Holden unveils the 4WD Commodore
Extracted article by Kevin Hepworth, 22 July 2003, www.news.com.au, The Daily Telegraph

THE battle for Australia's off-road brigade is officially down and dirty after Holden yesterday revealed its new Adventra 4WD.

Based on the top-selling Commodore, the Adventra - Holden's first locally-developed and built 4WD - will be on sale before the end of the year.

The decision to go public with what had been closely guarded images may have been sparked by the interest created by Ford's Falcon-based Territory crossover wagon.

While Ford has elected to make the Territory look substantially different to the BA Falcon, Holden has chosen to retain the VY family look for it's boosted Commodore.

The Adventra will feature permanent 4WD, substantially increased ground clearance and will be powered by the 5.7-litre Gen III V8.

Back in 2000, Holden chairman and managing director Peter Hanenberger nominated 2003 as a target date for the development.

"There is a huge market of customers waiting for this vehicle," Mr Hanenberger said.

"It has to be unique but remain true to its heritage - it would certainly be a Commodore-badged vehicle."

It was a further 18 months before Holden confirmed a $100 million development program for the 4WD.

The Adventra and the Territory are crossover vehicles - a style of car not officially recognised by automotive bodies but one which more and more manufacturers are taking aim at.

The aim is to produce a family sedan or wagon which adds value by becoming a weekend recreational performer.

But if you thought the vehicle looked familiar - you're right.

The Daily Telegraph showed you what is was going to look like years ago when we revealed Holden's intention to build the off-roader in 2000.

Then in 2001 we created the artist's impression below showing what it might look like. As you can see, the actual car above is not much different.