2009 Holden Sportwagon

HOLDEN'S ALL-NEW SPORTWAGON HITS THE SWEET SPOT

Value, choice and flexibility widen market appeal
GM Holden announced today that its much anticipated VE Sportwagon range goes on sale mid-July.




Sportwagon offers all the ride and handling benefits of a sedan in a desirable and practical body style set to appeal to private and business buyers alike.

The range has more than doubled from three to seven variants over the previous generation, increasing choice for customers. Enhanced safety features include Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), six airbags (including curtain airbags) and Rear Park Assist standard across the range.



GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mark Reuss said: 'The Holden Sportwagon hits the sweet spot between form and function. We are excited about its potential.

'Where 90 per cent of Holden's wagon sales have traditionally gone to fleets, Sportwagon can redefine the wagon stereotype by bringing greater style and performance to this segment and putting excitement back into practicality.

'The generous interior space, combined with sporty styling and sedan-like handling, will give this vehicle a competitive edge and it challenges traditional SÚV buyers to take another look at a wagon.

'Sportwagon demonstrates the flexibility of our local operations and stretches the body architecture in yet another way to maximise the value of our investment in the all-new VE range.

'This is another great example of a world class product designed, engineered and built in Australia that all Australians can be proud of.'

Clever design sees the new Sportwagon using the same short wheelbase underbody as the Commodore sedan to give the sleek proportions and driving dynamics of a sedan, yet deliver a spacious cargo area. Cargo space of 895 litres with rear seats up increases to 2000 litres with the seats folded down.
The length of the cargo area extends to almost two metres with rear seats folded flat. Sportwagon boasts the largest amount of rear headroom of all the VE variants and increased rear knee and leg room over its VZ predecessor.

Sliding the tailgate hinge point well forward into the roof has also delivered benefits.

It has improved accessibility by allowing better reach into the vehicle and the more vertical tailgate opening action requires less clearance behind the car, making access easier in car parks and other confined spaces.

Functionality is also further improved with the introduction of a two-position cargo blind that slides up the D pillar. When raised, it allows items to be loaded to window height and it can be easily lowered again to conceal and protect valuable objects without the inconvenience of having to reach into the back seat.

Other design improvements likely to appeal to family and business users alike include a higher cargo floor load level than the previous model and handy features including:

• Two shopping bag hooks;
• Eight tie-down hooks in the cargo area;
• 12 volt power outlet; and
• Low mounted cargo lamp.

Holden Sportwagon Highlights

Overview:
• Great style, performance and practicality
• All the storage advantages that come with a wagon
• Seats five adults in comfort
• Higher cargo floor makes it easier to load
• Two-position cargo blind that slides up the D pillar
• 60:40 split second row seat which can be folded flat to accommodate larger items
• Innovative tailgate requires less opening space

Safety
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) standard on all models
• Driver, front passenger and side impact airbags standard on all models
• Curtain airbags standard on all models
• Rear Park Assist standard on all models
• Occupant protection system designed for the real world driving environment
• Últra-stiff body structure, multiple load path strategy and structurally optimised front and rear deformation zones

Technology
• Roof-mounted DVD system available on selected models
• Integrated navigation system available on all models
• Multi-function driver information display system
• Bluetooth® for compatible phones' standard on all models except Omega

Performance
• The multi-link Linear Control Suspension system is the most advanced suspension design ever under a Holden
• Large, fade-resistant brake systems help reduce stopping distances
• Increased diameter wheel and tyre packages for braking and cornering control
• Two V6 engine versions are available: an Alloytec 3.6 litre V6 with single exhaust; and the Alloytec High Output 3.6 litre V6 with dual exhaust
• 6.0 litre Generation 4 Alloy V8 coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, or optional six-speed automatic transmission

Source - Holden

Rear-View Camera Makes Holden Sportwagon an Even Smarter Choice

GM Holden has introduced a rear-view camera option for all Sportwagon models, continuing to reinforce the popular Sportwagon as the smart new choice for families.

A first for a locally built Holden, the significant safety feature helps eliminate blind spots when reversing and works in conjunction with rear park assist which is standard across the Sportwagon range.



The factory-fitted option is available for the recommended retail price of $500.

GM Holden Director of Marketing, Philip Brook, said the introduction of a rear-view camera highlighted Holden's efforts to make new technology affordable and accessible to Australian motorists.



'Sportwagon has strong appeal to customers with young children where safety is a key priority in their decision to purchase a new car.

'It is an important addition that complements Sportwagon's many standard safety features including Electronic Stability Control and six airbags.

'It's an essential tool for people who need to park in tight spaces or hitch their vehicle to a trailer, caravan or boat.'

The all-new Sportwagon has been a hit since its launch earlier this year. Sportwagon outsold all SÚVs across the compact, medium and large segments in September and has maintained Commodore's position as the country's best selling vehicle so far in 2008.

Source - Holden