Holden Commodore 2005 Review

At $51 grand, the Commodore SS manual offers robust performance and tidy handling wrapped in a "look at me" package. The four speed auto (no extra cost) loses nothing in performance either.

You'll pay tens of thousands more for an import of similar size and performance albeit with camshafts instead of overhead valves.

With 5.7 litres of V8 burbling under the bonnet, it's a given that the SS will be a goer and go it certainly does.

Even the ham-footed will find it almost impossible to catch the big alloy engine napping even in too high a gear. Though we didn't try, the SS would be about as quick as a Sooby WRX from a seat of the pants test.

All that mumbo percolates to the rear wheels the way it should but there are a number of electronic devices installed to keep it all under control.

The suspension has been slammed a few millimetres giving the SS a lower, sportier stance enhanced by the in-your-face body add ons. We just "lurv" the side air intakes with strakes on the front guards.

It would be neat if they actually worked – directing cool air to either the engine or the brakes. Alas no.

The wing is an SS trade mark as are the massive alloy wheels. The car looks fantastic.

Inside it's easy to see the link to garden variety Commodores but Holden has made a decent attempt at lifting the tone. There are cool instrument fascia, sporty seats, metallic inserts and a fat leather clad wheel with multiple control buttons.

The SS is well equipped lacking nothing of any importance in luxury terms. Is satnav and multi level climate control really necessary?

The engine cranks out a handy 250kW/ 470Nm so there's no need to worry about towing the boat. The recalibrated six speed manual makes the most of engine output. Shorter throws between gears would be an improvement.

It steers well if a little abruptly and the ride is firm but comfortable. Sounds unreal.

Is the SS as good as the Falcon XR8?

Can't answer that, I couldn't handle the emails and phone calls.