Holden Adventra Base model CX8 - $52,990 Upmarket LX8 - $60,990 Engine - 5.7 litre V8 Gearbox - 4 speed auto Economy - Average on test 14.5 litres per 100km Warranty - 3 years/100,000 km

All-terrain comfort

Holden's AWD Adventra was really put to the test during a recent 800km run. I decided dirt roads were the way to go since Holden's cross track wagon was designed for off-road work.

Some Defence members will be familiar with the delightful drive from Captain's Flat down to Araluen and then through to the coastal town of Moruya. But, because of the rutted and potholed nature of the road it is not in frequent use. The constant drive on all wheels is an enormous safety feature on wet, sealed roads, on flat and uphill sections of dirt, but little advantage downhill, with the throttle off on loose gravel.

On the plus side, the big 5.7 litre V8 made easy work of the hilly sections and the ABS-based traction control was superb at providing maximum control of the 1.9 tonne vehicle on slippery sections.

As an aside, it is the first AWD Holden built and developed in Australia. Holden spent more than $100 million and 600,000km on development, so little should go wrong.

Convenience
If you can afford to pay for the fuel on a trip around Australia, the Adventra wagon would be an ideal conveyance. It is big, comfortable with plenty of space and, of course, the conveniences of the Holden network around our vast country.

Safety/brakes
The AWD is a huge benefit in safety, but it does have its limitations. The ABS-based traction control was excellent. Brakes were above average and the wagon stopped without veering off line during a high speed test on loose gravel.

Comfort
The test vehicle was the upmarket LX8 fitted with very comfortable leather seats, the optional sunroof and five spoke wheels. I also found the suspension very compliant and comfortable. Instruments and controls were clear and easily accessed. A third row "plus two" child seat is also available for $1595.

Why buy it?
For the owner that wants the added safety of AWD and occasionally goes off-road, the Adventra is a tough, well-designed AWD wagon that will give its owner many years of service. It is surprisingly well balanced considering its weight. An ACT farmer sold his Statesman for the wagon and apparently is delighted with his purchase.

Economy
Oh dear - the greatest negative in this test. The big V8 gulps fuel and even with a relatively light foot it still burnt unleaded at the rate of 14.5 litres per 100km.

Engine
Who can argue about the benefits of a big, lazy V8 that pumps out 235kW/5200 revs? It is a very enjoyable power plant, but the four-speed auto shows its age. It can be clunky and can grab a lower gear when it's not needed. It doesn't have the smooth changes of modern five-speeders.

Negatives
The base LX8, at $53,000 is competitively priced, but the heavy fuel consumption is an aspect that needs to be taken into consideration. I found the steering too heavily weighted and quite tiring on very tight curved roads in mountainous areas. The tank, at 75 litres, is really too small and will rarely stretch to more than 500km before a refill.

Summary
I enjoyed my week with the Adventra and the AWD system works extremely well. It is well worth considering if long range touring on indifferent roads is your bag and in my opinion is good value against its competitors. I loved the V8 but the fuel bill was keeping my plastic warm.

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