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Holden Sportwagon Omega ... from $41,990 plus on-road and dealer costs. 3.0-litre V6; 190kW/290Nm; 6-speed auto; 9.6L/100km; 228g/km CO2; RWD.

Value Cloth trim, cruise control, powered windows front and rear, single CD with aux input, auto headlights, 16-inch alloys. Bluetooth and full-sized spare optional.

How it drives Crisp steering and composed handling, although under duress transmission can kick back with a thump.

Inside Uninspiring interior looks dated. Plenty of space in rear seats and 2000 litres of cargo space.

Engine Extra 72kW and 82Nm over the Ford cost just 0.1L/100km on paper. Small-capacity V6 can struggle to propel Sportwagon up steeper hills.

Safety Five-star crash rating, six airbags, stability control.

Verdict More power for almost the same fuel consumption and better dynamics justify the extra outlay.



Ford Mondeo LX Wagon ... from $31,790 plus on-road and dealer costs. 2.3-litre, four-cylinder; 118kW/208Nm; 6-speed auto; 9.5L/100km; 227g/km CO2; FWD.

Value Cloth trim, Bluetooth with voice control, cruise control, powered front and manual rear windows, single CD with aux input, 16-inch steel wheels, space-saver spare.

How it drives Intuitive auto matches your driving style and steering is responsive, if a little remote. More tyre noise.

Inside More modern dash layout uses tactile materials. Spacious rear seat and bigger cargo area than Sportwagon.

Engine Smooth and responsive around town but can get buzzy under hard acceleration. Requires forethought to overtake on open road.

Safety Five-star crash rating, seven airbags, stability control.


Verdict An honourable loss for the Ford, which can't quite match the Holden's solidity or power.

For the price shouldn't it have been compared to the Zetec Wagon ??????