HSV Jackaroo Reviews

Bolted into the engine bay of the WL Grange is the all-American 6-litre LS2 engine.It measures the heart and soul of HSV's latest loud limo that now cranks out 297kW of power and 530Nm of torque.The same powerplant is now housed in the latest Clubsport, Senator, GTO coupe and Maloo ute.What the engine change – 285kW 5.7-litre LS1 to the 6-litre stonker – means is more might for HSV's power-hungry customers.It goes hard, is loud and retains the comfort, space and luxury of previous incarnations.Down low there is heaps of torque and the equipment has been upgraded to cope with the extra loads. Here we have a bigger tailshaft, differential and axles.All are engineered in proportion with the extra weaponry of the LS2.Hooked up to the hydramatic HXD 4L65E heavy duty four-speed automatic, the powertrain retains grace at low speeds as well as a fair deal of refinement at pace.Gear changes are smooth and unfussed. It stays well behaved when on the rampage or when forced to fold into crawl mode in heavy traffic.On this test the WL Grange needed just under three tanks in a week travelling between Brisbane and the Gold Coast with the average consumption reading at 13.8-litres/100km.Thirsty yes. But this is hardly a small capacity, lightweight saloon.It loves to be driven hard and is comfortable in most conditions.A bit of diesel splashed on a wet roundabout and the Grange breaks traction simultaneously at both ends but it is slow-motion stuff and the four-wheel slide of the long-wheel-base lasted for a second or two before it gripped again.The Grange retains its unmistakable pace and grace character of previous versions with the exception that it probably does everything just a little bit better these days.It gains the performance braking system of 330mmx32mm ventilated and grooved discs up front and 315mmx18mm at the rear with the front HRT red calipers embossed with the HSV logo.The Grange comes extremely well-equipped and is loaded with safety gear including active front head restraints and seatbacks.There is the standard 12-speaker sound system with subwoofers and a not insubstantial 430watts of power.Toys for the kids in the back include the DVD system with dual LCD screens and a remote control unit.And the Grange is the only car in the HSV range that comes with the Holden Assist facility (three-year subscription) as standard.

But while such beasts still rule the roost on the work site, utes – especially high-performance variants – now have a much wider appeal.So, with the much-anticipated LS2 engine under the bonnet, the Z-series HSV Maloo is set to be a sought-after vehicle.The Maloo can happily handle any job that is thrown at it and with the power and torque under the bonnet, sports seats and air conditioning it does so with style and comfort.Apart from the 6.0-litre engine, the VZ Maloo has had a number of changes.It adds 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/35 ZR19 tyres, traction control and multi-link independent rear suspension.At start-up the engine sound is noticeably quieter, the burble deeper and throatier and with a hint of roughness on idle.Once the wheels are turning the tone becomes a lot louder as it resonates throughout the cabin.The engine is smoother and more refined than the Gen III and the flatter torque curve equates to even more grunt underfoot and increased torque under 3000rpm.Maximum power (297kW at 6000rpm) and torque (530Nm at 4400rpm) is achieved using premium unleaded juice and although HSV says the engine will happily operate on normal unleaded (albeit with a slight reduction in figures) it was not tested.The Tremec six-speed M12 manual box is an improvement on the old one. Shifts are shorter and tighter, and changes require little effort.The heavy-duty Corvette C6 clutch is heavy under foot but, surprisingly, using it in traffic is not overly laborious.The Maloo R8 tested had a Bosch 8 ABS system with electronic brake-force distribution and four-piston, cross-drilled brakes.The pedal is firm underfoot and the improved package is noticeable, especially when braking hard.The Maloo is the first Holden ute to get traction control. The configuration of previous utes precluded the installation of the system, but the changes required for the new engine gave engineers the chance to get it in.The multi-link rear suspension gives the Maloo a different feel on the road, which – combined with the 19-inch wheels – adds to stability, helps reduce roll oversteer and improves turn-in feel.The bigger wheels and rubber increase the ute's stability and sure-footedness.The Maloo's tray is quite large. The previously oversized wheel arches have been trimmed to allow better use of the space.The lockable tonneau cover keeps tools safe and secure and the protective lining inside helps stop damage from wayward ones.The Maloo's sports styling is more aggressive than the previous model and in traffic on the M2 received a few comments.With the drivetrain modifications it is not surprising the interior didn't get much of an upgrade. The full-leather trim and leather seat inserts do enhance the look but the dashboard highlight and centre console stack with twin-gauge HSV binnacle do little to dispel the "Commodore with frills" feeling.On the test car the seat adjuster and part of the door trim fell off and the windows squealed when opened and closed.The Maloo is priced from $54,250 for the base model and $61,450 for the R8. This means it has increased only slightly in price ($750) from the previous models, despite the all-new drivetrain and mechanical upgrades.The Maloo R8 will be as popular on the work site as it is at the office.

The choice, price, equipment, security, safety and quality is better in 2004 than it has been at any time in the history of the car Down Under.It sounds like a big call, but it's not.Australian cars have been getting better and better for more than 15 years, and apart from such blips as the AU Falcon, improvements have delivered never-better showroom deals. Sales of the big Aussie sixes have fallen a bit, mostly because families have migrated into four-wheel-drives, but the cars themselves are world-class machines.And with starting prices just past $30,000, or even less at the moment for a Mitsubishi Magna, they are also world-class bargains.The real proof of the improvements is the growing number of Australian-made cars being shipped overseas.The Toyota Camry is a huge success in the Middle East, Holden is building support for its Chevrolet-badged Commodore exports, the Monaro-turned-Pontiac GTO is finally starting to fire in the US and Mitsubishi even had a short-lived run with Magnas in the US.It should only take time, and the next all-new models in late 2006, before the all-wheel-drive Ford Territory and Holden Adventra, and perhaps even the work-and-play Crewman Cross8, also set sail overseas.Picking the best of the best from the local crop is tougher than ever.The Mitsubishi Magna is a good car, and a worthy family friend, but only runs fourth in today's rankings. It beats the Toyota Avalon, which is looking more and more like a taxi-only champion, but cannot match the all-round strengths of the Camry, Commodore and Falcon.The Ford, Holden and Toyota have all been updated this year.Taking a broad sweep through the locals, we rate the Falcon first. It's a close call, but in most cases it's the one we'd recommend to our friends and family.And the Falcon-based Territory is a winner. It's a Falcon with attitude and a high-rider cabin for families.The latest Commodore is a top car, and the new Alloytec V6 does a good job in the VZ model, but it doesn't ring our bell. We love the sporty V8 SS, the Caprice and the HSV hero cars, but Holden is just a couple of points behind in the overall scoring.The Camry? It's a classy car, and ruthlessly efficient in almost every area, but doesn't have the personality or punch of its rivals. That's why Toyota is pushing the Sportivo model, and working on a 2006 model that will have more personality than any previous Camry.Our ratings look at the individual star cars, some of the class champions and give an overall ranking of the Australian heroes of 2004.1. Ford Territory RWDLowdown: The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is the first local to fill the gap between family car and 4WD. A Falcon wagon in disguise but more than a short-term fix.Verdict: Heavyweight off-roader that drives like a Falcon, with a friendly turning circle and punchy six. The rear-drive TX is the best value and drops the all-paw drive most people will never need.Plus: Light and easy to handle, with a big wagon body.Minus: Not as capable as a LandCruiser in the bush. Comes as a six-cylinder auto only.Rating: 18/20Former boss Geoff Polites had to sell the project in Detroit to win $500 million to make the $38,990 car in Broadmeadows alongside the Falcon. The Territory should ensure the Falcon's survival by giving a double-edged return on future investment.2. Holden Commodore SSLowdown: The best-value sports sedan on Australian roads. It has even forced HSV to rethink its Commodore performance cars, and is first choice with police pursuit drivers.Verdict: The one to have when you want an Aussie V8 muscle car with real driving enjoyment.Plus: Punchy 5.7-litre V8 with sporty handling, but still with Commodore comfort.Minus: Not as refined as an XR Falcon.Rating: 17/20If any car sets the standard for performance motoring in Australia, it's the SS Commodore at $50,990. It is more raw than an XR Falcon, but delivers the sort of stonking punch owners expect when they dream of a hot lap at Mount Panorama.3. Ford Falcon XTLowdown: The starter car in the Falcon family reflects all of the BA update work at a value price and with plenty of gear.Verdict: Tough but surprisingly refined. Punchy 4.0-litre in-line six has the edge over the Commodore's hi-tech Alloytec V6.Plus: Elegant styling with a rugged and well-proven mechanical package, plus good-value equipment.Minus: A bit rugged in some areas, fuel economy not great.Rating: 17/20When Ford decided to dump the Forte from the AU family it knew the BA base model had to hit all targets. The XT does the job well from just $34,255 with aircon, airbags, CD sound and electric mirrors. Ford has also stopped painting Falcons yellow to discourage their use as taxis.Ford Falcon GT 18/20Price: From $61,000Engine: 5.4-litre quad-cam V8The born-again GT is very quick and very refined. The loudest thing about it are the racy stripes being chosen by most owners. But when the going gets tough, it's going and gone.Ford Falcon 17/20Price: From $34,255Engine: 4.0-litre inline sixThe latest BA looks surprisingly elegant over the unloved AU basics, but it's the solid mechanical package and punchy performance that gives the Falcon a narrow edge over the Commodore.A six-speed manual gearbox is new in the BAII but the rest of the deal is more about value.Ford Territory 17/20Price: From $38,990Engine: 4.0-litre inline sixRated as a complete range, the Territory is very good but not quite great. The four-wheel-drive package costs an extra $4000 but you cannot get a V8 or manual gearbox. Still, a better choice for anyone looking at an imported 4x4.Holden Caprice 17/20Price: From $69,650Engine: 3.6-litre V6The long-wheelbase flagship has benefited from a makeover that gives it sharper styling and more driving enjoyment than the Statesman. Needs a V8 to do its best work, but the best choice for Australians who want everything in a local car.HSV GTO Coupe 17/20Price: From $78,690Engine: 6-litre V8The latest Z-Series Monaro from HSV has moved the bar on local muscle. The bigger V8 developed for the US Pontiac GTO is a welcome addition and restores bragging rights to the hot Holden shop. A bit raw but very quick.Ford Fairlane 16/20Price: $55,500Engine: 4-litre inline sixReversing the Holden deal, the Fairlane is better than the LTD. It has been tweaked for drivers but still feels a bit old and clunky compared with the Caprice.Holden Commodore 16/20Price: From $33,160Engine: 3.6-litre V6The VZ Commodore update brought the new Alloytec V6 and a considerably more refined car. But the value is not as good as a Falcon's and you have to pay extra for the power-up engine and five-speed automatic. That's enough to push it back behind the Falcon.Toyota Camry 15/20Price: From $32,000Engines: 3.0-litre V6Still operates like whitegoods on wheels, as efficient as a fridge with similar personality, and that's its greatest strength and weakness. Needs more visual punch and driving personality, which Toyota promises (once again) is coming with the new model in 2006.Mitsubishi Magna 13/20Price: From $33,210Engine: 3.5-litre V6The unloved local was done no favours by its nose job in 2003 or questions about Mitsubishi's future in 2004. Still a good car, but looking very dated. Mitsubishi is doing great deals to get cars moving, but the all-new 2005 Magna can't come too soon.Toyota Camry Sportivo 12/20Price: From $38,500Engine: 3.0-litre V6The Sportivo is proof Toyota wants a performance car, but also proves how far it is off the pace. It has a wonderful chassis and a spirited V6, but not nearly enough muscle or impact to compete with HSV of FPV.Toyota Avalon 11/20Price: $30,990Engine: 3.0-litre V6The plain Jane of the Aussie car family. Nice enough, but bland and boring. Has never delivered the promised challenge to the Falcon and Commodore and now doing very good business as a taxi. That says it all.Mitsubishi Verada 11/20Price: $42,950Engine: 3.5-litre V6The Verada highlights the shortcomings of the Magna range, despite impressive equipment and a refined cabin. It comes in only one body style, doesn't have enough style for the luxury class, and takes a heavy hit on the second-hand scene.

It is the key to a top-secret two-year development that has revitalised the HSV range and moved it away from Holden's SS Commodore and the SV8 Monaro.It has been a parallel program to the VZ switch at Holden, but the 6.0-litre V8 has a bigger kick than the Alloytec V6.The $5 million HSV model change includes suspension improvements, new wheels, body alterations and cabin changes, but everyone is talking about the engine.It is not the biggest or most powerful to be fitted to a HSV machine, but the figures look good. It has 297kW and 530Nm and there is potential for more. It means the Z Series HSV Clubsport is good for a 5.1-second sprint to 100km/h.The engine is the LS2 and is the same 366cu in fitted to the Chevrolet Corvette in the US.The LS2 will also be fitted to the SS and the Monaro in coming years and is already in the export-only Pontiac GTO.The Z Series is expected to lead to a big increase in HSV sales, just as HSV cashed in when Holden moved from the locally made 5.0-litre V8 to a 5.7-litre import."This is the biggest change since we moved to the Gen III (LS1) V8 engine in 1997," HSV managing director John Crennan says."The LS2 is fitted to everything except the all-wheel-drive models, the Coupe 4 and the Avalanche. So you get it on Clubsport, Grange, Senator and Maloo."Crennan knows his customers and he knows the LS2-powered Z cars will be a hit."Our customers have an unquenchable desire for performance." he says.The 6.0-litre V8 is an American engine and produces its best figures on premium unleaded, but there has been minimal tweaking.The highlights are an alloy block, a redline at 6500 revs and a new driveline package that includes a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, a higher stall speed on the automatic, a fatter tailshaft, a new differential ratio and strengthened axles.The Z-cars also come with the latest Bosch anti-skid brakes and all models, including the Maloo ute, roll on 19-inch alloy wheels.The Clubsport and the Maloo look more aggressive than the Senator and Grange, with side skirts, new front facias, a bigger air dam, new-look lamps and five-spoke alloys.The luxury cars get a Euro-style chrome grille and the Senator has had a major makeover with a Nappa leather cabin, luxury suspension, rear parking radar and electric seats. HSV's GTO coupe gets the bonnet scoops already in the Monaro.Price rises have been kept to less than $1000 on the starter cars; the Clubsport R8 is up by $550 and the Senator down $4000.ON THE ROADIT WAS not a long test at Sydney's Oran Park, but it offered a chance to see if the figures translated to the road.And from early observations, it appears HSV has done the job.From the moment the key is turned, the new V8 burble – deeper than the Gen III – hints that the Z Series is special. The new engine is not so raw.On the speed run, the new HSVs show their improved launch ability and the manual gearbox is smooth, despite high revs and quick changes.The automatic aids the high-speed run with its quick and smooth changes, showing why it is quicker than the manual in a straight-line sprint.The meatier and flatter torque curve means that even the tightest corners can be easily negotiated in third with plenty of pulling power.The Clubsports and the Maloos make light work of the track, and the Senator and the Grange also hold their own.Even without the impressive optional AP racing brakes of the R8s they still pull up well.The 19-inch wheels give a better road feel and more grip, a point of difference from previous models.The Z Series steering is also an improvement and, though a little lighter, it points in well and always maintains a solid feel.HSV claims the Z cars' LS2 motor has so much torque, they could take off in fourth gear from idle. It can be done and gives something new to brag about.

A SMALL group of cars are Aussie icons. They set the heartbeat for local motoring.The born-again Falcon GT clears the bar with a handy margin and so does the HSV Senator. Both pump up the local action and raise the pulse for people who want the best of the best with a local badge.The fast new Ford scored a perfect five-star rating when we tested it earlier this year, so now we've balanced the scales with a long, hard look at the Senator Signature.It's a late look because Holden has just updated the VY Commodore with Series II models, but it will be a while before the HSV cars get their new tweaks, so we decided it was time for some hot Holden action.The Signature got the nod because of its icon status, confirmed by its mechanical package and luxury gear that lifts its price above $80,000.It's also the car of choice for Holden motorsport hero Mark "The Boss" Skaife.The Senator Signature costs a lot for a home-grown car, even a muscle car from HSV, and we wanted to know if it did the job. The short answer: yes.It has a 260kW engine that grunts and goes, specially set suspension that combines grip with comfort, and the sort of luxury and little surprises you'd expect more in the Audi-BMW-Benz price range.Even the people at HSV have a bit of trouble citing the differences between the $74,650 Senator and the $80,140 Senator Signature.But they confirm the dearer car with the extra name has better seats, premium brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres.The ventilated and cross-drilled brakes alone should be worth the extra to serious drivers.But it's the Signature badge that will do just as much convincing for people who want to go all the way.The Signature isn't the quickest or the costliest car in the HSV range, but it is the sort of car that a lot of locals would rate against the mid-level European luxury contenders.It has size as well as a proven brand name, but it's the depth of the action that makes the real case.The Senator comes with an engine that got a 5kW kick in the change to the VY and could easily get another tickle for VYII.It has everything from electric leather seats and monster alloy wheels to cruise control, automatic airconditioning and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-stack CD.But we were most impressed by the little things. The Senator has a pair of extra instruments stacked on top of the dash in a neat little housing, the steering wheel is a bit different from other hot Holdens, the dashboard dials have been given a special HSV look with white faces and different graphics, and the pedals have drilled alloy plates.The Senator has to get by with the same four-speed auto that holds back the whole Holden range. Most premium performance cars are moving to five-speed autos and Mercedes has just developed a seven-speeder for its S-Class. But otherwise you get all the fruit.On the road:IF YOU want to cut to the star rating, the Senator Signature gets four.It's very, very good and terrific value, even with an $80K bottom line, though it's not as balanced or complete as the GT.The fast Falcon gets a bull's-eye for every one of Ford's targets while the Senator just misses the mark in several areas.It's not by much, but a car has to be best-in-show to get the five stars we've given to the GT and Honda's latest Euro Accord this year.But there are lot of good things to say about the Signature star. We really like the way it drives and the comfort.The dials in the centre of the dash are a great touch, even for people who don't need to know about volts and oil pressure.The seats, too, are great. It took a while to get them set right, with sliding upper-body support similar to a Qantas business-class chair, but they are terrifically supportive.The sound system is fantastic, the final finishing work is very good, and we liked everything from the airconditioning to the alloy wheels.The body bits on the Signature are also matched well to its price, pushing the point without shouting. It's muscular, but not boy-racer silly.Turn the key and you remember what HSV is all about. The Senator has a meaty exhaust note and takes only a tickle to get hot and heavy.Our test car was an automatic and was great for city running. It really cracked away from the lights and the kick-down response was instant and brutal, though it needs an extra gear to provide the sort of driving enjoyment possible with a Euro car.The suspension is set surprisingly soft, but the brakes are brilliant. They easily match the power and make the car reassuring to push along quickly, despite its 1700kg.We liked the Senator Signature a lot and can see plenty of reasons to put one in the garage.It's a solid four-star performer that's another reflection of the classy work being down by local carmakers, especially at the muscle car end of the business.

A small group of cars are Aussie icons. They set the heartbeat for local motoring.The born-again Falcon GT clears the bar with a handy margin and so does the HSV Senator. Both pump up the local action and raise the pulse for people who want the best of the best with a local badge.The fast new Ford scored a perfect five-star rating when we tested it earlier this year, so now we've balanced the scales with a long, hard look at the Senator Signature.It's a late look because Holden has just updated the VY Commodore with Series II models, but it will be a while before the HSV cars get their new tweaks, so we decided it was time for some hot Holden action.The Signature got the nod because of its icon status, confirmed by its mechanical package and luxury gear that lifts its price above $80,000.It's also the car of choice for Holden motorsport hero Mark The Boss Skaife.The Senator Signature costs a lot for a home-grown car, even a muscle car from HSV, and we wanted to know if it did the job. The short answer: yes.It has a 260kW engine that grunts and goes, specially set suspension that combines grip with comfort, and the sort of luxury and little surprises you'd expect more in the Audi-BMW-Benz price range.Even the people at HSV have a bit of trouble citing the differences between the $74,650 Senator and the $80,140 Senator Signature.But they confirm the dearer car with the extra name has better seats, premium brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres.The ventilated and cross-drilled brakes alone should be worth the extra to serious drivers.But it's the Signature badge that will do just as much convincing for people who want to go all the way.The Signature isn't the quickest or the costliest car in the HSV range, but it is the sort of car that a lot of locals would rate against the mid-level European luxury contenders.It has size as well as a proven brand name, but it's the depth of the action that makes the real case.The Senator comes with an engine that got a 5kW kick in the change to the VY and could easily get another tickle for VYII.It has everything from electric leather seats and monster alloy wheels to cruise control, automatic airconditioning and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-stack CD.But we were most impressed by the little things. The Senator has a pair of extra instruments stacked on top of the dash in a neat little housing, the steering wheel is a bit different from other hot Holdens, the dashboard dials have been given a special HSV look with white faces and different graphics, and the pedals have drilled alloy plates.The Senator has to get by with the same four-speed auto that holds back the whole Holden range. Most premium performance cars are moving to five-speed autos and Mercedes has just developed a seven-speeder for its S-Class. But otherwise you get all the fruit.On the roadIf you want to cut to the star rating, the Senator Signature gets four.It's very, very good and terrific value, even with an $80K bottom line, though it's not as balanced or complete as the GT.The fast Falcon gets a bull's-eye for every one of Ford's targets while the Senator just misses the mark in several areas.It's not by much, but a car has to be best-in-show to get the five stars we've given to the GT and Honda's latest Euro Accord this year.But there are lot of good things to say about the Signature star. We really like the way it drives and the comfort.The dials in the centre of the dash are a great touch, even for people who don't need to know about volts and oil pressure.The seats, too, are great. It took a while to get them set right, with sliding upper-body support similar to a Qantas business-class chair, but they are terrifically supportive.The sound system is fantastic, the final finishing work is very good, and we liked everything from the airconditioning to the alloy wheels.The body bits on the Signature are also matched well to its price, pushing the point without shouting. It's muscular, but not boy-racer silly.Turn the key and you remember what HSV is all about. The Senator has a meaty exhaust note and takes only a tickle to get hot and heavy.Our test car was an automatic and was great for city running. It really cracked away from the lights and the kick-down response was instant and brutal, though it needs an extra gear to provide the sort of driving enjoyment possible with a Euro car.The suspension is set surprisingly soft, but the brakes are brilliant. They easily match the power and make the car reassuring to push along quickly, despite its 1700kg.We liked the Senator Signature a lot and can see plenty of reasons to put one in the garage.It's a solid four-star performer that's another reflection of the classy work being down by local carmakers, especially at the muscle car end of the business.