Humble Station Wagon Making a Comeback..

[csv8]

Move over, soft-roaders, the humble station wagon is making a comeback. A wave of new-generation wagons – or Tourers, Avants, Estates and Shooting Brakes, in marketing speak – are trading boxy utilitarianism for sleek styling to appeal to the heads and hearts of buyers who might otherwise look at a highriding SUV.

Wagons once sat proudly in many Australian driveways, but the rise of soft-roaders made several extinct, including load-lugging versions of the Ford Falcon, Mitsubishi Magna, and Toyotas Camry and Corolla. Holden bucked the trend by reincarnating its fleet-oriented Commodore wagon into the sleeker but less versatile Sportwagon to win over private buyers.

This trend of form over function is set to benefit buyers of all budgets, with incoming wagon versions of Holden’s humble Cruze to Mercedes- Benz’s CLS four-door ‘‘coupe’’.

Even Porsche is planning a wagon version of its polarising Panamera.
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While design is overriding practicality in the new breed of wagons, the ability to pack in dogs, sports gear or a young family is crucial.

In addition to a roomy boot, buyers have come to expect handy features such as shopping hooks to prevent groceries from spilling, clever cargo blinds to hide valuables from prying eyes, 12-volt power outlets, and even powered tailgates at the luxury end of the market.Here are five that really stand out.
http://brisbanetimes.drive.com.au/mo...109-291px.html

[Joe5619]

It will be intersting to see how this whole Wagon vs SVU's pans out in the next 4-6 years..

[H.G]

good.. family planners will always have a place on our roads and in our hearts..

just need that bloody panelvan to come back!!!

[LG17]

Originally Posted by H.G

good.. family planners will always have a place on our roads and in our hearts..

just need that bloody panelvan to come back!!!

For the family planners?

[Dragoneletra]

Originally Posted by LG17

For the family planners?

Of course, how do you think we got SUV's ???
haha

[Itsme]

I think station wagons are good cars but people have moved on to the SUV/4 door ute market....
Even the commodore sports wagon is useless.
They will be history.

[nstg8a]

The return of the wagon can only be a good thing. Hopefully if the Holden sport wagon can be über successful then maybe ford may revisit it some time in the future.

A fu g6et sport wagon? Yes please....

[KIWI-1]

Originally Posted by nstg8a

The return of the wagon can only be a good thing. Hopefully if the Holden sport wagon can be über successful then maybe ford may revisit it some time in the future.

A fu g6et sport wagon? Yes please....

More likely to be a Mondeo

[Windsor220]

How is the Mondeo Wagon going?

[2011G6E]

I think they're missing a market niche...well, not really a niche...but a serious market segment that used to take up a lot of sales.

People used to buy wagons when they had kids...simple as that. My parents, in 1974, bought a Mazda 929 wagon with all the fruit, and our neighbour had a Holden Kingswood Vacationer wagon.

The thing is, not everyone wants an "SUV" style vehicle as the marketers have foisted on us and tried to force public opinion into thinking they need to be buying when they have a couple of kids...they're seen as big, more costly to run, and too "four wheel drive-like" when people want a "car with a bit of extra space tacked on the back"...as easy to park as a car, same running costs as a car, and without the high-riding 4WD styling.

The big makers in the USA made this mistake many years back...pushed the public into believing that they "needed" to buy massive fuel guzzling unsafe trucks masquerading as family wagons...Hummers, F250 wagons, Chev Suburbans...and then when the fickle public turned and wanted more economical "normal" cars they were stuck with unsold and unsellable monstrosities that no one wanted anymore.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

I think they're missing a market niche...well, not really a niche...but a serious market segment that used to take up a lot of sales.

People used to buy wagons when they had kids...simple as that. My parents, in 1974, bought a Mazda 929 wagon with all the fruit, and our neighbour had a Holden Kingswood Vacationer wagon.

The thing is, not everyone wants an "SUV" style vehicle as the marketers have foisted on us and tried to force public opinion into thinking they need to be buying when they have a couple of kids...they're seen as big, more costly to run, and too "four wheel drive-like" when people want a "car with a bit of extra space tacked on the back"...as easy to park as a car, same running costs as a car, and without the high-riding 4WD styling.

The big makers in the USA made this mistake many years back...pushed the public into believing that they "needed" to buy massive fuel guzzling unsafe trucks masquerading as family wagons...Hummers, F250 wagons, Chev Suburbans...and then when the fickle public turned and wanted more economical "normal" cars they were stuck with unsold and unsellable monstrosities that no one wanted anymore.

Its this reason that they have bought out cars like the CX5, Kuga, ASX etc. They would be easier to park than a Falcodore wagon while providing space for the family. If you want to go a bit bigger you go something like Territory. These types of cars weren't around back in the day so the wagon was the only choice. Sure there a handful of people that still want a normal wagon but its obvious to see now what the majority prefer.

[Jim Goose]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Its this reason that they have bought out cars like the CX5, Kuga, ASX etc. They would be easier to park than a Falcodore wagon while providing space for the family. If you want to go a bit bigger you go something like Territory. These types of cars weren't around back in the day so the wagon was the only choice. Sure there a handful of people that still want a normal wagon but its obvious to see now what the majority prefer.

Go watch the soccer moms at shopping center carparks who do a 5 point turn to get into a parking spot while driving their landcruiser (or similar) which never sees a dirt road in its life... always good for a laugh.
Visibility in some FWD wagaons that i have driven is extremly poor in some models (out the rear quarters)... as your so high up sometimes you cant see the car beside you (and yes i use my mirrors, but clearly a lot of people dont).

I never have a drama parking in my wagon at supermarket carparks.
Then again I watched a male P plater in a nissan Micra (?) who had to try twice to park...

Im thinking most who buy "SUVs" ( I hate the term ) are swayed by "ill look cool in this" as opposed to buying a station wagon because you have kids.

[OzJavelin]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Its this reason that they have bought out cars like the CX5, Kuga, ASX etc. They would be easier to park than a Falcodore wagon while providing space for the family. If you want to go a bit bigger you go something like Territory. These types of cars weren't around back in the day so the wagon was the only choice. Sure there a handful of people that still want a normal wagon but its obvious to see now what the majority prefer.

Jeep Cherokee - the original SUV "box" - has been around since 1960 .. Along with the GM/Chev Suburban, International TravelAll, etc.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by OzJavelin

Jeep Cherokee - the original SUV "box" - has been around since 1960 .. Along with the GM/Chev Suburban, International TravelAll, etc.

I don't think these are classed as small SUVs.....

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by Windsor220

Its this reason that they have bought out cars like the CX5, Kuga, ASX etc. They would be easier to park than a Falcodore wagon while providing space for the family. If you want to go a bit bigger you go something like Territory. These types of cars weren't around back in the day so the wagon was the only choice. Sure there a handful of people that still want a normal wagon but its obvious to see now what the majority prefer.

Exactly. The SUV has taken over. They can be shorter because they provide more room vertically. And being higher off of the ground, they are easier for older people to get in and out of. And also easier to take stuff out and put stuff in.

As much as I hate these taller cars on our roads because I own a normal height vehicle. I fully understand and appreciate these values that I listed above.

Perhaps a Falcon Wagon lifted up like the RTV... could answer some of that issue. However... the Holden Adventra was a flop, so that might indicate popularity for that configuration. (Don't see many Adventra's for resale though)

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

I think they're missing a market niche...well, not really a niche...but a serious market segment that used to take up a lot of sales.

People used to buy wagons when they had kids...simple as that. My parents, in 1974, bought a Mazda 929 wagon with all the fruit, and our neighbour had a Holden Kingswood Vacationer wagon.

The thing is, not everyone wants an "SUV" style vehicle as the marketers have foisted on us and tried to force public opinion into thinking they need to be buying when they have a couple of kids...they're seen as big, more costly to run, and too "four wheel drive-like" when people want a "car with a bit of extra space tacked on the back"...as easy to park as a car, same running costs as a car, and without the high-riding 4WD styling.

The big makers in the USA made this mistake many years back...pushed the public into believing that they "needed" to buy massive fuel guzzling unsafe trucks masquerading as family wagons...Hummers, F250 wagons, Chev Suburbans...and then when the fickle public turned and wanted more economical "normal" cars they were stuck with unsold and unsellable monstrosities that no one wanted anymore.

Everyone buys SUV's now. Ford Aus are just lucky they were smart enough to build the Territory back in 2004...

I would never have bought a Falcon wagon... All they were good for were taxi's and Telstra fleet, my Territory smashes the wagon all day everyday.

I don't know too many Falcon wagons that would do 850 - 900 km's week in week out on a single tank of fuel.

I reckon the Territory is easier to drive, extra vision. My Mrs agrees, shes says its so much easier to use in car parks because she can see pass the cars around her, especially when backing out of a space.

[jpd80]

Many people have short memories about how hard Falcon station wagons were for women to maneuver
in a tight car park, the Fairlane sized wheelbase and overhangs coupled with low visibility make then
harder for most to park compared to a SUV like Territory.

Originally Posted by flappist

But would you pay $41k today for a brand new wagon in the same spec as your AU?

Bingo, Territory does most things people want in a wagon plus gives higher driving position
but most importantly a fuel sipping diesel.

[zilo]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Many people have short memories about how hard Falcon station wagons were for women to maneuver
in a tight car park, the Fairlane sized wheelbase and overhangs coupled with low visibility make then
harder for most to park compared to a SUV like Territory.


Bingo, Territory does most things people want in a wagon plus gives higher driving position
but most importantly a fuel sipping diesel.

Falcon wagon is a piece of cake to park with a rear camera.

Just upgrade the sound system, get one with the GPS and camera and problem completely solved.

[Jim Goose]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Many people have short memories about how hard Falcon station wagons were for women to maneuver
in a tight car park, the Fairlane sized wheelbase and overhangs coupled with low visibility make then
harder for most to park compared to a SUV like Territory.


Bingo, Territory does most things people want in a wagon plus gives higher driving position
but most importantly a fuel sipping diesel.

You have to be kidding right?
Like i siad in my previous post... go to a shopping center carpark and watch how many females cant park their "SUVS"... er sorry... 4WDs because these things are just as big, if not bigger then a Falcon wagon and have a much less turning circle.

Because some of them also sit up so damned high YOU CANT SEE the car next to you out the rear windows half the time either. (so you resort to using the mirror.. but most people DONT)

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by jpd80

Many people have short memories about how hard Falcon station wagons were for women to maneuver
in a tight car park, the Fairlane sized wheelbase and overhangs coupled with low visibility make then
harder for most to park compared to a SUV like Territory.

Ahhhh.... memories of my small mother trying to park an XE GLi station wagon with no power steering and and fat chrome mags. And a turning circle of what seemed like infinity to infinity.

Comedy Gold.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Everyone buys SUV's now. Ford Aus are just lucky they were smart enough to build the Territory back in 2004...

I would never have bought a Falcon wagon... All they were good for were taxi's and Telstra fleet, my Territory smashes the wagon all day everyday.

I don't know too many Falcon wagons that would do 850 - 900 km's week in week out on a single tank of fuel.

I reckon the Territory is easier to drive, extra vision. My Mrs agrees, shes says its so much easier to use in car parks because she can see pass the cars around her, especially when backing out of a space.

All those points to the Territory yes, but it doesn't have the load space which is what we're talking about.

Fuel mileage - I suppose you're talking about a diesel Territory but you have to compare like with like to be fair. A diesel Falcon would probably do 1000 on a tank.

[Jim Goose]

I love my AUII wagon!!!!

But possibly the best wagon idea is Dhru's FAWD!!

http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...20#post4514120

[falconnut]

AWD/RWD Wagon would be awesome

[mik]

I'm thinking fg wagon Rtv, bit of extra ground clearance, nice wide opening tail gate, easier entry for old farts, one of the things I notice these days even on some suv's the loading area is pretty low which suks(back pain anyone).

[TheInterceptor]

Theyre all pretty small in my opinion. None i would call a station wagon.
Skoda Superb would be the biggest one out of the ones in that article..and thats nothing like the Falcon wagon

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by TheInterceptor

Theyre all pretty small in my opinion. None i would call a station wagon.
Skoda Superb would be the biggest one out of the ones in that article..and thats nothing like the Falcon wagon

Wagons come in lots of different shapes and sizes, just because these are not as large as a Falcon wagon doesn't make them "not a wagon".

A Focus wagon is just as much a wagon as a Falcon wagon, just the class/size is different.

Wagons aren't just about size they are about versatility as well.

[new2ford]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

Wagons come in lots of different shapes and sizes, just because these are not as large as a Falcon wagon doesn't make them "not a wagon".

A Focus wagon is just as much a wagon as a Falcon wagon, just the class/size is different.

Wagons aren't just about size they are about versatility as well.

Technically you're correct but for many the underlying need for a wagon is to get something really significant in the back, beyond what you can get in a hatchback. That size of wagon (bigger than Superb) isn't available any more as a car and even the SUVs are usually compromised by a shorter wheelbase and the streamlined rear.

Having said that I've found the Octavia wagon handy but not sure that it achieves that much more than a hatchback.

[TheInterceptor]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

Wagons come in lots of different shapes and sizes, just because these are not as large as a Falcon wagon doesn't make them "not a wagon".

A Focus wagon is just as much a wagon as a Falcon wagon, just the class/size is different.

Wagons aren't just about size they are about versatility as well.

Ah, key word was station in my post.

sta·tion wag·on
Noun:
A car with a long body, incorporating a large carrying area behind the seats and having a rear door for easy loading.

Yeah, i agree with you, there are many different sorts of wagons.
But a Focus wagon isnt a station wagon! So i disagree when you say it is as much a wagon as a Falcon wagon.
Wouldn't a Falcon wagon be more versatile than a Sportswagon?

[MAGPIE]

Originally Posted by TheInterceptor

Wouldn't a Falcon wagon be more versatile than a Sportswagon?

Not if you want a brand new one

[flappist]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

Not if you want a brand new one

And that was the problem. Apart from fleets very few people did.

Falcon Wagon started to die in the late e series/early AU.

Firstly manuals were discontinued due to lack of sales.
Then the Ghia.
Then V8
Then Fairmont.
Finally by BA all that was selling was auto XT for fleets and the odd Futura.

Falcon wagon is dead because no one wanted to buy it other than low profit fleet sales.

Now who here has actually bought a NEW Falcon wagon privately in the last 20 years? (EB onward).