Holden announced today that the 2008 Holden VE Sportwagon goes on sale this month. The 2008 Holden VE Sportwagon price starts at $37,790 for the Omega for the Omega version and goes up to $60,290 for the Calais V V8 model equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2008 Holden VE Sportwagon is equipped with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), six airbags (including curtain airbags) and Rear Park Assist as standard.
The interior of the 2008 Holden VE Sportwagon comes with a roof-mounted DVD system, integrated navigation system, a multi-function driver information display system and Bluetooth for compatible phones as standard (except the Omega).
Holden Press Release:
GM Holden announced today that its much anticipated VE Sportwagon range goes on sale mid-July.
The all-new Holden Sportwagon has been widely praised for its stylish good looks since being unveiled as a production-based concept at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney last year.
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.
Price is another drawcard, with the 2008 Holden Sportwagon range starting from $37,790# for Omega
and each model only $1,000 more than its Commodore sedan equivalent.
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 SUV 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.
