PREDICTIONS that Holden's forthcoming all-wheel drive wagon will be little more than a high-rise Commodore are way wide of the mark, according to company boss Peter Hanenberger.

A bullish Mr Hanenberger told GoAuto exclusively that the cross-over due to go into production in the second half of 2003 would look dramatically different to the standard Commodore wagon.

He also talked up the off-road capabilities of the wagon that he confirmed would use "advanced permanent AWD with electronic traction and torque management systems".

But Mr Hanenberger believes Ford and the rest of us are in for a shock when the wagon breaks cover.

"It will be a very outstanding difference," Mr Hanenberger said. "I would be very amazed if you were not amazed because no-one expected it this way, it turns out so well.

"I would be disappointed if you would say it looks like a Commodore wagon."

He said the wagon had already earned the thumbs-up from GM product czar Bob Lutz, who drove it recently.

"We couldn't get him out of that bloody car. It was unbelievable. It's good. It's really good," Mr Hanenberger said.

He revealed the all-wheel drive range - which will include the Cross8 crew cab utility - has been subject to extensive outback testing by Holden engineers, with strong results.

"This car drives exactly like a station wagon or sedan but it has unbelievable ground clearance so you can go into terrain which was unthinkable. It's powerful and it's a very smooth four-wheel driving system," he said.

Mr Hanenberger estimates initial annual sales of around 5000-8000 for the AWD range, which will initially be limited to a V8 drivetrain, certainly mated to a four-speed automatic and with the increasing possibility of a manual gearbox option as well.

But six-cylinder versions of the AWDs will have to wait for the HFV6 to come on line in 2004, as will left-hand drive export production, although the latter is a decision Mr Hanenberger is already ruing.

"It's a pity we didn't have the money to immediately design it for left-hand drive, because we just couldn't afford it - but we should have done it," he said.

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