First look: HSV crosses over to Avalanche

HSV today revealed at the Sydney motor show its first cross-over four-wheel drive, which goes on sale in December.

Called the Avalanche, it is based on the Holden Adventra, which goes on sale later this month.

Avalanche prices have yet to be announced but expect them to begin upwards of $75,000 as its features are lineball with the $74,200 HSV Senator sedan.

The Adventra starts at $52,990 for the base model and $60,990 for the LX8.

And like its Holden cousin, the venerable 5.7-litre GEN III V8 engine will be the all-wheel drive HSV’s only power source for now.

For the Avalanche, HSV’s LS1 unit, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, generates a maximum of 270kW of power at 5700rpm and 475Nm of torque at 4000rpm.

This compares to the 235kW and 460Nm power and torque outputs respectively of the Adventra.

A 0-100km/h sprint time of less than seven seconds on gravel and approaching six seconds on tarmac is promised.

The HSV Performance Braking System package, comprising grooved 336mm front and 315mm rear rotors and front twin-piston callipers acting on AP Racing discs, keeps the Avalanche’s hefty momentum in check.

HSV says the Adventra’s existing Cross Trac four-wheel drive system suffices for the Avalanche, bar a few minor software changes.

The Avalanche’s 62 per cent rear/38 per cent front torque split is carried over, as is the 200mm ground clearance. HSV says the increased ride height and wheel travel, as well as the dual-purpose 245x45 R18 tyres (that ensconce very BMW X5-style 18-inch alloy wheels), have enabled it to dial in a sporty but supple ride quality.

To help differentiate the HSV from its lowlier Holden base, the front sports the existing Y Series II sedan nose, while the roof racks are standard and the wheel arch flares are body-coloured.

There are also the ubiquitous side skirts and black chrome highlights to help do the job.

Inside there’s an HSV Senator feel to the Avalanche, from its centre console-sited instrumentation to the alloy pedals.

Also augmenting the Avalanche’s luxury aspirations are the standard leather upholstery, bolstered sports seats, dual zone climate control air-conditioning, a sunroof, premium audio system and a cargo area roller blind.

High-end options include Xenon headlights, a tyre pressure monitoring system, roof-mounted monitor that plays DVDs, wireless headphones and PlayStation 2/Xbox computer game compatibility.

Also of specific relevance to parents with children is the availability of a rearward facing third row seat, a first for an HSV vehicle.

The Avalanche moniker won’t be limited to the Adventra-based wagon.

The HSV version of the Cross8, Holden’s four-wheel drive Crewman utility variation, is expected to carry the name when it is released in the first quarter of next year.

The Avalanche utility should also boast a similar front-end design and interior appointments to the HSV wagon of the same name.