Holden Commodore SS V G8 v HSV Maloo GXP 2010 Comparison

Holden Commodore SS V G8 vs HSV Maloo GXP

Comparison Test

Justifying the step up to a HSV has never been easier, Holden's performance arm's limited edition Maloo and Clubsport GXP models now placing the muscle marque firmly within the grasp of the traditional SS buyer.

And while that extra $6500 isn't exactly chicken feed, the fact that most SS V buyers tick a few option boxes before finally signing on the dotted line means just wanting one is now a more affordable ask than ever before.

But comparisons on paper can sometimes be misleading, so we decided to put the sport utes under the pump in a number of real world tests (KFC drive through, circle work in the back paddock) to see which was better value.

THE BACKGROUND
To keep the competition close, we pitted the Holden SS V G8, a special edition ute complete with Pontiac-styled front fascia, against the HSV Maloo GXP. Both limited edition vehicles were fitted with a V8 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, pricing the pair at $49,490 and $55,990 respectively.

In the interests of parity, both cars tested were trimmed in ‘as is’ spec, no options fitted to either vehicle. The payload portion of the test coming compliments of the same 230kg Suzuki Burgman scooter, while the remainder of the drive was completed with two adults in the pews through a blend of city and freeway driving -- including everyone's favourite stop-start commute -- over a course of roughly 350km.

CORNERING, RIDE AND BRAKING
Plodding around town, the dynamic duo feel obviously different under foot. The SS V is softer, more compliant over lumps and bumps and essentially more liveable as day-to-day transport, while the GXP is harder edged, with a firmer ride and better turn in, which is great if you're on the racetrack, but in the real world SS V's more acquiescent manners make it a better everyday proposition.

Braking was a major letdown on the SS V though, with pedal feel about as firm as an overripe mango. The smaller stoppers warm quickly, but fade after only a short stint of enthusiastic use. Realistically, they're too small for the performance (and weight) on offer.

The HSV on the other hand, with its none-too-subtle silver painted Brembos, haul up nicely time and again, providing the stopping confidence needed for such high performance orientation.

The result comes as no surprise, the adjustments made to the GXP the real selling point for any one chasing a high performance V8 ute, but if you're after passenger comfort alone, the SS V's got suspension in the bag.

PERFORMANCE AND NVH
Performance wise and the LS3 gives the HSV the edge. Pumping 317kW to the back wheels from its 6.2-litre V8, the GXP has a 57kW advantage over the SS V, not to mention 200cc more capacity and a nifty 33Nm torque kick. It's also better at braking and the firmer suspension delivers improved feedback through the tiller.

Straight line acceleration sees the GXP's needle clear the 100km/h marker almost a full second ahead of the SS V (refer times below), the added grunt the only saviour in this package where an inadequate six-speed transmission limits better in-gear grunt. Both 'boxes offer Performance Mode and manual override, but if you really want to drive the wheels off either ute, a stick shift six-speeder is arguably still the way to go.

NVH is line ball, our test SS V experiencing a little tailshaft vibration at freeway speeds, the only real noise difference came from a good hard stab of the right foot. Both the SS V and GXP are similar in road and wind noise, the small capacity SS V showing slightly less vibration and plastic rattles, perhaps as a result of the more supple suspension tune.

Both cars averaged around 16.0L/100km for the test, the HSV just slightly more thirsty on 16.5L/100km. Similarly, the pair was equally unfazed by the added weight of our Burgman ballast, sufficient torque barely warranting a kick-down of the cogs on even the steepest of hills.

ACCOMMODATION
Cabin space is terrific in VE utes. There's enough leg and headroom for proper sized blokes and still enough room behind the seats for a small overnight bag and a slab of (ginger) beer. Equipment levels are roughly the same, both utes scoring a bus-like steering wheel, anaemic sound system and hard-to-read analogue speedo (your demerit points account will thank the digital repeater).

On the plus side, cruise control, power windows and mirrors, and central locking ease a little heartache and the aircon system works a treat, the Commodore sedan's single-zone climate control more than up to task in such a comparatively small space.

But the real winner here is the GXP's super comfy sports seats. Offering heaps of support and just enough padding, these buckets make the mundane bearable and the fast work fun. The only issue is the awkward lever to retract the backrest. Pushing rearward to move the seat forward requires two-hands when loading your gear behind the pews. The SS V's seats operate more sensibly, pulling the lever forward moves the seat forward.

CONCLUSION
The verdict is pretty clear, if you want an everyday ute, the SS V is a pearler. Easy to live with, there's still enough grunt – and enough street-cred – to impress the boys, while also being comfy enough to please the trouble and strife.  But if you've gotta have a ballsy second vehicle, or just love those LED daytime running lights, then the GXP is bloody good value. For our money, and with the extra dollar taken into account, the GXP still wins hands down.

Holden Commodore SS V G8 $49,900
Engine: L98 5967cc V8 petrol
Power: 260kW @ 5700rpm
Torque: 517Nm @ 4400rpm
Fuel Consumption (ADR combined): 12.9L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 307g/km
0-100km/h (claimed): 6.1 seconds

HSV Maloo GXP $55,990
Engine: LS3 6162cc V8 petrol
Power: 317kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 550Nm @ 4600rpm
Fuel Consumption (ADR combined): 14.3L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 338g/km
0-100km/h (claimed):  5.3 seconds

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