Holden Sportwagon Scores Double Win At Australian International Design Awards

THE HOLDEN SPORTWAGON is an eminently handsome vehicle, that much is undeniable. To many Australians (this writer included), the Sportwagon is an even better-looking car that its sedan stablemate; and it appears the judging panel at the Australian International Design Awards is in agreement.

The Sportwagon nabbed top honours in two categories at the 2009 Australian International Design Awards (AIDA), being judged the winner of the Automotive and Transport category and also clinching the Wheels Automotive Design Award.

Holden's versatile load-lugger wasn't assessed on its looks alone either, with the judges scoring it on a range of criteria including its innovation, functionality, quality, and emotional appeal.

We fell in love with it when we drove an SS V Sportwagon last August, and in the intervening months its allure hasn't faded one iota. When fitted with that big ol' 6 litre V8, we can also confirm it's got emotional appeal by the bucketload.

"To have the Sportwagon recognised by Australian and International top designers is a great achievement and one that everyone who worked on the car should be very proud of," Holden's Director of Design Tony Stolfo said.

"Equally gratifying is the amazing public response to this vehicle.

"By putting the excitement back into practicality we have proved that clever design can challenge popular perception."