First look: Holden's SS load hauler

HOLDEN has unveiled the most powerful production wagon in the company's history and the first to wear the SS high-performance badge.

On sale from June 1, 500 examples of this exclusive 5.7-litre, 235kW Gen III V8-powered SS wagon are being produced. Complementing the wagon's performance potential are FE2 sports suspension, limited slip differential and traction control.

It is available with either six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission for $51,410, making it $1920 more expensive than the sedan.

Externally the wagon is distinguished from its load-lugger brethren by 17-inch, five spoke alloy wheels and low-profile tyres, a sports front facia with slimmer grille, twin circular foglights, headlights with black bezel backgrounds, front sculptured rocker mouldings and SS badging. Roof racks are included in the package.

Inside there is colour-keyed leather trim on the front sports and rear SS seats complemented by a leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy pedals and a red instrument cluster.

Other standard equipment includes driver, passenger and side impact airbags, a six-disc in-dash CD player, power windows front and rear, cruise control, air-conditioning and a cargo blind.

There is a choice of two exterior colours: "Red Hot", teamed with black leather interior trim, and "Phantom Black", with red leather trim.

"There's been strong buyer demand for a sports-oriented Commodore wagon for some time - and we decided that nothing less than the full SS treatment would satisfy their expectations," said Holden's marketing manager, large cars, Simon Carr.

"Our wagon also has the advantage of independent rear suspension, which means it can deliver exciting driving dynamics in addition to great style, safety technology and high equipment levels - at a very competitive price."