneous/average fuel consumption, digital speedometer, tracks to trips simultaneously, fuel used/range, visual and audible speed warning.

Safety
All Sportwagon models score the maximum 5 star ANCAP safety rating and, let's face it, when it comes to moving your family around this is a priority (followed very closely by space, particularly the boot!) It's got the whole gamut of features including 6 airbags, ABS brakes, Electronic Brake Distribution, Electronic Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Control. It's also got rear park assist and you can opt for the rear view camera.

Storage
There are lots of storage spaces including a sunglasses holder, 2 cup holders in the front, a large centre console box, centre storage nooks and front and rear door pockets.
The boot space is not deep but it is flat and low which makes it easy to get heavy items, such as a golf clubs, in and out. You will easily fit in a double pram and other luggage. When you need extra space you can fold one or both rear seats down to form a completely flat space. In the boot area there is a storage nook as well as a 12 volt outlet. There's also a cargo blind, which now comes standard in all Sportwagons.

Rear Passenger Comfort
There shouldn't be any complaints from your rear passengers, big, small or fluffy. There's plenty of head, shoulder and leg room with comfortably firm seats. There are also rear air vents to keep them cool/warm.

Green Factor
Greater fuel efficiency is the driving force behind the new Sportwagon and Commodore, hence the birth and utilisation of the SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) engine. If you want to know more about how this works, click here. This new engine, along with a number of other modifications, such as lower rolling resistance tyres, means that the new models use up to 13% less fuel than the previous models.
The 3.0 litre V6 Berlina consumes 9.6 litres per 100kms combined cycle. Although it is an improvement over the previous model, it's still pretty thirsty around town consuming just over 13 litres per 100kms. It does however score 4 stars out of 5 in the Green Vehicle Guide rating.

Buyer's Tip
You get 12 months free roadside assistance when you buy a new Holden. You can extend this to 3 years for free by taking your new vehicle to an authorised Holden Service Centre for its handbook servicing. The first service is due at 3,000kms or at 3 months. The next service is due at 15,000kms or 12 months.

Overall View
The Sportwagon is a very functional family car that's offers the peace of mind of a 5 star safety rating. It also has plenty of features that make life on the road more comfortable. The only drawback of the car is that it lacks refinement and feels a bit chunky to drive.

If you're considering buying this car you might also consider the Ford Mondeo wagon, Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback.

Features of Model Reviewed

Seats:	5
Airbags:	6 airbags
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
Electronic Stability Control:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	6
CD player:	6 disc in dash CD player with MP3 compatibility and AUX input jack
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	6 speed auto
Engine:	3.0 litre V6 SIDI
Fuel type:	Petrol
Fuel consumption (combined cycle):	9.6 litres/100 kms
CO2 Emission:	228gms/km
Greenhouse rating#:	5.5/10 (10=best)
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
ANCAP Safety rating:
Maximum Towing Capacity:	2,100kgs
Warranty:	3 year/100,000 kms with 12 months Roadside Assistance
Price:	$45,490*

*Manufacturer's list price. Excludes dealer delivery, insurance and statutory government charges.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Holden dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: September 2009

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye