Australia's own Holden Calais-V Sportwagon (pictures)

The Holden Calais-V Sportwagon is a top-end variant on the Commodore model.

The Calais-V Sportwagon is based on a GM platform. GM has been owner of the Holden brand since 1931.

Wagons may not be popular in the US, but you see them all over Australia.

The long roads of Australia present a danger to the local wildlife, including kangaroos and wombats.

The Holden badge, appropriately dust-covered here, portrays a lion.

The Calais-V Sportwagon offers more than enough cargo room.

Right-hand-drive cars pose a challenge to left-hand-drive-trained people.

The six-speed automatic transmission in the Calais-V Sportwagon makes adjusting to right-hand drive easier.

The Calais-V Sportwagon offers solid and comfortable ride quality, proving its mettle on dirt tracks and Australian motorways.

The Calais-V Sportwagon presents a stylish profile, with large front windows for maximum visibility.

The Calais-V Sportwagon uses a 3-liter V-6 with direct injection, good for 255 horsepower.

That engine is plenty for this wagon, although the Commodore line offers some larger power plants.

The cabin of the Calais-V Sportwagon shows off high-end trim.

The head-up display makes it easy to keep your eyes on the road.

The navigation system includes traffic information.

The Holden infotainment system uses the same software as Chevrolet's MyLink system, making for a familiar environment.

Even during hard times for the Australian auto industry, Holden held on.