Holden One-Tonner Cross6

Seems every time we turn around Holden fragments its light commercial vehicle range. Holden has discovered a previously unfulfilled niche for an all-wheel drive version of the chassis cab utility capable of carrying one tonne in the tray. And we reckon it's a desirable beast, especially decked out in blood red with a wood tray floor sourced from HBD: Holden By Design.

The One-Tonner Cross6 is based on a conventional Holden Ute One-Tonner, but with added ground clearance and with engine drive sent to all four wheels. This baby's got some serious appeal, stretching to boat owners, camping enthusiasts and yes... even builders or plumbers looking for a more versatile ute. Not sure how the Blue Heeler would cope in the tray, however.

Add to that the off-road abilities of all-wheel drive and high-riding suspension and we're looking at one seriously versatile vehicle, limited only by your imagination. And gravity.

The One-Tonner Cross6 is offered with a 175kW Alloytec V6 mated to a heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission only. Changes to the transmission software decrease shift times and reduce shift shock which makes for smoother towing.

There's no V8 engine option, and no manual. Yet.

The CrossTrac all-wheel drive system divides torque 38/62 front to rear for good underfoot grip. It uses a planetary gearset and traction control at each wheel to ensure consistent drive in slippery conditions. Grip at the rear is surprisingly good given the car's rudimentary leaf spring suspension, and will handle wet boat ramps as easily as any other four-wheel drive without a locking diff.

The Cross6 looks like a Commodore on the outside, and it's got Commodore-like levels of comfort on the inside. Plenty of room for the average Aussie man or woman in the front, and regular features like electric windows, remote central locking, CD player and air-conditioning are standard.

Trailer Boat spent plenty of time behind the wheel of the One-Tonner Cross6 at launch - something about this supposedly “workman's” ute appealed to us. Most of the time was spent on the dirt roads, rocky hill-climbs and slippery concrete ramps of Anglesea proving ground, but we also got a fair chance to drive the Cross6 in the real world.

It's the lightest six-cylinder all-wheel drive vehicle Holden builds, and offers an exciting drive for anyone comfortable having fun on dirt. It's safe and predictable, and the AWD system seamlessly controls traction at all four wheels.

The responsive Alloytec V6 engine and its electronic throttle inject immediacy and smoothness into the drive experience. In fact, it takes conscious effort to remember that this is a utilitarian workhorse and not an all-paw sports coupe. Towing's a breeze, arguably better than a heavier six-cylinder Commodore, and there's always the versatility of that open tray to chuck dirty fishing gear or wet water skis in.

Ground clearance is a very impressive 235mm with nothing in the tray, and it still clears 164mm with a full tonne onboard. It's rated to tow up to 2100kg and can carry up to 1016kg split between occupants and the tray.

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