2010 Holden Commodore Reviews

"Not much of a work ute, is it?" says a no-nonsense mate when looking over the Holden Ute SV6.  No, not really. And it isn't meant to be. Sure, the base-model Omega Ute is more of a working vehicle but the SV6 and SS V8 versions tend towards lifestyle vehicles a two-door, two-seater with a big boot.The SV6 version, as tested, even looks like you've got a V8 lots of body kit, low slung, big alloy wheels and twin exhausts and with plenty of go.Engine It runs the SIDI version of the 3.6-litre V6 which gives a more than adequate 210kW power and yet can return a reasonable 10 litres/100km fuel economy on regular unleaded. The six-litre V8 model even with its cylinder shutdown on the automatic utes drinks about 13 litres/100km and the manual V8 even more.We drove the manual SV6, which will trundle along at only 1000rpm (40km/h, 5th gear) and takes just 2100rpm in 6th gear at 110km/h. The gearshift is short but clunky (perhaps it will ease up when run in more), the sequential six-speed automatic worth considering.Fit-out and equipmentThe 245/45 tyres on 18in rims on the SV6, plus firmer sports springs, a hefty front anti-sway bar and lowered ride height give this thing commendable cornering grip, backed up by stability control. And Holden has the advantage of independent rear suspension of coil springs on its tes.Like all VE Holdens the driver has to look around a thick A-pillar and the over-shoulder view around the B-pillar isn't great, either. But its six airbags help give it a top-five star safety rating for occupant protection.SV6 Ute comes with a soft tonneau cover, the edges of which have to be snapped into place (strong hands needed), and a polyethylene tub liner which helps protect you cargo. Tie-down hooks are handy but it would be good to have some fold-in D-hooks lower on the tub sides, too.It will carry items up to 1.9m long with tailgate up. It has 1.2m between wheel arches. Its 100mm ground clearance and low front spoiler mean it's no good for building sites and farm paddocks but I was king of the kids doing the dump run, an impressive amount of tree clippings swallowed by the rear tub.The interior is sporty Commodore with leather-trim steering wheel. The test car had the welcome optional leather seats. Electric adjustment is for seat height only.  Overall, Holden Ute SV6 is an Aussie two-seater that looks great, goes quick and gives versatility in what you can carry in the back.Holden Ute SV6Price: from $34,990 drive-away (list price from $38,490)Engine: 3.6-litre, V6, dohc, petrolPower: 210kW @ 6400rpmTorque: 350Nm @ 2900rpmTransmission: Six-speed manual (six-speed automatic $1000 more). Rear wheel drive.Fuel: 10.2 litres/100km; on test 9.9 litres/100km; tank 73 litresCO2: 241g/kmDimensions: 5040mm long, 1899mm wide, 1480mm high; wheelbase 3009mm; 1750kg.Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear; ABS.Tows: 1600kg.Also consider: Falcon XR6 Ute, $37,690.

The cynical might call it the Pontiac nose run-out edition, a side-effect of the unfortunate end of an export program.  Hopefully some with Chevrolet badges and the steering wheel on the wrong side can start going back over the Pacific soon, but in the meantime, there are some meaner-looking SS V-Series sedans on sale in Australia.The twin-nostril snout bridges the gap between Holden and HSV, giving the SS a road presence without the extrovert HSV appearance screaming ‘look at me’.  The more subtle rear lip spoiler keeps the look as almost subtle, as well as making rear vision less obstructed than the rear wing on an SS or SV6.Engine and gearboxThe six-speed manual's clutch pedal has to meet the firewall before it will fire - turn the key and the six-litre V8 offers a muted rumble at idle and it has an immediate aural effect.  The six-speeder is still a gearbox that requires strong direction but the gates and the shift-feel are cleaner than its predecessors.DrivingSlinking through the traffic, the V8 is more than happy to move along with not too many engine revolutions above idle showing on the tachometer.  Despite tipping the scales at just over 1700kg it can roll along in a high gear without complaint, which does help with the fuel use.  It doesn't mind swinging the needle around to the top end either.The manual model doesn't have the active fuel management system, so it delivers the full whack with a bellow of menace.  The noise falls just short of the 290kW/520Nm Ford V8 but it delivers 270kW at 5700rpm; 530Nm is on offer from 4400rpm but the low-end pull is stronger than the Ford powerplant.Holden don't make official performance claims but independent testing says mid-5s for the sprint to 100km/h, which puts it in pretty strong performance sedan company - for example, an M5 claims 4.7 seconds, an E63 AMG boasts 4.5 seconds, but at around four times the price.  While we're not suggesting the special edition is quite up there with the two Germans, the Commodore has its charms.Firstly, the ride is well-sorted despite low-profile rubber wrapped around 19in wheels.  It's still going to be too tough on the bumps for some, but given its balance and cornering capabilities it's excellent.The SS doesn't turn-in like a big lump o' lard, feeling light on its feet - up to a point, when the nose will push or the tail can be provoked with the right foot, but brisk country-road work is handled with nice cornering ability.  The strong low-end means high gears are easily managed by the engine, which means frugal figures can be achieved, particularly on the open road.Price and equipmentIf there was an option to upgrade the brakes then that might be the only box I'd tick - although a rear DVD player is a great rugrat tamer.  The stoppers are fine up to a point, but there once was a performance brake option ex-factory that would be worthwhile given the performance potential and the ever-increasing popularity of track days.Points to ponder for future designs would be the big A-pillar blind spot, which can easily hide a car when turning from T-junctions.  For a car beyond $50,000 the satnav - which is bordering on theft at $3250 and more expensive than a set of 20in alloys - should be standard, particularly if sub-$40,000 Japanese small cars can have it as part of the standard features.The SS V-Series Special Edition is priced from $55,290 - unchanged from the standard SS V-Series model aside from the bonnet scoops, and the rear spoiler, which means the features list is not completely bare.Dual zone climate control, power windows and mirrors (centre-mounted and still annoying), a six-CD MP3-compatible sound system with auxiliary input jack, alloy pedals, automatic headlights (but no rain-sensing wipers), a sports leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio, trip computer and Bluetooth controls, 19in wheels and leather trimmed sports seats.The safety features list has stability control, anti-lock brakes, dual front, side and curtain airbags.THE BOTTOM LINE:  As many new car buyers of this world apparently aim for better fuel economy, there are still people who want and/or think they need a V8 - it's not hard to see why.Holden Commodore VE SS V-Series Special EditionPrice: from $55,290.Engine: six-litre V8.Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive with limited slip differential.Power: 270kW @ 5700rpm.Torque: 530Nm @ 4400rpm.Performance: 0-100km/h 5.6 seconds.Fuel consumption: 13.9L/100km, on test 17L/100km