GMI Review: Holden Berlina Sportwagon 3.0 SIDI (Part 1)

[mikmak]

Family Bias: Holden Berlina Sportwagon 3.0 SIDI Review

GMI Takes the new 3.0 Direct Injection Berlina Sportwagon on the road to see if it can deliver on the Ecoline green image without losing its traditional Aussie flavour.
www.gminsidenews.com
November 3, 2009
By: Michael McWilliams

Bias. I've got plenty (especially when it comes to wagons). My first memory of watching the road whizz by through the floor of Pa's rusted out HR, comes from the era of milkmen and kerosene heaters, but, it was the HR's successor that really stuck with me. Myself and my two brothers spent many an hour in the back of our family's Renault 12 sedan, heading to the clan's camping spot in Mallacoota, on the eastern tip of Victoria. Between my parents thinly veiled misdirection that it (Mallacoota) was "just over the next hill" and the nervous wait for my older brother's inevitable submission to motion sickness, it is little wonder that I coveted the wide expanses of room in my Pa's HQ Holden Station Wagon. Towing a little fishing boat resplendent in matching burnt orange, for me, the Kingswood became a mythical beast holding unattainable regard (as well as an endless supply of tent pegs, poles, ropes and fishing rods). Everything after is trying to catch up. I've had two wagons of my own and have also told white lies to my kids about just how far away our destination is (and paid the price). Interstate road trips, camping, bush tracks, picking up a new born from hospital as well as the mundane (but mostly necessary) day-to-day errands. My wagons and I have done it all. Who better then, to assess if Holden can still deliver on one of the most enduring members of Australia's automotive family?

A New Approach for an Old Favourite

The Sportwagon is the newest body style for the VE Commodore range, following on from the sedan and ute (as well as the WM Statesman and Caprice Cousins). For a long time there were many (let's say millions) of wagon fans wondering if the VZ wagon would ever be superceded, as the Captiva seemed to plug the family truckster slot on Holden yards. Thankfully though, someone saw the light and the result is a rather sexy looking beast. Like the sedan, flared arches give the front end a solid presence and broad shoulders. The rear end has come in for some serious cosmetic action too, and, it seems that luggage capacity has been the first casualty. Nonetheless it is well proportioned with just enough detail to look classy without crossing the gaudy line. Coming up to just over 3 years on the market, the overall design has aged well and maintains a distinctly Australian format, free from the awkwardness of modern Japanese designs (see Subaru Liberty and its seemingly related Toyota Prius and new Prado) or the "groundbreaking" proportions of some euro offerings (hello Renault).

Getting to know you

Fortunately for everyone, one aspect of Aussie family motoring has significantly improved in the last few decades. Of course, you can't expect the HQ to match modern levels of road holding or performance (even though I have distinct memories of the dash vents in my own Kingswood, spinning around like mini cyclones when it reached some long forgotten speed). The Sportwagon is obviously on another planet in this respect, despite being powered by the smallest engine in a Commodore since 1988. The 3.0 SIDI V6 has worn some pretty broad apprehension on GMI, already being offered in North America in the Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet equinox and Buick LaCrosse/Allure, providing little if any benefit in the fuel economy stakes.

I picked up the Sportwagon on the south side of Brisbane and thought it best that I got acquainted going north through the CBD, rather than the roadworks infested death trap otherwise known as the Gateway motorway. It didn't take long to realise that the 3.0 SIDI V6 and 6L50 six speed auto are a different beast to the previous MPI 3.6 and 4 speed combination. Initially there is some pop off the line, but it is quickly identified as sensitive throttle response. The early absence of torque, 290nm[214lb-ft] @ 2900 (down from 330nm[243lb-ft] @ 2600) becomes evident when a pimply piloted, high revving Nissan Pulsar starts taking the lead from the lights, though I clearly wasn't trying as hard as his trumpet exhaust was indicating. Now I'm not so fragile that I had to prove a point...... the Direct injection V6 has addressed a lot of issues that plagued the MPI 3.6, the most evident of which is a serious reduction in NVH (especially the V and H). Aside from smooth and well timed shifting of the auto, the SIDI has a real willingness to hold on when provoked, seeking out its 190kw[258hp] of max power @ 6700RPM (up from 175kw[238hp] @ 6500). The potential for disappointment faded as revs rose and the correct balance of the universe restored post haste...

There are the lingering similarities, like meeting up with an old school friend that used to play second row [tight end] in High School, but now plays in the centres [running back]. It was clear that in order to get the most out of the new power train, I was going to have to rethink my approach.

I spent the next hour in and around inner western Brisbane, having a chat with Belinda (as the Berlina shall now be known). After while it was clear that she responded well to easy throttle off the line and careful modulation of the right pedal. The 6L50 is much more intuitive than the old four cog and you can change gears with your ankle rather than resorting to the sport shift (more on that later). All this experimentation ended up costing 12.9L/100km [18.23USMPG] with an average speed of 34kph. The subsequent trip home (75kms of 100-110kph highway) honed that down to 8.1L/100km [29.0USMPG]. Belinda was greeted in my garage by Master Mak's (3.5 y.o.) repetitive accolades of coolness. Everything from the fast glass in the rear to standing room with the tailgate up, sparked excitement. Ms. Mak (5 y.o.) was much more diplomatic: "That's pretty dad. All cars are my favourite."

Over Hill and Dale

Those of you whom have read the Exploring Area roads thread will know my favoured hinterland circuit. Climbing 350m (1200ft) in 9.6km (6miles), it has a relevant mix of broken surfaces, varying camber corners (with foot deep rough edged gutters to eat your alloys) and blind crests obscured by broken shadows from above. Throw in the locals that regularly cut corners, and Belinda would be forgiven for thinking she were in Bathurst if not for the 27degC Queensland Sunshine.

Swapping cruise control for Active Select requires a push to the right, accessing "Sport" programming and auto throttle blipping on down changes to help maintain balance during enthusiastic modes of attack. Although the wagon weighs a little more than the sedan (1646kg[3629lbs] vs. 1732kg[3818]), its length and wheelbase, unlike predecessors, are virtual parity. The result is impressive balance and reliable consistency.

Despite wearing only 225/55R17 Bridgestone Turanza's, the Sportwagon lived up to its prefix beyond my expectation. With windows down (Standard Operating Procedure for mountain passes) the low frequency roars from each corner coincided with the IM like feedback through the well weighted steering and non-puckering calibrated seat of my pants.

The shift from the Active Select is set up exactly how I like it: forwards for (-) backwards for (+). You can argue about preference all you want, but when heading for a cutting you instinctively push away (as you do on a brake or a nervous passenger does on the dash). The gearbox and engine operate in perfect obedience, quickly removing any apprehension about complicity (as is the order of the day should you ever punt a Toyota Aurion in anger: lies and insubordination!), as the nose dives slightly under brakes, then shoots for the panorama up a tight right-hander. Each shift as smooth (and timely) as the last, any hint of unwanted vibration is virtually absent and a healthy spread of ratios means selecting the right one is multiple choice.

At these speeds (it is a posted 80kph [50mph] zone though common sense keeps you between 50 and 70) there is some body roll but the damping is set up so well that it never becomes nervous, maintaining composure during mid corner bumps and constancy during quick direction changes. Taking my country pack suspended VZ wagon up here is a battle. The smaller choice of ratios and bulbous rear end demand real attention and constant correction. And it usually has to be followed up with a cold ...ginger ale and recovery session.

Belinda on the other hand, has an absolute joy to punt around. The immediacy of the sport shift allows you to float along in a higher ratio if you are just maintaining speed, and then swiftly call on the more meaty mid range when you need to and the yodeling top end when you want it. When I got to the top of the range, there was no need for recovery and a ginger ale. Instead, I sat in the Poets Cafe with a strong flat white, Lemon Meringue Pie and a satisfied grin on my face.

I even repeated the feat later on in the afternoon with family on board, and in one poignant testament to Holden's mastery of suspension tune, Master Mak actually fell asleep in the back seat.

Land of the Giants

The Sportwagon range has plenty of variety, from the Omega (base), Berlina (formerly known as Grandpa Spec), SV6 (sport) and Calais/Calais V (Luxury). Each with their own selection of colours (11) and external trimmings, this particular unit is Evoke metallic and comes with optional metro leather interior. Despite being on the market in the sedan since 2006, the interior apparently remains unchanged (though in the Omega, they have swapped green lighting for blue), but for me it is still attractive and functional. My priority is accommodation and the Berlina certainly hits the mark. The seats feel overly broad at first, but once adjusted into a suitable position, via partially electric seats, proved comfortable on long hauls and supportive during medium paced carving of the local hinterland range. Both the driver and passenger receive lumbar adjustment. The combination of tilt/reach wheel, and the enormous range of fore aft adjustment for the seat provide far more space than I could ever need. I am yet to find any other car that provides enough comfort for my 198cm (six foot six) frame.

The space continues in the rear bench seat which leans back slightly but once again has room for my over-sized lower appendages, even with the pilots pew adjusted to my driving position. Width, legroom and headroom are all generous, with the only reservation coming from my junior burger (3.5 year old) not quite seeing over the high door sills, when in his booster seat. Likewise, he couldn't reach the twin cup holder that pops out of the seat base, though for adults it is positioned better than those normally found in the fold down centre arm rest (which defeats the purpose of it being an armrest).

The leather trim in this example is everywhere it's needed (seat surfaces, door trims, wheel and shifter) and gives a clear lift above the base Omega model and standard cloth trimmed Berlina. Colours are a little monotone with a mix of greys and black with varying surfaces, broken only by the silver strip along the dash and silver plastic centre console. This is essentially the same interior that has been around since the release of the sedan, though the Berlina did used to sport a fake wood strip in place of the current silver. It is a pretty safe approach where ease of function is the main feature. Compared to the Cruze GMI drove last month it is a less contemporary flavour, suffering most from the monochrome green central display. The main instruments get an unexpected lift from white needles on green dials and the Bluetooth, Audio and trip computer buttons on the tiller are also lit. There is an additional handy feature for night driving, where pressing both dimmer switches together turns off all displays except the speedo and central trip computer screen.

Operation of the dual zone climate control and six disk CD stacker are simple as are navigation of audio functions (preset and custom equaliser etc.) and even turning off the additional Aux power socket situated in the netted pocket of the luggage area. Other storage areas are pretty standard fare for this class. Each door skin has its own large water bottle holder in the door bin, over head sunglass holder pops down from the interior lighting unit just aft of the rear view mirror and the centre console has a suitably CD case sized bin. The glove box is enormous, but is made of the same hard plastics found on the door handle surrounds and sides of the centre console. There was also some marks in the silver finish of pop up tray, just forward of the Stability Control button.

The rear cargo area has definitely lost some depth and the angled tailgate also removes some height from the volume equation, but I'm not sure how critical that last corner really is. Unless you're moving baby palm trees or Great Danes, it may not factor into your consideration(fellow GMIer, cedarman24 has a SV6 sportwagon so could probably tell us how his Australian Bulldogs fit). I am yet to fill my VZ much beyond the window line, but I would have appreciated the easier access you get from Belinda's deeper tailgate a few years ago, when half way between Brisbane and Sydney, I was trying to dig out the nappies I unfortunately packed in the wrong order.

There are a few little niceties hidden about the rear, including the previously mentioned aux power and netted bin. You also get a couple of (retractable) shopping bag hooks, net and cargo tie down points and lights that are on the side of the d-pillar rather than on the ceiling (which makes the overhead light redundant when you are leaning in the back. practical thinking!). The rear cargo cover is a mixed blessing. With it fully extended, you can flick the back end of it and it follows the d pillar up about 15 degrees to provide better access. Not only will this create some extra wear (particularly because it travels across 2 different pieces of trim) but you also have to remember to put it back down before you get back in the car. A couple of times I left it up from the night before and didn't realise until after I was ready to reverse out of the garage. Perhaps a reminder light would be handy to make sure that people who don't need to reverse out of their driveway, are warned about (more) limited rear vision before they get out in traffic.

After the Honeymoon

There is always the hazard of test driving a car for one day and letting the emotion take over from making a more considered choice. This is the longest time I have spent with a VE Commodore (10 days) and it allowed me to really think about what would actually annoy me in the long run, as well as providing extra opportunity to assess Belinda's true level of practicality.

This is the first time I have really noticed the A-pillars and their effect on forward vision. It wasn't of particular issue except in heavy rain on a return trip to the Gold Coast (456km), where the water from the wipers increased the imposition by a further 30mm [one inch and a bit] or so, and on a few occasions during sweeping country roads. It will surely [hopefully] be on the list of things to improve with the next update, however, I never really considered it a great disadvantage.

Rearward vision was also limited, particularly by the height of the window line, but the third window was a good enough advantage (over sedan competitors) to make highway merging and lane swapping, a confident endeavour. I also liked that Holden have kept the convex external mirror to the passenger side only. I don't appreciate the modern standard of perspective altering mirrors on the drivers side. Parking was another task that got easier with familiarity (as it does with any new vehicle). Even reverse parking (all Sportwagons come standard with rear park assist) was a pretty simple affair, though the wide d-pillar doesn't provide as much visibility as the VZ.

The biggest parking test came under the watchful gaze of parents at Ms. Mak's school. The sleek styling draws immediate attention amongst the gaggle of medium SUVs, vans and people movers that undertake 5 point turns trying to negotiate the cramped hillside parking lot. I rolled the dice and aimed for the most difficult park, closest to the gate between a Kia Carnival and a brick wall. She slid in like a gun in a holster. It was almost as satisfying as the hinterland run. The minimal space required to open the tailgate also helped with getting the school bag and sundries in the back, despite being a few inches from the tow hitch of a Nissan X-trail behind me.



Catch Part 2 to see if Belinda could add any credence to the Ecoline badge, plus Vox pop, stats and more!

In the meantime, check out our extensive IMAGE GALLERY for more detailed pics. Enjoy!

[69Firebird400]

Great review so far, mikmak! The photos are also great.

When I first glanced at the photo of you behind the wheel, my initial reaction was, "why's he sitting in the passenger seat..." - oh wait, RHD.

[civilzues]

such a beautiful vehicle. To bad the NA markert won't see this product....

[FISH]

Originally Posted by mikmak

I picked up the Sportwagon on the south side of Brisbane and thought it best that I got acquainted going north through the CBD, rather than the roadworks infested death trap otherwise known as the Gateway motorway.

You pick it up at the Cannon hill Holden HQ?

I travel that GW everyday Mik. Its not that bad as long as you avoid the bumps in the road that makes the front shocks run home crying, or that new merge that has caused 4 truck rollovers, the speed cameras, the cops, other cars... oh your right..


But back to the VE...

I have never liked the interior of the VE range as I always felt it was a step down from the VZ's. How would you rate it compared too your wagons interior?

[mikmak]

Originally Posted by FISH

You pick it up at the Cannon hill Holden HQ?

I travel that GW everyday Mik. Its not that bad as long as you avoid the bumps in the road that makes the front shocks run home crying, or that new merge that has caused 4 truck rollovers, the speed cameras, the cops, other cars... oh your right..


But back to the VE...

I have never liked the interior of the VE range as I always felt it was a step down from the VZ's. How would you rate it compared too your wagons interior?

I like the materials (like the dash texture) much better, but they need some work on the hard plastics. Everything feels that little bit nicer than the VZ, but I do have the executive model which is hardly luxurious.

I found it a pretty nice place to be and like the cosseting feeling it gives. The seats in the VZ are more on the comfort side than the VE though and arule for touring.... just not grand touring.

[prototype66]

Fantastically visual read! Great job Mik, I actually tensed up the toes as we flew around the hills! Wish it was coming to NA! I feel deprived of many great products from your stomping grounds!

[Dr. Show-Me]

Nice review so far. Your choice of words shows the differences between Aussies and Americans, but it makes for an interesting read.
The wagon itself sounds like a very good people mover, the type of vehicle GM did so well until it abandoned wagons in the US. (Americans reject "minivans" and "wagons" because they aren't "cool," but in fact the vehicles many drive, awd SUVs and trucks, are used exactly the same way as wagons were used for decades. I guess wagons need a better press agent.) In fact, the wagons have superior driving dynamics to trucks and suvs, so they could again be a solid choice if available.
The "if available" part is what hurts the most. You guys get the successors to GM's great sedans and wagons from the 1950s-1980s (and early 1990s) while GM choses to not give us these. A do-it-all spacious wagon that gets 29 mpg highway would be a strong seller, especially if it had an awd option. So, good review so far, and enjoy the wagon that many of us in the states wish were available here.

[jaywestfall]

Great job Mik as usual

Being this is the "new" GM, why can't we buy these in North America, again? GM seems to have reverted to the past in that we once again can not buy these wonderful Holden vehicles in the United States, BUNK!

[jaymedstudent]

This is one of the best car reviews that I have ever read. Extremely well-written.

Mikmak, you have serious talent, sir.

Regarding the VE's availability in the NA market: I have seriously changed my position on this....Now that I have my G8, I enjoy the fact that the undeniably inexcusable lack of these wonderful Holdens in our market is helping to maintain the resale value of my car.

Unlike ALL other GMNA products in my lifetime, examples like my car are selling on the used car lot for the same price I paid for mine brand new! Imagine that, a GM car that maintains its resale value!

[CamaroCrazy]

I should just move to Australia already. Jeez. So jealous of what Holden offers. Couldn't possibly make any of these cars in Oshawa for the NA market, eh GM? That's just asking too much?

The closest thing we have to this is the CTS Sport Wagon. I got the chance to check one out this past weekend and I think that without a doubt I will buy that car in the next few years. Has to be pre-owned though because it cost over $50,000! (it was a loaded example).

So sad what we're missing out on. RWD full size GM greatness.

[xzqvn9]

Maybe I missed it...... but... that's the most Vanilla looking wagon i've ever seen.... and i love wagons.

[KingElvis]

There's more 'journalism' here than in the entire history of Edmunds.com.

I really liked the old photos. I think the early 70's Holden (I can't keep track of the letter designations) is my favorite of the species.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by CamaroCrazy

I should just move to Australia already. Jeez. So jealous of what Holden offers. Couldn't possibly make any of these cars in Oshawa for the NA market, eh GM? That's just asking too much?

The closest thing we have to this is the CTS Sport Wagon. I got the chance to check one out this past weekend and I think that without a doubt I will buy that car in the next few years. Has to be pre-owned though because it cost over $50,000! (it was a loaded example).

So sad what we're missing out on. RWD full size GM greatness.

Every time I read another review of any of these cars it makes me resent GM for taking the G8 away from us. I get the same reaction every time I look at a new Lacrosse.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by xzqvn9

Maybe I missed it...... but... that's the most Vanilla looking wagon i've ever seen.... and i love wagons.

This is basically a base model wagon packed with features. It's more of a business and fleet targeted car imo. I can tell you that a black SSV wagon lowered looks jaw droppingly good cruising. I was following one the other day and i must say I want that car, and i have no use for a wagon atm lol

But if you want style look to HSV.



Great read so far mik, looking forward to part 2

[cedarman24]

The rear cargo area has definitely lost some depth and the angled tailgate also removes some height from the volume equation, but I'm not sure how critical that last corner really is. Unless you're moving baby palm trees or Great Danes, it may not factor into your consideration(fellow GMIer, cedarman24 has a SV6 sportwagon so could probably tell us how his Australian Bulldogs fit). I am yet to fill my VZ much beyond the window line, but I would have appreciated the easier access you get from Belinda's deeper tailgate a few years ago, when half way between Brisbane and Sydney, I was trying to dig out the nappies I unfortunately packed in the wrong order.

Mik what i can tell is that there is more than enough room for a couple of Aussie Bulldogs to relax in comfort. We also have a couple of Alpaca's, 2 weekends ago one of them was a bit off colour. Fitted in nicley in the "cush" position, much to amazment of my local Vet. While i don't think i will every get a fridge in the back, you will be amazed what will Fit.

I did a trip to newcastle a month ago left friday came back sunday morning. Put a bed in the back with back seats down. Stretched out comfortably. I got to thinking as i curled up for a snooze at 2 in the morning, this is why i bought the wagon.

Great review Mik