General Motors Australian arm Holden has named its new ‘crossover’ model the Adventra.

The vehicle, essentially a four-wheel drive version of the company’s locally-built mainstay Commodore range, is said to be the only all-wheel drive crossover designed and developed in Australia for unique local conditions. It has permanent all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance and ride height than the 2WD models and a 5.7-litre petrol V8 engine. Holden is claiming passenger car ride, handling and comfort and sales will begin later this year.

Down Under rival Ford is also readying a similar model based on its Falcon line but that car is said to have a more distinctive body style that is a cross between a passenger car and an SUV.