![]() The explosive pick-up is accompanied by a masterful V8 exhaust note that puts nearly every other V8, including the latest iteration of HSVs, to shame. There is noticeably more punch off the bottom of the dial, with a meaty and accessible mid-range that quickly proceeds towards the vehicle's 6200rpm redline with no semblance of engine fade. Performance from the new 6.2-litre V8 is admirable, and a massive step up from the previous 6.0-litre bent-eight on offer. An intuitive competition mode in the stability control system, along with a Performance Mode in the transmission, further reinforces the vehicle's sporty credentials in spite of a 1755kg kerb weight. The Redline is a driver's delight, excelling in both daily conveyance, where its suspension is firm without being crashy, along with twisty roads, where admirable body control, accurate and responsive steering and an inherent confidence inspires the driver. In addition, there is notably more space behind the seats than previous Commodore utes, including a storage space that extends underneath the tray behind the passenger seat.įorward vision is partly hindered by thick A-pillars and the rear is hamstrung by the high tray line and small mirrors, though with a few thousand kilometres at the wheel these small setbacks are soon forgotten. Pampered with Alcantara, chrome and faux carbon fibre trims along with comfortable leather/suede-wrapped seats, it almost requires full-time seat overthrows to prevent wear and tear. The SS-V Redline's cabin presents another problem for conscious owners. There is no external tailgate lever, meaning owners need to pull back the cleverly designed soft tonneau cover to gain rear access to the load space. The tray is big enough to squeeze a full-size pallet or a dirtbike on a diagonal, the latter along with jerry cans, gear bag and other tidbits. A plastic tub liner protects the tray's interior from marks and scratches, but otherwise the Redline is susceptible to rogue belt buckles and easy marks and scratches from well-intentioned helpers.Īrmed with only a handful of flimsy steel plate tie down points not designed for excessive weights, along with a measly 630kg payload (including occupants) and 1600kg maximum braked towing capacity, the Commodore-based ute pales against many of the latest four-wheel drive dual cabs in terms of practicality and on-paper credentials.ĭespite those flaws, it does the basics well, ferrying circa 500kg loads around without too much fuss from its enhanced FE3 suspension. It is clear from the outset there is no shortage willingness from the Redline, it instead comes down how cosmetically vein the owner is. Backyard renovations, regular excursions to the local motocross track, even regular loads of compost loomed for the Redline during the course of our four-week tenure. ![]() We have already tested the SS-V on track and on the road, but how does it serve as an everyday workhorse? The perfect opportunity fell fortuitously into Drive's lap recently when Holden offered a month-long loan of the latest VF Series II model. It is allied with either a six-speed automatic or, in the case of our test vehicle, a six-speed manual purportedly capable of a 0-100km/h time of just 4.9 seconds. A recently-upgraded 6.2-litre V8 makes 304kW of power and 570Nm of torque. There is no shortage of displacement on offer. Foregoing raw load-carrying abilities for creature comforts, the latest safety features and no-holds barred performance, the flagship model in Holden's Ute range is fitted with standard features such as four-piston calliper front and rear Brembo performance brakes, staggered wheel widths for optimal roadholding and a standard exhaust note that would satisfy even the most hearty V8 purist. In a bid to appease the performance appetites of local enthusiasts before local production ends in 2017, the latest utility offered by Lion brand, the $50,490 (plus on-road costs) SS-V Redline Ute, treads a decidedly different path. Well-known nameplates such as the HZ or WB were once a popular choice among Aussie tradesman, forging a strong reputation on the back of their one-tonne payload ability, Trojan-like performance and remarkable durability.īut the blueprint has seemingly changed. In years gone by, this would have been a perfectly plausible space to talk about a worksite-friendly Holden ute. Holden Commodore VFII SS-V Redline sedan reviews.View the latest Holden news and reviews.
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