Review: Holden Viva & Astra Wagons vs The Competitions Small Wagons

[JoeT]

Wagons Ho: Six Small Wagons Ready For Family Value

Mike McCarthy
23 May 2007
www.carpoint.com.au

The extra space small wagons can deliver over their equivalent hatch models make them a welcome addition to the family armoury.

Just a decade ago, no mid- to family-size model had a hope of making the big time without a wagon derivative in its catalogue. Of course, life was simpler then, with wagons' gender and role clearly defined.

In recent times, though, the wagons' circle has been breeched, their genes stirred and market share eroded by stiff competition from hatchbacks and by the irrepressible influx of all-wheel drive softroaders. This is particularly evident in the small-to-medium wagon sector, where prices range from under $20,000 to about $32K or so.

In some minds, last year's demise of the Toyota Corolla wagon signalled a sizeable hiccup for the small-medium carry-all class. But the ongoing models show that while compact wagons have become as varied in shape (if not size) as they are in versatility, they're as functional as ever when haulin's a'callin'.

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First Drive: 2007 Holden Astra Range Now Has More Power

Holden Viva (top) and Astra (above) wagons, plus Mitsubishi Lancer & Hyundai Tucson (below) and Subaru Impreza & Dodge Caliber (bottom)

[genjy]

Every one of those wagons/hatchbacks above looks ugly.

Ugh. My eyes.

[DirtyMoney]

the dodge would definately get my vote. WHy do you guys love the astra so much??

[Ssom]

Originally Posted by DirtyMoney

the dodge would definately get my vote. WHy do you guys love the astra so much??

Why would you choose a Caliber over an Astra?

The Astra actually has redeeming features unlike the Caliber.


The Astra is definitely the nicest of a mediocre bunch. Lancer, Caliber, Viva, Tucson = crap, Impreza = good but too old to take seriously.

[redimpss5]

They look like Veedub's.

[t-rex]

The Viva/Lacetti would get my nod.

[EldoFan]

Originally Posted by t-rex

The Viva/Lacetti would get my nod.

Ditto.....the Astra is a bit too squared off in the back, almost as if some Caliber design cues were borrowed. Great looking car though

[BBDOS CV8]

Originally Posted by DirtyMoney

the dodge would definately get my vote. WHy do you guys love the astra so much??

Well, for anyone outside the US, the (low)-Calibre is the Ugly Betty of small wagons. Setting aside the cheap-ass Tupperware interior plus the fact it is slow and thirsty compared to the competition and handles probably worse than any other car in the comparo, it is just plug ugly to us and looks like someone held a blowtorch to a plastic Kermit the Frog.

Ostentatious, overstated, chrome-plated 'truck fronts' on a 4-cylinder econobox is just not big here. It's like a 90 lb weakling stuffing tissues down his sleeves to look like he has big biceps. Most people would rather have a aerodynamic lowline front so it doesn't feel like you're pushing a barndoor into a headwind.

[aball]

Originally Posted by BBDOS CV8

Ostentatious, overstated, chrome-plated 'truck fronts' on a 4-cylinder econobox is just not big here.

I agree mate. The Calibre is a bit of a dog's breakfast. It's a one trick wonder (it's styling) and if you don't find that trick amusing, then it's got nothing.

It's also got no chrome if you look at the picture again.

[mikmak]

Definitely the Astra (I didn't know they finally upgraded the engine). Whilst the Viva is good value for money, I would make the stretch for better dynamics. As Ssom said, the impreza is gettin too old. Step in side and it's obvious. Even the Viva looks better inside. The Tucson should be smashed into with the Caliber until neither can ever run again. Lancer is functional.

[paul8488]

Hmmm... clicking to see the prices...

Starting prices:
Viva $19,490
Lancer $22,449
Astra $23,790
Caliber $23,990
Impreza $24,440
Tuscon $24,990

I could easily live with the Viva for 3 grand in savings over the Lancer, and 4 to 5 grand over the others. That's a decent chunk of change. The Viva would be excellent for a small, young family... throw the extra dough into a college fund for the young ones and be happy with a simple yet appealing little wagon.

[cedarman24]

Have taken the Viva wagon for a test ride last year, for the money it's not a bad buy, Wife who is an Auto driver couldn't live with lack of power, previous car was a Commodore. She ended up buying a Mits 380 and loves it.
I just don't get women!!!

[Aych Es Vee]

Impreza for me.
With Astra close behind.

Everything else is crappy, and not even considerable imo.

Lancer is good for the 10 year warranty though

[TDi]

I must be the only here that likes the Caliber. Yes the interior plastics are a let down, but apart from that, I really like it. Give me a Caliber turbo diesel and I'd be very happy.

I wouldn't buy one over an Astra wagon though, but over the Lancer, Impreza, Viva and Tucson? I sure would!!

The Tucson is just ugly, Impreza it too old and I don't care for the Viva at all. Lancer is good too.

[Ssom]

Worth noting though, that in NZ we don't get the AH Astra wagon, so my choice is pretty null in the real world for me.

Hence I'm going outside the box and voting for a 3 year old TS Astra wagon.



Or a Nissan Wingroad ST-L (A bit more pricey at around $30k, but still nice)



OR a Focus 1.8 TDCI wagon (Actually that is my choice)