KEY POINTS:
GM-Holden is aiming its new VE Commodore station wagon more at lifestyle buyers than fleet markets - that's one reason why the vehicle's cargo area is smaller than that of the outgoing model.
Another is that the rear-drive wagon shares its wheelbase with the VE sedan - every Holden carry-all since the 1971 HQ has been based on long-wheelbase Statesman/Caprice platforms.
Yet another is that it has been deliberately designed to be re-engineered for left-hand-drive markets - compact, sportier wagons are a global growth segment; bigger, workhorse station wagons like the previous Commodore are not.
The carmaker unveiled the concept Sportwagon at the Sydney motor show, saying it was designed to appeal to a broader market.
New GM-Holden chairman and managing director Chris Gubbey said that while overall cargo space might be reduced, the practicality of Holden's wagon would increase.
"To get the style, it's a matter of balance, but it still has an impressive load space," he said. "Obviously you're getting something that I really do believe redefines the wagon segment."
GM-Holden design boss Tony Stolfo said the carmaker was after the sort of lifestyle-orientated person who might consider a Mazda6, Subaru Outback or even a BMW 5 Series wagon.
"The market is shifting," he said. "We needed a sportier design. We needed to produce a wagon with loads of functionality but with increased appeal."
Holden hopes the Commodore wagon will lure buyers wary of the growing backlash against larger sports utility vehicles.
"There is a stigma associated with SUVs," says Stolfo. "So to launch a new wagon in this timeframe is the right thing to do."
The company also equipped its V8-powered concept with a fuel-saving cylinder-deactivation system - at cruising speeds under light loads the engine runs on four cylinders instead of eight. Chrysler uses similar technology in its V8 units.
But Holden won't say when the technology will be introduced in production V8 models. It is not compatible with V6 or smaller engines, where it becomes counter-productive.
The Sportwagon is the first glimpse of the planned production model scheduled to hit Holden showrooms here in the first half of 2008. It is the third VE-based derivative after the sedan and ute.
At the rear, designers have created a wider opening by positioning the tailgate hinge forward into the roof line. This allows the tailgate to open on a more vertical plane. Holden says the higher cargo floor also makes loading easier. The rear seats split 60:40 and can be folded flat for more load room.
Holden New Zealand managing director Peter Keley said the new wagon "will challenge the historical market perceptions around what a wagon represents".
"We've added safety features such as ESP (stability control) as standard and luxury versions will be incorporated into the range to further increase its appeal."
The Holden wagon is unlikely to be available in four-wheel drive.
Stolfo said provision was made for it in the flexible architecture of the VE Commodore sedan, ute and wagon.
"It's been designed to take four-wheel drive, with a transfer case moulded into the floor," he said.
"When you start exporting to cold-climate markets, it has international appeal.
"But I can't say that it will be produced."
