Holden Commodore SV6 2007 Review

Road Test

While the majority of Commodores sold run the base model Omega badge courtesy of their fleet applications, there is always a market of user-choosers that want something that offers that little bit more individuality. The budget might not stretch far over the $40,000 mark or to the hefty fuel bills that come with a V8, but there is an alternative in the form of Holden's sporty six-cylinder model.

That model is the SV6 and priced from $39,990 as a six-speed manual ($40,990 for the five-speed automatic tested) it offers extra visuals that separate it from the fleet pack. The bonus for VE buyers is that where in the past the sports six has often been little more than a dress-up job, the latest SV6 also delivers more in terms of its drive experience.

The SV6 definitely looks the part with a sharp and aggressive visage courtesy of the strong lines and lowered stance, well integrated bodykit and 18-inch alloys shod with low-profile 245/45 Bridgestone Potenza rubber. Inside the dark charcoal treatment to the dash and minor cosmetic highlights are a welcome relief from the Omega's grey-o-rama interior. Our only issue is with the seats that are still basically the standard pews and they could do with a little more lateral support.

Around town, the car feels a little underwhelming with the engine lacking the sort of off-the line grunt you might expect from a sports sedan. With 195kW and 340Nm from its 3.6-litres, engine output is adequate to get the car away from the lights in a reasonably quick fashion but no more or less than in the standard Omega. Push it a bit harder and it starts to sound a little rough and while the five-speed auto that the Carsales Network tested was okay, its level of refinement and response is not up to the standard of its rivals' (read: Falcon, 380 and Aurion) five and six-speed auto transmissions.

With a lowered and retuned suspension, the ride is definitely firmer than in the base car and over rough urban tarmac it can feel a little jiggly. Bigger potholes occasionally delivered a resounding crash. But head out of town onto a twisting country road with a 100km/h speed limit and the car really comes into its own.

Lock the transmission into manual mode and keep the engine spinning between 4000-6000rpm and it delivers a strong and immediate response to throttle inputs. Flick the gearshift lever forward for downshifts or back for upshifts and the response is equally quick, ensuring you won't be left waiting for the right ratio to push strongly through a corner.

Both the engine and transmission are still not the most refined when pushed but what becomes more obvious is the superb balance and competence of the chassis. At higher speeds, the ride actually seems a little more compliant, soaking up mid-corner ruts with ease while the car sits very flat and stable on the road.

The steering is well weighted with plenty of feedback making this a car that you can throw around with confidence as it delivers a lithe agility that belies its size. There is plenty of grip from the big tyres and the brakes offer good pedal feel and are more than up to the task of pulling the car up in a fuss-free fashion.

The only downside of driving the SV6 as it was designed is that it starts to get a little thirsty with the trip computer quickly rising to nudge the 16lt/100km mark.

Settling back into a more sedate drive, however, it just as quickly returned to the weekly average of around 12.5lt/100km. For the degree of fun factor that this car can deliver when driven harder, we think it is a price worth paying.

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