First drive: One Tonner AWD is tradie's dream

A Cross 6 version of the successful One Tonner ute is the surprise package of Holden’s VZ AWD range that will go on sale nationally from April.

Blending Holden’s proven Cross Trac all-wheel drive system and a big 235mm of ground clearance with the Commodore ute-based One Tonner’s load-carrying capacity, One Tonner Cross 6 could well answer the dreams of many tradies and farmers.

Available only with a V6, the single-variant One Tonner Cross 6 will be priced at $31,990.

Like the dual-cab Crewman Cross 6 utility (priced at $44,490), the most basic rear-drive One Tonner donor car ($27,060 auto) and Holden’s other VZ utilities and low-series sedans, One Tonner Cross 6 employs the entry level version of Holden’s 3.6-litre Alloytec V6, which offers 175kW at 6000rpm and 320Nm of torque at 3600rpm.

Also like them, it offers only a revised version of GM’s 4L60 four-speed auto, without the manual-shift buttons of the new 5L40 five-speed auto that’s mated to the premium 190kW/340Nm Alloytec V6 in high-series VZ passenger cars.

The regular One Tonner V6’s new six-speed manual transmission is not available in the Cross 6, and at this stage nor is there a V8-powered One Tonner AWD.

Riding on high load rated all-terrain type tyres on 16-inch steel wheels, One Tonner Cross 6’s 235mm of ground clearance (at kerb load) is 101mm more than that of the standard One Tonner, while the fitment of a VZ Executive-style front bumper increases its approach angle to 21 degrees GVM (21 at kerb load).

Other vital statistics include a departure angle of 15 degrees GVM (20 at kerb load) and a ramp breakover angle of 17 degrees GVM (19.5 at kerb load). Load carrying is down on the standard One Tonner, which carries 1294kg in base V6 auto guise, with a payload of 1016kg – and a maximum carrying capacity of 828kg after allowing for passengers, fuel and accessories.

The leaf-sprung live rear axle has a load rating of 1460kg, while the front axle load rating is 1230kg and gross vehicle mass is 2685kg. Braked towing power is rated at 2100kg.

Along with the extra ride height and wider wheel tracks, flared wheel arches and black undertray mouldings and horizontal fascia cut-outs differentiate Cross 6 from its rear-drive One Tonner sibling.

Like VZ One Tonner V6 (but not the Bosch 5.3-equipped V8), One Tonner Cross 6 features the latest Bosch 8.0 ABS system, which includes automatic brake differential and electronic brake-force distribution software. There’s also a new brake booster and master-cylinder for improved brake response.

Like the regular Tonner, Gable neutral pewter fabric trim is standard and the Cross 6 inherits handy VZ One Tonner additions like power windows/mirrors, cruise control, CD player, driver’s airbag, four-way power driver’s seat, auto headlights and steering wheel audio controls.

One Tonner Cross 6 will be available in Heron white, Redhot, Phantom and Quicksilver paint colours, and can be had with the choice of a general-purpose alloy tray, a drop-side tray with removable sides, side ladder step and a contoured header board.

A hardwood tray is also on the options list, alongside air-conditioning, six-CD audio system, power antenna, passenger airbag, metallic paint and a 2100kg tow pack.

Holden says Cross 6 should account for at least 20 per cent of the 4500 One Tonner sales it expects this year.