2003 Holden Crewman AWD Cross8 Review

Holden had implemented a flexible modular-based manufacturing strategy, which in essence allowed it to develop vehicles for niche markets. The Crewman was one of 35 models off 13 variants built off the one platform.

It was made possible by the development of Cross Trac, the first all wheel drive system developed by Holden.
The Crewman Cross8 sports ute was launched at the 2003 Sydney Motor Show. It was a locally produced, all-wheel drive, four-door, V8 powered multi-purpose vehicle that was passenger car derived.

Like the previously released rear wheel drive Holden Crewman, the stylish and well-equipped Cross8 was a 'stretch' four door ute which combined flexible sedan-style accommodation, comfort and driving dynamics and heavy duty load capacity. It was to prove popular for people who wanted to mix workday practicality with recreational pursuits, its crossover all-wheel drive capability, backed by effortless V8 performance and pulling power.

The AWD Cross8 looked every bit the part - its imposing road presence emphasised by a big, bold front end, high ride height, wide stance and wheel arch flares. This was the longest, widest Holden yet produced.

The Crewman Cross8 shared its advanced all-wheel drive system with the Holden Adventra crossover wagon. It represented the first light commercial application of the traction control-based, permanent AWD Cross Trac system that was developed by Holden specifically to suit the unique Australian driving environment.

The AWD Cross8 sports ute seated up to five people and had a maximum carrying capacity of 738 kilograms. Inside it shared all the features and equipment found in other Holden sedans. The Cross8 featured alloy finished pedals, matt black and steel fascia surrounds, chrome highlights, sport seats and sorts steering wheel with audio controls. It also had pitch and roll gauges and a unique gauge cluster. There was a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and 80 watt six speaker stereo system, trip computer, power mirrors, power adjustable driver's seat, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning and dual front and side impact airbags.

It benefited from its passenger car heritage in terms of interior space and comfort, high feature levels, advanced safety systems, sedan-like ride and handling and spirited performance, courtesy of a 225kW 5.7-litre Gen III V8, teamed with automatic transmission.

Secondly, its load-carrying light commercial lineage gave it exceptional strength and durability. Contributing factors included a unique torque arm system linking the chassis to the cabin which provided exceptional torsional rigidity, its variable four-leaf spring rear suspension, high load-rated wheels and tyres, heavy duty brake and cooling systems and heavy duty automatic transmission.

The Crewman Cross8 was also equipped with the same 'calibrated for Australia' Cross Trac all wheel drive technology as its AWD Adventra stablemate, sharing componentry, the same track dimensions, steering feel, front suspension set-up, front-end styling and the ability to handle most Australian road and track conditions with ease.

Wider at 1954mm without mirrors (2046mm including mirrors) and longer at 5323mm than the rear wheel drive Crewman, the Cross8 sports ute also had an increased minimum ground clearance at Kerb Load of 188mm. Given the extra components inherent in an AWD system, Cross8 weighed 163kg more, at 1947kg, than the Crewman SS.

Crewman Cross8 also shared the Holden One Tonner's front axle loads of 1180 kilograms. The rear axle load of 1460 kilograms and Gross Vehicle Mass of 2685 kilograms is shared with the Crewman SS. Carrying capacity was 738 kilograms and its auto V8 towing power, rated to 2500kg, provided even more flexibility.
The Crewman's chassis and underbody is engineered to cope with off-road applications. The strengthened underbody included front and rear 'bash plate' undertrays and a heavy-duty engine cradle. An additional engine and transmission underbody protection plate was also available.

Front strut bracing provided extra rigidity across the chassis. The modified transmission was mounted on a two-piece system that doubled as an extra body brace and acted to enhance safety performance in side impact crashes. The exhaust system was packaged higher for rough track applications.

The combination of reinforced prop shaft and rear axle housing provided a tough, robust suspension package for increased load carrying in all road conditions.

In common with the rest of the Holden Crewman range, the Cross8 rear tray accommodated all kinds of work gear and weekend toys like mountain bikes and motorcycles. With rear seats folded, Cross8 had a large amount of secure cabin space and the entire floor area is accessible via the rear doors. The rear seat bases also housed two storage boxes.

Cross Trac All Wheel Drive Technology
Holden's all-wheel drive Cross Trac system provides high levels of traction on a wide range of surfaces and has a rear wheel drive-biased torque split (38 percent front/ 62 percent rear) for maximum flexibility, stability and 'driver's car' chassis dynamics.

The strength of Cross Trac lies in the way its software is specifically calibrated to cope with the deformable surfaces, such as sand, gravel and loose dirt, that make up 65 percent of Australian roads.

Cross Trac has 1781 calibration variables, which determine the wheel control strategies for all common driving scenarios inherent in Australian conditions. This means that there are hundreds of thousands of possibilities where Cross Trac will determine the optimum amount of torque split to provide maximum traction for optimum performance.

Using automatic brake differential (ABD) software and electronic brake force distribution (EBD) to achieve desired levels of traction across all wheels, the Crewman Cross8 has the capacity to conquer stony shale track climbs, steep descents, desert tracks, beach and fire trails, shallow river crossings, slippery, muddy and icy road surfaces.

With 225kW of power and 460Nm of torque on tap, the Cross8 could tow boats up slippery banks, tour along bush tracks with a big load of gear on board and pull caravans and trailers with ease.