There’s just a whole heap of station wagon out on the road these days. Some of them are pretty, some of them are pretty ugly. The Holden Sportwagon, though, when it comes to looks, is almost off the charts. This thing just sings with beauty. With smooth lines that seem to swoop away towards some infinite horizon, it is nonetheless hefty enough to leave a fairly stark image imprinted upon your mind. Four exhaust pipes are hardly delicate, and nor are its thrusting nose and bold roofline, but it is a pretty formidable design all the same.

On the road it’s five-star material as well, taking sharp corners with risible ease, giving no ground however hard it is thrown. This is a product of the Sportwagon’s rigid body strength and top-notch chassis design, which together combine to ensure a sort of swooping grandeur that is amplified by the added security of the ESP stability control. Steady as she goes.

The meaty steering wheel sits ergonomically in one’s hand. The seat is a study in sturdy accommodation, with adaptability that extends to comfortably habituate to my 6’6” frame.
Floor the pedal, and the exhaust note snarls with a low growl. Under the Holden Sportwagon’s hood is plenty of oomph. The models start with the Omega which is a nice machine that has all the necessary equipment like: air conditioning, a cargo blind, sixteen-inch alloy wheels and power side mirrors. Even the Omega Sportwagon boasts a 5-star ANCAP rating. All Holden Sportwagons have front and side impact airbags for the driver and front passenger, side curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The Omega model has the smooth 3.6 litre, V6, Alloytech engine. 

The Sportwagon Berlina and International models move up the luxury rankings. Niceties like Bluetooth communications, leather seats and dual zone climate control can be found inside their luxury interiors. The International version also sits proudly on 18 inch rims. 
 
Those who like a little more dash in their school run or journey to work will opt for the Sports versions of the Holden Sportwagon. These are the models that will smoke the tarmac and have your kids, and yourself, smiling from ear to ear. These are definitely the driving enthusiast’s choice. Sub seven second times for the 0-100 km/h dash are all in a days work for these raw beasts.

For the practically minded, all Holden Sportwagon interiors have 60/40 split rear seats that, when folded down, offer a virtually flat load floor. With the rear seats folded flat, the bed length extends to almost two metres. The cargo space is 895 litres with the seats up and 2000 litres with them folded down. A cargo blind slides up the D pillar, allowing easy access to the rear storage area without having to fully release the blind. There are retractable shopping bag hooks, four floor tie-down hooks, a 12 volt power outlet, a four-position luggage net and a low-mounted cargo light.
 
You would need a heart of stone to not feel at least a little swayed at first sight of the Sportwagon – and a little time spent in its company will surely only increase your state of swoon.

Specifications:
• Engine: 3.0 litre V6
• Power: 190kW @ 6700rpm
• Torque: 290Nm @ 2900rpm
• Induction: Direct injection
• Transmission: Six speed automatic
• Driven Wheels: Rear
• Brakes: Twin piston ventilated front, single piston ventilated rear
• Top Speed: N/A
• 0-100km/h: N/A
• CO2 Emissions: 228g/km
• Fuel Consumption: (ADR) 9.6 litre/100km
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 73 litres
• Fuel Type: 91RON
• ANCAP Rating: Five stars
• Airbags: Six
• Safety: ABS, EBD, EBA, TC
• Spare Wheel: None, full size optional
• Suspension: Front suspension: Direct acting stabiliser bar. Coil spring; Rear suspension: Multi-Link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Coil spring. Stabiliser bar
• Cargo Capacity: 2000 litres with seats folded
• Tow Capacity: 1600kgs
• Turning Circle: 11.4m
• Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
• Weight: 1789kg
• Wheels: 17-inch alloy