Holden Adventra CX6 2005 Review

Yes, I'll admit. I've started thinking like a responsible adult. It happened after I picked up the Holden Adventra CX6 and found a bigger car was not necessarily a bad thing. Especially when there's serious luxury involved.

Maybe it was the DVD player (add $1749) in the back seat, the Bluetooth technology or the car fridge (add $1100) that swayed me. Maybe it was the roomy interior. Or perhaps it was the thought of the three children I had to deliver to a fifth birthday party at Victor Harbor, knowing they wouldn't be as content in my own little hatch.

Yes, the CX6 has something to keep the whole family happy. DVD for the kids, beer fridge, music controls on the steering.

It was about then I realised a big crossover vehicle like this, in Shanghai red, could also be stylish.

I wouldn't have to give up good looks just for safety or space.

Safety is built in. Front and side curtain airbags, reversing sensors, which are a must on a long vehicle like this, and warning bells for the lights and seat belts are conscientious inclusions. This off-roader, with its grippy 16in all-terrain tyres, roo bar, nudge bar, roof racks etc, is very much a sports utility that happens to have a plush, intelligent interior. That intelligence was tested on a trip to Golden Grove, on a mission that was very much thinking of another, yet-to-be-born little person. This was an adventure for an expectant friend.

Luckily, we had satellite navigation. Or so we thought.

In the CBD, the sat-nav lady, whom I christened Matilda, seemed a bit confused. Out of its bounds, she was more lucid, although we suspected she was taking us the long way. Driving-wise, the car's length bothered me as I changed lanes in built-up traffic on unfamiliar roads – and although it is a V6, I found it sluggish on takeoff.

I had to be heavy on the accelerator to get it moving – but once it was away, it was a fluid, easy ride. On the open road, like the trip to Victor, it was effortless driving.

Unfortunately, at times the power steering felt hard going and I had to make a real effort to direct the CX6's long body.

Lifting the rear door was also a challenge, needing a firm effort; not good for someone opening and closing it frequently.

LOVE IT LEAVE IT

Holden Adventra CX6

Priced from $46,990

LOVE IT

SPACIOUS, practical, yet still luxurious. Double locking system on the doors is excellent for night safety. Cup holders that fold away.

LEAVE IT

THE electronic fuel reading and fuel economy. There is cause for alarm when a car tells you there is 0km until empty even though you added fuel yesterday. Warning bells screaming "low fuel" made me panic.