Holden Commodore Wagon 2004 Review

When trips away to Bunbury, Busselton and other exotic locations were achieved with most of the car's occupants asleep on a mattress on the station wagon's rear deck.

Ah, yes. The station wagon. Where has that part of life gone?

Three decades later, buried in a sea of warnings and a cargo hold of seatbelts and airbags, the station wagon remains as a car that has the potential to once again be everything to the young family.

But while the potential is there, a changing world has made laws that prevent such free-spirited times.

You can't even give the kiddies a decent night's nap on the way to Kalbarri by wrapping them in the luggage net.

So what do they use station wagons for now?

Uninspiringly, the modern wagon is more likely a pack horse for commercial purposes, carting wine samples, carpet swatches, books and electrical appliances, while the modern family carts the kids in SUVs.

Holden's latest wagon is, however, a good thing.

A bit of a carryover, unfortunately, and possibly ready to see out its days as the 21st century's metal equivalent of the dodo bird, but nevertheless, a good thing.

The car tested came with a thumping 5.7-litre V8 and drank at 14.2-litres/100km. I'm getting used to that type of consumption because its similar to some mid-sized 4WDs – SUVs such as the Ford Territory, and big-league sedans.

For that fuel penalty, the performance was strong with heaps of low-speed grunt making the package ideal for towing.

It gobbles up the kilometres, thanks to a rather tall fourth ratio in the automatic gearbox.

The Berlina gets a lot more fruit than the plain jane Commodore Executive and actually looks more lavish because of chrome adornments and alloy wheels.

It also handles a bit better because of the high-quality, low-profile tyres and firmer suspension.

This is no go-kart but it hangs on pretty well and is tempered when needed by a traction control system.

But like the current crop of Commodores, it's a firm car to drive. The steering is firm and the gearshift is tight.

I have no idea why the car has to feel like a truck, especially given its main rival feels like punting a Pulsar in comparison.

Back to the good bits: the Berlina wagon boasts high comfort levels and, as expected because of its long wheelbase, excellent rear leg-and-head room.

Like the HR station wagon of old, the rear seat folds down so it becomes a carrier of long items or a sleeper (when the car is stationary).

Standard fare includes climatic airconditioning, front and side airbags, six-stack CD player, electric windows and mirrors, ABS brakes and fat alloy wheels.

All the goodies, in fact, to make you want to take a long trip in the country with the kiddies.