» Get the best price on a new Holden Commodore

It might have been leaked to the public last week but there was little erosion of the 'wow factor' when Holden unveiled its latest VE Commodore variant at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney this morning.

The Commodore Sportwagon might have been labelled a concept, but it is production ready and will go on sale in early 2008. The attractive Euro 'touring' style wagon represents a shift in Holden's strategy for its wagon variant -- a shift new Holden boss Chris Gubbey defined as "practical becoming practi-cool".

Looking like a cross between the biggest Astra hatch on the block and the landmark Chrysler 300C Touring, the new Holden uses the same wheelbase as regular VE sedan models, rather than the stretched wheelbase of its predecessors.

More of a lifestyle vehicle than a capacious family wagon, the Sportwagon is more about looks than load lugging. That said, the radical tailgate, hinges 300C style from high on the roof to provide a gaping rear opening designed to make for easy loading and the 60-40 split-fold rear seat can be laid flat to provide a large, unimpeded cargo space.

Holden would not quote actual capacity change, saying the luggage space has been reduced "marginally" from previous wagons. It countered that the VZ was among the most capacious vehicles of its type in the world.

Holden boss Gubbey said the new Sportwagon will be available in similar specification levels as the sedan range; from base level to sport and luxury models. This will include a Calais V model -- a first for the wagon, aside from a very limited run of VL Calais wagons back in the late 1980s.

He said the Sportwagon would arrive "price point competitive".

The show car featured 20-inch alloy wheels and was fitted out with goodies such as a roof-mounted DVD player, Bluetooth capability, multi-function driver information display system and zone-based front and rear park assist systems -- all from the current Calais V-Series sedan.

Holden's decision to display the V8 Sportwagon with Active Fuel Management cylinder de-activation as well as E85 flex fuel capability is as an indication it is planning to introduce these environmentally friendly technologies not too far down the track (see separate story).

To comment on this article click here