Holden unveils production VE Sportwagon in Melbourne

Holden is using this week’s Melbourne Motor Show to unveil a host of new models. Already we’ve seen the Coupe 60 and HSV W427 Concepts and now we have our first look at the production version of the VE Sportwagon. First displayed in concept form at last year’s Sydney Motor Show, the new Sportwagon is based on the Commodore sedan (the same car as the Pontiac G8) and is available with the full range of VE variants starting with a base 3.6L V6 and topping out with a 360hp V8 SS-V model.

The wagon will cost about $1,000 more than its sedan counterpart and gets rear park assist and six airbags as standard. The rear gate opens much wider than you might expect thanks to a tailgate hinge positioned well into the roof, which also helps reduce the space necessary to open the rear gate. A high cargo floor makes loading easier, while a 60/40 split in the rear seat makes it simple to accommodate larger cargo. Also, seating for five adults makes the car a legitimate people-mover, whether for family or work use.

GM has ruled out selling the VE Sportwagon in the U.S. as a Pontiac because of unfavorable exchange rates. Instead, Americans will likely see the cheaper VE Ute heading Stateside.