Holden HSV latest series lapped

Close your eyes and you could be riding in a Euro car. Open your eyes and it feels as if you are driving a Euro car.

The difference is that Euro cars don't approach the bang-for-your-bucks blast of the HSV cars with their thumping exhaust notes from well-tweaked big-bore V8s.

The Euros also don't have the all-round value of the HSVs.

The preview of the E Series cars is short but runs over some great roads, including a dash through the Dandenongs.

This highlighted a couple of minor glitches in the final finish of the cars, but these are not full production cars and HSV says there will be no dramas in showrooms.

The Clubsport R8 is up first and delivered as expected. It is quick, composed, well-equipped and delivers the driving enjoyment you expect in a car with an HSV badge.

It feels more planted and more balanced than any earlier HSV car, even the high-priced ones, and - at last - a real leap up from an SS Commodore.

It works well with the new six-speed auto (an extra $2000), but really honks with the slick new manual shift.

The Senator Signature is, as you would expect, a more relaxed drive.

Still taut, but with the emphasis on luxury in the cabin, a subtle ride and auto-shift V8 bang for overtaking.

And the GTS? This is the car with the Magnetic Ride Control, which is awesome, as well as the full pack of go-fast gear.

The suspension system crushes bumps while giving astounding grip and balance.

There is a switch to flick between road and track settings, but even the firm option is compliant and keeps the car sitting flat in corners.

The car encourages you to push harder, but we never get close to the limit. That must be reserved for a racetrack.

We didn't try HSV's sub-five-second claim for a 0-100km/h sprint, but it seems about right, and the LS2 engine is a real stormer.

We wonder about a single spacesaver spare, in front-wheel size, and some people will huff about the economy. But not the owners.

Based on our first drive, and the GTS in particular, Australia is ready to shoot for the world cup.