On the lookout for a new station wagon in the medium-size range? For a stylish choice, take a look at the new Holden Cruze Sportwagon, which has an exterior that looks cool and an interior that keeps the style flowing. This is the Holden Cruze model that wins hands down for that added interior space one needs every now and again. Definitely, do check out the Cruze Hatch and Cruze Sedan versions if extra luggage space is not an issue.

Downsizing from a Holden Commodore Sportwagon makes a lot of sense , especially with rising fuel costs. One of the massive benefits of going to the Cruze Sportwagon, is that the fuel economy of these special engines is quite remarkable, particularly when the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (optional in the Holden CD Sportwagon) stretches its legs. I love the mileage you can get out of the tank with the powerful diesel motor. On average it returns between 5-to-6-litres/100 km, while providing the driver with a class leading 360 Nm from 1750 rpm. The other engine offered to both the Holden CD Sportwagon and Holden CDX Sportwagon is the 4-cylinder 1.8 litre Holden ECOTEC – an advanced, 16 valve petrol engine that produces spirited performance in all conditions. This ECOTEC engine boasts DOHC power, and always feels stronger than the 104 kW at 6200 rpm suggests. Economy for the 1.8-litre petrol is around 7.4 litres/100 km. Whichever the engine you happen to take a liking to, power is transferred from the engine to the front wheels via a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission, that offers the added advantage of one touch switching between automatic or manual gear shifting. This feature is called Active Select. Four wheel disc brakes in both versions pull the car up quickly, and the suspension set up offers an accurate drive with good levels of comfort.

Hopping inside the car reveals a relatively roomy cabin. Ok, it’s not as roomy as the Holden Commodore but I was impressed to see that the 4675 mm length and 1797 mm width does a fine job of providing nice comfortable seating for four adults and good luggage space in the rear. Hey, the Commodore Sportwagon is only 230 mm longer and 102 mm wider. You can fit three adults across the rear seat of the Cruze Sportwagon without too much of a squeeze, too.

When it comes to throwing the kitchen sink into the back of the Cruze Sportwagon there is a very healthy 686 litres with the rear seats upright, and 1478 litres available with the rear seats folded flat. Compare that with the Commodore Sportwagon we have 895 litres and 2000 litres respectively. Yes, it’s a drop in space from the Commodore Sportwagon to the Cruze Sportwagon, but you’re talking one of the biggest wagons around when you talk Commodores. You can actually fit a heap of things in the Cruze station wagon. Storage blinds and plenty of compartments help keep the luggage out of the way and out of sight.

Equipment levels are as you would expect, and leather trim is a nice touch for the CDX version. Safety features provide the wagon with a five-star rating in ANCAP crash testing. Differences between the CD and CDX Cruze Sportwagons are in the number of luxury items – which increase with the “X” on the end of the model name. The CDX has all the features of the CD model, but adds things like leather, fog lamps, rear parking sensors and heated front seats. And, the option of the 2.0-litre diesel engine, oddly enough, is only available for the CD version.

For a streamlined, attractive wagon, the Holden Cruze Sportwagon has the goods for a satisfying drive.

The current Holden Cruze Sportwagon models include the:

• Cruze CD Sportwagon 1.8-litre ECOTEC
• Cruze CD Sportwagon 2.0-litre Diesel
• Cruze CDX Sportwagon 1.8-litre ECOTEC

For any more information on the Holden Cruze Sportwagon or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Holden dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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