Review: Holden VY Adventra (2003-05)

Holden VY.II Adventra (2003-05)

Overview

Released in September 2003, the Holden VY Series II (VY.II) Adventra was a four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VY.II Adventra was powered by a 5.7-litre petrol V8 engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. As per the table below, the Adventra range consisted of CX8 and LX8 variants.

LS1 Engine and 4L60E transmission

The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, sequential multi-port fuel injection, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1. The engine was mated to the four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission.

Development and dimensions

Developed at a cost of $125 million and over a period of three years was distinguished from the VY Commodore wagon by its wider track, flared wheel arches and 80 mm higher ride height. Beyond this, the strengthened underbody included front and rear ‘bash plate’ undertrays and a heavy duty engine cradle, while front strut bracing provided extra rigidity across the chassis and the transmission was mounted on a two-piece system that also served as an extra body brace.

Compared to the VY Commodore wagon on which it was based, the VY Adventra was 10 mm shorter (at 5036 mm), 87 mm wider (1934 mm), 109 mm taller (1654 mm) and had a 10 mm longer wheelbase (2948 mm); ground clearance also increased from 105 mm to 200 mm. The Adventra tailgate had a folding glass panel for easier access to the cargo area, while roof racks were fitted as standard.

Suspension

The VY Adventra had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension (with semi-trailing arms and toe control links) which was reinforced for use on off-road tracks. For the Adventra LX8, the rear suspension included an electronically-controlled self-levelling system.

Cross Trac: permanent four-wheel drive system

The Adventra was fitted with Holden’s ‘Cross Trac’ permanent four-wheel drive system which included a New Venture NV124GM transfer case and three open differentials (front, centre and rear). In normal conditions, the Cross Trac system provided a 38:62 front:rear torque split.

In the event that excessive wheel spin was detected at any wheel, the brakes would be applied to that wheel to redistribute torque to the wheels with more traction – this operation was termed an ‘automatic brake differential’ or ABD by Holden. Developed by Holden for local conditions, the Cross Trac system included calibrations for dirt roads and loose surfaces.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VY Adventra included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters; the LX8 was also fitted with active front seat head restraints.

Brakes

The Adventra had 302 mm by 27 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs with single piston calipers.

Features: Adventra CX8 and LX8

Standard features for the Adventra CX8 included six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a six-stack CD player, climate control air conditioning, velour upholstery, a power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Adventra LX8 added 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a 260 watt sound system with ten speakers and a subwoofer, SS-style leather seats (in Anthracite black or optional Ochre), dual-zone climate control air conditioning, eight-way power adjustable front seats, heated door mirrors (with memory settings), a sunroof, dust deflector, pitch and roll gauges, stainless steel sill plates, vanity mirrors and floor mats.

August 2004: Adventra update

In August 2004, the VY.II Adventra received a minor facelift to coincide with the release of the VZ range, though the VZ Adventra was not released until March 2005; these Adventras are sometimes referred to as the ‘interim VZ’ models.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: New Adventra All Wheel Drive Wagon is Holden’s Local Hero (September 2003)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden’s Cross Trac All Wheel Drive System (September 2003)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VY Adventra