Thursday, July 18, 2013
Holden Commodore VZ SV6
Drive verdict: 3 stars (out of 5)The light at the end of the VZ tunnel
Good: The best value model in the VZ range and the most refined Commodore yet. 190kW Alloytec beats the base VZ engine hands down. Fuel economy. Smooth, precise six-speed gearbox. Taut, agile handling. Fine balance. Good roadholding and grip. Comfortable drivers seat.
Bad: Misses out on important safety features such as stability control and side airbags. Underbraked. Space-saver spare on a Commodore is ridiculous. Dash is due for an efficiency audit. Inaccurate tachometer. Centre console trim reflects in windscreen.
I do not own this vehicle, but have spent a fair bit of time behind the wheel of one, so I feel qualified to describe how I feel about the driving experience even if I cant comment on things like long term reliability and dealer service.
The SV6 is a good looking vehicle from any angle. It is roomy inside and the build quality seems to be a vast improvement over previous Commodores I have sampled. Many dont like the interior colour scheme, but I find it quite attractive. Thankfully the five-spoke wheels are easier to wash than the previous models!
The vehicle is very easy to drive and delivers strong performance throughout the rev range, however it doesnt have the punch I was hoping for from 190kW. Power delivery while smooth, seems dulled by the transmission and gear changes are slurred (I must admit that I am used to a manual transmission). The paddle shifts behind the wheel can be fun, if relatively pointless.
Handling is competent and firm compared to less sporting models, but I felt isolated from the road - more like a passenger with a steering wheel than a true driver. Again this could be because I am used to more charismatic vehicles. The seating position, while comfortable, gives the impression of being on the car rather than in it, effectively disconnecting the driver from the mechanical happenings beneath.
All interior controls fall easily to hand and I was surprised that the CD player sounded reasonable. Overall a good, but not outstanding vehicle. Something to give sales reps a touch more fun, but still a taxi for enthusiasts.
Vital signs
Engine: 3.6-litre, 24-valve fuel injected V6.
Power: 190kW at 6500rpm (above average).
Performance: 0-100kmh in 8.3 seconds (average).
Brakes: Discs with ABS (average).
Economy: 7.8-8.6 litres/100km highway (excellent);13.7-15 litres/100km city (good; unleaded).
Prices:Recommended retail, $38,990.Street price, $3000 off.
Main options: Side airbags/leather $2570; six CD $595; rear parking assist $495; metallic paint $315.
Warranty: Three years/100,000km (average).
Residual value: New model, no history.
Safety rating: VZ not yet tested; VY scored four stars out of five in ANCAP tests.
Alternatives
Ford Falcon XR6
$38,655The Falcons 4.0-litre straight six pulls much harder in the bottom half of the rev range but runs out of top end revs more than 1000rpm before the Holden engine. The SV6 also has a better gearbox and sharper handling.
Mitsubishi Magna VRX 3.5
$37,990Weak resale values are the main disincentive to Magna ownership. VRX is front-drive, with five-speed manual or five-speed auto. An all-wheel-drive version is $42,490. The 163kW 3.5-litre V6 is still competitive but thirsty.
Toyota Camry Sportivo 3.0
$37,500Firmer suspension than the standard Camry, alloy wheels, sports seats and a spoiler but thats about it. Not in the same league as the SV6 and XR6, though the 3.0-litre V6 is still a sweet, responsive engine.
