First look: Holden hatches 4WD Commodore

HOLDEN provided a glimpse into its all-paw future by revealing an all-wheel drive cross-over sports hatch concept at the Sydney motor show this morning.

While the Cross8 all-wheel drive twin-cab utility concept revealed at the Melbourne show this year will spearhead Holden's foray into the recreational off-road all-wheel drive market in 2003, the SSX niche car is Holden's first attempt at the all-wheel drive performance road car market.

If it - or at least some elements of it - makes production, expect SSX to go on sale in about two years from now, following the release of both the Cross8 ute and a yet-to-appear wagon-based cross-over vehicle next year.

Eventually, the two all-terrain vehicles are likely to be offered in both rear-drive and all-wheel drive configuration.

The fully driveable SSX concept shown in Sydney heralds the next generation of Commodores and aims to showcase the flexibility of Holden's design, engineering and production capabilities. But its Sydney unveiling, and the reaction it solicits, will be an important factor in bringing SSX to reality.

Propelled by Holden's high-output Chevrolet V8, a four-speed GM auto and an all-wheel drive system with front, centre and rear open differentials, the four-seater show car features a lifestyle-oriented, flat-floored load area created by folding the rear seats forward and accessed via a large rear hatch and a fold-down end gate.

"SSX is our vision of the future," said Holden chairman and managing director Peter Hanenberger in Sydney this morning.

"It is the cream of our Australian design and engineering expertise channelled into a car of world class standard. It heralds a family of low ride height, inspirational all-wheel-drive niche performance vehicles that could become reality in less than two years." Holden says SSX, which combines the SS nameplate with X for crossover, is the product of the company's biggest ever concept car project. It was developed by senior exterior designer Max Wolff (who als handled the VY update), interior designer Warrack Leach and colour and trim designer Kirsty Lindsay.

"We're asking questions with this showcar," said Michael Simcoe, Holden's executive in charge, design. "We want people to tell us if a flexible performance vehicle like this is something they'd like to see in a few years.

"We're saying that where we are with the Commodore SS right now isn't necessarily the only way to go. We intend to expand the range with more and more inspirational niche models with a variety of powertrains, drive systems and innovative body styles.

"Like the Cross8 off-road all-wheel-drive that's due for release next year, the low ride height SSX is based on our versatile V-car platform - and both vehicles point to a new era of production flexibility at Holden." Finished in 'Kryptonite' green and with a black-on-black interior, SSX features a wide track stance (1623mm front, 1680mm rear), wheel arch extensions over 19x8-inch magnesium alloys, front fender vents, Venturi-style aerodynamic underpans, twin central exhausts, dual aircraft-style fuel fillers and a high-mounted antenna.

The VY Commodore styling cues get a more aggressive edge, thanks to a deeper front facia with twin projector headlamps, foglights and an exclusive grille.

At the rear a slim black spoiler is integrated with the hatch, while specific blacked-out tail-lights set SSX further apart. The 2+2 interior configuration is bisected by an elongated centre console in brushed Titan silver, which is matched to more silver highlights on the sports instrument cluster, leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission shifter.

They contrast with the high-mounted, red-illuminated multi-function display screen, instrument and climate control clusters and auxiliary switches.

The rear load compartment measures 1010mm wide, 650mm high and 1050mm long (1530mm with seats down) and comprises a matt black floor with stainless steel wear strips, plus side storage compartments finished in Titan silver.

Folding either or both of the rear seats extends the steel-highlighted floor finish, while an integrated rear storage bin remains accessible.