Holden SV6 Ute

And when the Ute was reluctantly returned after a few laps for the next driver, the smiles on the dials almost split their helmets.

Holden made a justifiable deal about the whole range having stability control as standard and we applaud the company for that safety initiative. Yet, to fairly test the car's inherent dynamics, for on-track duties it was duly switched off.

This is simply a fun car to toss around; living up to Holden's claim that its utes are more sports cars than utilitarian beasts of burden.

If you do use it to carry, then most blokes will be pleased to know there is a special area in the tray that will hold a slab of beer, there are stubby holders in the tailgate and the tie-down cleats look like bottle openers.

Out on the road, the Ute really shines with a compliant suspension that soaked up a rattly old wooden bridge, diagonal railway crossing and lumpy country roads of tar and gravel.

The cabin is a fine place to be, with modern styling, intuitive controls, comfortable and supportive seats (leather upholstery is a $1250 option) and lots of storage space, including a nifty little hidey-hole for a laptop; who said this was a tradie's ute?

The only drawbacks are lack of vision out the back (parking sensors are $390 optional extras) and the clunky long-throw six-speed gearbox.

This is simply the best-riding ute Australia has produced.

Snapshot

HOLDEN SV6 UTE

Price: $35,990 (as tested $37,630)

Engine: 3.6L/V6, 195kW/340Nm

Transmission: 6-speed manual

Economy: 11.4L/100km

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