Holden Crewman 2005 Review

I had a pre-release model on test some time ago when a woman swung her head in the car while it was parked at a shopping centre and asked if they were on the market yet.

I explained why I had one and she wanted to know everything about it, saying her husband and she were keen on one so he could use it for work, then they could use it on the weekend to tow a boat.

But she was disappointed to hear it only came in a V8.

Now it comes with the new Alloytec V6 engine as well as Holden's Cross Trac AWD system, so if that woman at the shopping centre is reading this, it's time to check out the new Crewman Cross 6.

This should be the perfect choice for people who need a ute for work, a weekender for backing the boat down a slippery ramp and carrying the occasional rear passenger.

I say "occasional" because my rear passengers were complaining after an hour because of the bolt-upright back seat.

That's the compromise for having a two-row cabin with a rear tray.

And that rear tray won't quite get a chook chaser in unless you point it corner to corner and even then the rear wheel hangs out a bit requiring you to leave the tailgate part-way open.

Since you can't drive around with the tailgate down, you would need to catch it somehow.

Still, the rear tray is easily accessed with a quick-fit soft cover and can hold up to 785kg, which is almost four chook chasers — not that you could fit them.

For that many, you would need to tow a trailer.

Towing capacity is 2100kg for V6, which is 400kg short of the V8 automatic Crewman.

The V6 is certainly up to the task of hauling that amount of gear around with its 320Nm of torque, but it does want revs to accelerate for overtaking manoeuvres, while the transmission feels a little unrefined and notchy.

The AWD system is a 62-38 split which means it gets more drive in the back wheels, but it is still difficult to do any circle work unless the ground is really slippery.

If that's your gig, then get the standard Crewman.

This version is great when the going gets tough, slippery or hilly.

It has high grip levels in any conditions.

Point it up a slope with no run-up and it just knuckles down and hauls with minimum slip.

Coming down isn't so easy without a downhill descent control, but it will hold ok in first gear.

Once you get out of the rough stuff and into the urban jungle, the Cross 6 will certainly gain some admiring glances. But it also might get a few sniggers as you try to park it.

Parking is a real chore as it's almost as long as a HiLux, it has heavy steering at low speeds and it sticks out of car parking bays. It almost won't fit in my garage.

On the highways or the byways, the ride is good. It's firm without being a kidney basher and with a bit of load it is even better.

This is a unique vehicle. There is no other four-door, four/five-seater traditional-styled ute with all-wheel-drive.