THE Redline Edition was introduced as part of Holden’s Series II VE Commodore range as a (slightly) performance-enhanced SS-V model treated to a lick of chrome, bigger brakes and, in sedan form, tauter suspension.

As such, it is the poster pin-up for every V8-loving teenager of the ’70s and ’80s who faces family responsibilities in the naughties.

In Sportwagon trim as tested here, however, the VEII SS-V Redline Edition delivers the knockout combination of style and substance with cargo and kid-carrying practicality.