| Foreign Temptation | Sydney Motor Show | Holden VE Sportwagon concept |

Holden has shown off a new addition to the Commodore range at the Australian Motor Show this week. The VE Sportwagon concept previews a new estate version of the VE saloon, a car our own Vauxhall VXR8 is based on. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director Chris Gubbey told us the remit of the car: "Generous interior space, combined with sleeker, sportier styling, makes this a wagon that people will want to own as a year-round family car, or for family and business use."

"Holden's new VE Sportwagon turns practi-'cal' into practi-'cool'."

The show car in Sydney is a production-based concept, so you can expect styling to remain much unchanged when it lands at Holden showrooms in early 2008; although the car was graced with 20-inch alloy wheels, extra chrome window trim and a new interior colour combination especially for the show.

Holden was keen to show off the revised tailgate design of the Sportwagon, which uses hinges set further forward in the roof line to enable a more vertical opening and improve accessibility. Furthermore, Holden promises that five adults can sit in comfort in the new VE, with rear seats folding 60:40 for storing larger items.

Much of the exterior styling has been taken from the VE Commodore saloon, especially at the front. The Sportwagon also shares the same wheelbase and although no details have emerged yet, Holden has suggested the estate would use the same engines and trim specifications.

The concept shown at the Australian Motor Show features a V8 engine with Holden's Active Fuel Management system to aid fuel economy, and also its E85 flex-fuel technology.

Chris Gubbey explained: "Showcasing an E85 fuel system in this vehicle makes a powerful statement about Holden and GM's commitment to developing alternative energy sources that reduce our dependence on petroleum-based products.

"It also demonstrates that drivers of alternative fuel vehicles don't have to sacrifice performance."