Crapwagon Outtake: A V8 Wagon From Down Under

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler
Even though it’s Canada Day today, my fair nation has never managed to build its own local auto industry with any sort of distinct brand.Ok, that’s not entirely accurate. In the 1960’s, GM tried establishing some Canadian brands (like Acadian) that died quickly. We’ve never had anything like Holden.The Commodore gets the lion’s share of attention when it comes time to discuss Australian cars, but Tamerlane’s Thoughts posted this interesting creature that will surely stoke the fires of the B&B’s heart.The Holden Adventra was a Commodore wagon, raised up ala an Audi Allroad. Underneath the skin was the familiar GM small-block V8 and AWD, meant to compete with the delicious Ford Territory and its turbo I6 engines. The Adventra was a massive flop. And Cadillac gave us the CTS wagon instead.
Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • TonyJZX TonyJZX on Jul 01, 2014

    Theres a few problems here The car is 4,400lb It uses the crappy 4L60/65 4 SPD weak auto The v6 high feature quad cam is slow and weak blowing timing chains The v8 gets sub teen mpg Underneath is a hummer drive train? Cheap now for the right buyer

  • Blautens Blautens on Jul 02, 2014

    Living in South Florida, we usually catch a glimpse of a number of Canadian only vehicles idling down our streets (especially if you live in Hollywood). Does Canada have a fascination with Daewoos and Suzukis?

  • LambourneNL LambourneNL on Jul 02, 2014

    From the A pillar back that is still an Opel Omega B, a 20+ year old platform which got axed in Europe over a decade ago. That said, I've owned a few, they were pretty good for the money. With RWD and the V6 it did a passable job as a poor man's 5 series. More space too.

  • Ron B. Ron B. on Jul 02, 2014

    I live right smack in the middle of Queensland,Australia's car capital and i saw one these commode 4x4's whwen they first came out. Lately one has been up the end of my street... I had a closer look today...same car. As i mentioned,I live in OZ,right amongst car dealers and workshops and i have only ever seen one. Massive flop is a massive understatement . Holden actually built a 4 WD Monaro too,Pontiac GTO to the Americans.But i have only ever seen one in a TV ad. Holden shit in it's own nest in OZ because of the constant demands for taxpayer handouts, shit quality cars with huge depreciation and no resale value ...then they finally pulled out of oz without so much as a Kiss my arse after 60 years of those taxpayer funded gifts. Only bogans like holdens and thankfully they are dying breed. ha ha ha

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