Bound For Adventra
The Age
Thursday July 24, 2003
It may look like a beefy Commodore wagon, but Holden's upcoming 4WD crossover promises real off-road ability. Cameron McGavin reports.
In what is fast becoming an industry trend, Holden has released two preview photographs of its upcoming crossover four-wheel-drive wagon months ahead of its official launch.
As Drive revealed back in May, the Commodore wagon-based off-roader will be called Adventra when it lobs in Holden showrooms around October.
First things first: the styling. As we've known for a while now - and unlike its arch rival, Ford's Territory, which gets its own unique look - the Adventra is an obvious derivative of the Commodore in the same way that Subaru's Outback is a byproduct of the Liberty and the Volvo XC70 is a beefed-up version of the V70.
Changes include a tougher-looking front bumper (incorporating round foglights), wheelarch extensions, deeper side sills, a plastic cap on the C-pillar, roof rails and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
What the pictures don't show - in the absence of interior and rear shots - is the new rear tailgate, which ditches the fixed window of regular Commodore wagons for a top-hinged glass panel that allows easy access to the luggage area. The tail-lights have also come in for a minor freshen-up, as has the rear bumper, and the number-plate moulding has been rejigged to suit.
The Adventra will initially be available only with the 5.7-litre Gen III V8. It is not yet known which state of tune the engine will be offered in, but the base 225kW engine seems logical. More expensive variants could get either the 235kW or 245kW versions found in other Holdens.
A six-cylinder Adventra will eventually join the line-up, but not until Holden's new dual overhead camshaft V6 comes onstream later this year. Because initial V6 production is destined for export markets, the Adventra isn't expected to get that engine until late next year.
Power is sent to all four wheels through a locally developed permanent four-wheel-drive system that incorporates traction control tailored for off-road conditions. Gearbox choices will consist of the current four-speed automatic and six-speed manual options, with the upcoming V6-powered variant likely to feature a more sophisticated five-speed auto.
Holden claims passenger-car levels of ride quality, on-road handling and comfort for the Adventra, and says it has benchmarked the car against Audi's Allroad, one of the top performers in the booming luxury 4WD wagon segment.
Unlike some rivals, however, Holden claims the Adventra will be just as effective off the beaten track.
Holden managing director Peter Hanenberger has said that the Adventra's high ride height and good ground clearance gives it off-road ability comparable to Toyota's LandCruiser. Whether that is true remains to be seen.
However, the Adventra won't be getting an advanced height-adjustable suspension system as employed in the Audi. The Holden will instead do with a more conventional suspension system based on the Commodore's set-up but with modifications at the front to offer improved travel. The rear suspension is expected to revert to a live rear axle, going against the trend towards independent systems in an effort to retain the wheel travel needed in an off-roader.
Holden is also believed to be targeting a tyre life that allows buyers to travel to the Birdsville Track and back eight times, though Drive has heard rumours that Adventras have damaged their alloy wheels on rocky river beds during testing, causing some headaches for engineers.
The model line-up and pricing for the Adventra is a mystery, but Holden admits it will target more expensive prestige off-roaders such as Audi's Allroad and Volvo's XC90. Expect the Holden to boast a considerable price advantage over its Euro rivals, which could also help it capture the odd potential Subaru Outback buyer as well.
Holden's performance car arm, HSV, is also planning a version of the Adventra that will be marketed under the banner of XUV (for Xtreme Utility Vehicle), a play off the "Sports Utility Vehicle" moniker that is used in the US and slowly filtering into the local market.
Despite seeming to follow Ford Australia's lead by releasing official photos of the Adventra ahead of its launch, Holden claims it was not influenced by its rival's tactics.
The company says releasing the photos helps to boost visibility and interest in the model in the all-important lead-up to its launch.
Releasing official images ahead of time also allows engineers to test vehicles without elaborate disguises or fear of being caught in spy pictures.
Besides, with sales of the ageing Jackaroo dwindling out of sight, Holden is unlikely to upset sales of its existing range by giving customers a glimpse into the future.
For more details on Ford's upcoming Territory, which will rival the Adventra, see page 5.
© 2003 The Age
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