Holden Problems

No, it doesn't mean a luxury version for the models they are based on are more than luxurious already. The L means long, or more correctly long-wheelbase.

More and more manufacturers are realising they can attract extra sales by creating two-wheel-drive versions of their 'soft roaders'.2WD buyers are looking for the practicality of the wagon - a commanding driving position, perhaps a little higher ride height for a short drive down a dry dirt track, the 'look' of an SUV, strong suspension, and in some cases seven seats - without getting a people-mover.If they don’t need to go offroad, in the snow, through muddy tracks, they don’t need the four-wheel-drive ability. But they can get everything else they want with 2WD versions of the SUV.What’s the benefit of 2WD?By opting for the 2WD version, the vehicle costs thousands of dollars less because that second set of drive-shafts, differentials, wheel joints and bits are not in the vehicle. And that means the 2WD versions weigh considerably less. Less weight means less fuel, a cost saving to the owner and lower exhaust emissions for the planet. And less weight means better performance in acceleration and handling.The month of May this year was the best-ever May for new-vehicle sales in Australia. Part of the reason was a staggering 29 per cent growth in SUV sales over May of last year. Clearly Aussies still love their SUVs and many of those extra sales were because of 2WD versions.Toyota offering its large Kluger in 2WD and 4WD, in all trim levels. The choice (between 2WD and 4WD) will give buyers an alternative purchase decision based on their real needs. Toyota also offers the RAV4, which gets revised gear ratios for with 2WD.Ford launched its Territory SUV in 2004 in 4WD and 2WD right from the start. But some brands don’t offer the full choice of models of the 4WD. For example, the Kia Sorento 2WD cannot have Kia's excellent turbo-diesel engine of the 4WD, but it's recognised that 2WD buyers are looking for lower buying and running costs and so only a base model engine is provided.KIA SORENTO - $36,490 Drives well with good ride; six-speed automatic, fuel economy Engine sometimes works hard to move 1814kg weightA much better onroad wagon than previous (4WD-only) model. The 2WD Kia Sorento is available only with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to keep down cost.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 128kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 226Nm @ 3750rpmTransmission: Six-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.HOLDEN CAPTIVA - $27,990 Low price, plenty of Holden dealers for back-up Modest power, tows only 1500kg, no auto optionThe Holden Captiva 2WD gives wagon motoring to Holden followers not wanting a V6 or V8 Commodore Sportwagon. Captiva has been selling well lately.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 103kW @ 5200rpmTorque: 220Nm @ 2400rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual; front-wheel-drive.TOYOTA KLUGER - $40,990 Engine power, full model range, including seven-seater Large, blunt design, fuel useThe larger option from Toyota can be had in all the trim levels of the Kluger 4WDs, which means seven-seaters as well. The well-known 3.5 V6 engine is a good 'un.Engine: 3.5-litre, V6, petrolPower: 201kW @ 6200rpmTorque: 337Nm @ 4700rpmTransmission: Five-speed automatic; front-wheel-drive.FORD TERRITORY - $39,890 Torque at low revs, parts costs, seven-seat option Size to park, fuel use, dating body shape, auto only a four-speedThe only Australian-designed and built SUV, Territory uses Ford Falcon running gear and is a popular vehicle, especially now that Falcon wagon is ceasing production.Engine: Four-litre, six-cylinder, petrolPower: 190kW @ 5250rpmTorque: 383Nm @ 2500rpmTransmission: Four-speed automatic; rear-wheel-drive.BMW X1 sDrive18i - $43,500 BMW owner pride, diesel option, equipment, fuel economy, 1430kg weight Expensive parts and servicingBMW's new compact SUV in two-wheel-drive form is known as the sDrive. It is one of the low-cost ways of getting behind the famous BMW badge and suits Yuppies.Engine: Two-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 110kW @ 6400rpmTorque: 200Nm @ 3600rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual (optional six-speed automatic); rear-wheel-drive.TOYOTA RAV4 - $28,990 Fuel economy, Toyota reputation, modest kerb weight (1525kg), price Tows only 1500kgRAV is the most recent 4WD SUV available in 2WD and uses the Toyota Camry 2.4 engine. RAV started the compact SUV segment and has kept updated nicely since.Engine: 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrolPower: 125kW @ 6000rpmTorque: 224Nm @ 4000rpmTransmission: Five-speed manual (optional four-speed automatic); front-wheel-drive.

Holden's VE Sportwagon was an attempt to breathe new life into the station wagon just when it seemed dead and all but buried.Wagons were once the staple of families all over the country, they were the practical all-rounder for the family that needed to carry extra gear on their travels, but in recent times they have fallen out of favour as the SUV has become the family favourite. The SUV has become something the wagon could never be, an aspirational vehicle with the practicality of the traditional wagon.The wagon's cause wasn't aided by the rather grey image it acquired when it became the choice of the country's sales reps. If it was to sell, the wagon had to offer more than mere practicality, and the Sportwagon was Holden's attempt to make the wagon cool again by giving it a stylish makeover.MODEL WATCHBefore the Sportwagon Holden wagons boasted a longer wheelbase than the regular Holden sedans, but its new-age wagon differed in that it was based on the same wheelbase as the sedan. It was a sign of the tough times that the only way Holden could justify a wagon program was to build it on the sedan platform. But it was an important addition to the Commodore range that expanded its appeal to a broader market.Gone was the traditional boxy style that has been employed on wagons since the year dot, in its place was a rather swoopy shape that gave the Sportwagon a sportiness never before seen in the class.The shortened body and sweeping roofline did, however, cut into the available rear space, which was down almost 40 per cent on the VZ wagon it replaced. That's with the rear seats in their normal position... when folded flat, the rear load space was still 30 per cent less than the old wagon. A 60:40 split/fold rear seat provided flexibility in the rear, allowing objects of various shapes and sizes to be accommodated.Under the swoopy new skin lay the same mechanical package as that of the VE sedan. There was the choice of two versions of the 3.6-litre Alloytec V6, one that delivered 180 kW and 330 Nm in base form, and one that boasted 195 kW and 340 Nm in sporty SV6 guise.There was also the 6.0-litre V8 in the SS and SS-V that peaked at 270 kW and 530 Nm. The base V6 was only available with a four-speed auto, the SV6 came with a five-speed auto, while the V8 models were available in standard form with a six-speed auto with the option of a six-speed manual. The suspension was largely carried over from the sedan, with some alterations to enable it to carry a heavier load in the rear.Apart from the rear seat the interior was familiar VE, neat and tidy with all controls logically laid out and readily at hand. The Sportwagon range was quite extensive, with the base Omega, Berlina, luxury Calais and Calais V, and sporty SV6, SS and SS-V.IN THE SHOPOverall there are few concerns with the VE; while owners have reported the odd issue there is nothing that appears widespread. The engine, gearbox, diff and suspension all seem rugged and   generally reliable.The one issue that some owners have raised is the rather large A-pillars that can obstruct the driver's view when turning. The size is largely determined by the airbags the car boasts, but it is something potential owners should note and check to see if it affects them. The degree of obstruction can be affected by the seating position, so if it does appear to restrict your vision, move the seat to see if it can be reduced.It should be noted that the Sportwagon carries a space-saver spare. Even though the Sportwagon has only been on sale for a year or two it's wise to check for a service record to make sure the oil has been changed.IN A CRASHANCAP gave the Sportwagon a five-star rating; the highest rating it can give a car. It featured a comprehensive safety arsenal including front and side airbags, anti-skid brakes, brakeforce distribution with brake assist, as well as traction and stability control systems.AT THE PUMPHolden claimed the Sportwagon fuel consumption ranged between 11.1 L/100 km for the Omega V6 to 14.4 L/100 km for the V6 SS manual.OWNER'S SAYRay Davo has driven a Sportwagon supplied by his employer for the past two years, doing 20 to 800 km daily, usually solo with a variable load, and he says he would be happy to hand it back. His main criticism is the poor visibility caused by the A-pillar, which he says is a safety issue, but he's also critical of the location of the handbrake, the seating, the fuel consumption, and says the cruise won't hold its settings, the handling is upset when it's carrying a load in the back, it tracks poorly on country roads, the transmission sometimes appears to slip when changing up, and there's an annoying vibration through the steering wheel. Overall it feels like it was hastily designed around an attractive profile without due regard for ergonomics.LOOK FORSporty styleLimited rear cargo spaceSedan performance and handlingPractical family transport without the size of an SUV.THE BOTTOM LINE: Sporty shape makes wagon more appealing with minimal loss of practicality.RATING: 85/100