Holden Commodore SV6 2013 Review

We like the look of the new VF Commodore even in base model Evoke form. But the SV6 is better again sharing its enhanced exterior with the more aspirational V8 SS model. These two cars also share the same features inside so with the SV6 you are getting the SS look for less money.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

And the 3.6-litre V6 engine is nothing to sneeze at either, with 210kW/350Nm output  good numbers indeed. We got hold of a manual SV6 the other day which came as a shock because 99.9 per cent of buyers will chose an auto.

It was quite fun shifting cogs and using the clutch but quickly became a chore in heavy peak hour traffic. The manual box is from Aisin and has a reasonable shift action and good spread of gears though the test vehicle has some sort of weird shudder from the powertrain a blink after lifting off the throttle in the higher gears. We certainly couldn't live with that.

VALUE

But the SV6 is a desirable package offering up a swag of luxury, safety and technology features that make it extraordinary value at $35,990. It makes smaller cars at the same or more money look overpriced.

They added plenty of driver assist features to the VF SV6 such as blind spot warning, rear parking camera, front and rear park sensors, hill start assist, electric park brake, remote vehicle start, reverse traffic alert auto park assist and plenty more. You don't get this much help from Euro cars at similar money.

Then there's the luxury side of the equation with goodies like Bluetooth phone and audio, voice recognition, the excellent MYLINK infotainment system, multi info display, satnav with traffic alerts and safety warnings along with Pandora internet radio. It really is a generously equipped package.

SAFETY

It gets a five star safety rating with all that brings and also gains some pedestrian safety measures.

DRIVING

But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and in this regard, the VF SV6 is pretty good. It has strong performance from the direct injection petrol engine but sounds fairly horrible when you give it some. Gets out of the blocks smartly and pulls strongly right up to maximum revs.

Fuel economy is rated at 9.0-litres/100km using 91 octane fuel from the 71 litre tank. Cruising on the freeway is accomplished with low noise levels and the SV6 feels like a car you could take on an interstate run enjoying a high level of comfort.

But the flip side of that is the FE2 suspension (strut front and multi-link rear) which offers a sportier feel from the suspension, brakes and new electric power steering. So, you can have a bit of a go if you're in the mood and the SV6 responds accordingly.

The styling inside and out capitalises on the whole effort. In short, the new VF, in SV6 and all other models is a good looking beast. The interior is a huge step up in styling terms and function over the earlier car with multiple fascia material and easy to use controls. 

And the VF Commodore is big enough to take five passengers and their luggage without a hiccup. The standouts for us were the satnav and infotainment system, the styling from all angles and in particular the front, now with LED daytime driving lights.

VERDICT

This is the VF most Aussies would go for as it's a step up from base model Evoke, looks like an SS but costs a lot less. We'd look at one but not the manual.

Holden VF Commodore SV6

Price: from $35,990
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
Capped servicing: first four standard scheduled log book services for the first three years or 60,000km
Service interval: 9 months/15,000km
Safety: 5 stars
Engine: 3.6-litre DOHC 24-valve direct-injection V6, 210kW/350Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual; RWD
Thirst: 9L/100km, tank 71 litres; 215g/km CO2
Spare: Full size alloy