Holden Magnum 2017 Review

Based on a longer wheelbase than the sedan and with underbody restrictions that rule out the use of Magnetic Ride Control suspension, the Magnum instead relies on fine-tuning to deliver a distinct driving difference compared to the Redline SS-V Ute on which it's based.

That retuning focus is the rear-end, where the load-carrying capacity has been dropped by 80kg to allow the use of a spring and damper tune equivalent to the Redline sedan.

The Magnum picks up the same cross-drilled brake rotors, engine and transmission cooling packages, staggered 20-inch wheels and heated performance seats as the sedans and is powered by the same unchanged 304kW/570Nm LS3 V8. Go here for more on the Commodore engineering story.

How much will it cost?

Pricing for the Magnum is $59,290 (plus ORCs) as a six-speed manual. The six-speed auto adds $2200. For comparison sake, a standard SS-V Redline manual ute will set you back $50,990.

The Magnum gets a hard tonneau cover. Other features include an embroidered instrument panel, unique badging and decals, a unique rear window graphic, individual vehicle numbering, a unique build option code 'UTE' and a commemorative presentation case.

Otherwise the equipment list is SS-V Redline based, which means its gets a slippery diff, dual-zone climate-control, part-powered seats, a five-star ANCAP safety rating, six airbags, trailer sway control, MyLink infotainment with 8.0-inch touch-screen, sat-nav, head-up display, reversing camera, front/rear park assist, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, blind spot alert, reverse traffic alert and remote engine start on the auto. For more on the product and pricing story go here.

The name, by the way, harks back to a WB ute developed by Peter Brock’s HDT outfit in 1983.

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
Reducing the payload of the Magnum from the Redline’s 620kg to 540kg has allowed a 26 per cent reduction in rear spring rate, 10mm shorter rear dampers and a 15mm lower rear trim height. The front-end remains in standard Redline tune.

The result is a car that feels more wieldy and responsive than the standard Ute. It is surprising how nicely it turns in and powers out of corners.

There is more traction available from the rear than you might expect – or as little as you desire, given it’s a rear-wheel drive V8! On the road, it's more comfortable than the Redline thanks to the softer rear suspension tune.

Yes, the payload is reduced, but you can still carry a couple of dirt bikes if you want too… Although getting them under the tonneau might be a challenge…

Happily, the braked towing capacity remains unchanged at 1600kg, so you can still pull the speed boat or pair of PWCs without a drama.

Just 240 Magnums are being built for Australian consumption, with 40 offered up front to Holden dealers and past and present employees. The other 200 are for public consumption.

New Zealand gets 51 examples of the Magnum Edition, a tribute to racing legend Greg Murphy who drove with that number throughout his career.

Who will it appeal to?
Nowhere else in the world does anyone build a V8 monocoque rear-wheel drive utility. This makes the Magnum, as the farewell edition, the rarest of rare vehicles. IT’s unlikely we’ll ever see another vehicle of its ilk.

So, it should appeal to automotive collectors as a guaranteed long-term investment. But I’d like to think these cars go to true-blue ute lovers, who will cherish them for what they represent rather than for their ability to eventually bolster their bank accounts.

Where does it fit?

The Magnum sits in the VFACTS pick-up 4x2 category, but who cares? This car is going to be snapped up by Holden lovers as the last great example of a unique Aussie breed.

So, what do we think?

The Magnum is a joyful, exuberant car that’s even more Australian than the sedan special-editions. It’s the true Australian two-door coupe and it’s impossible not to love.

Holden Magnum Ute pricing and specifications:

Price: $59,290 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 6.2-litre V8 
Output: 304kW/570Nm
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Fuel: 12.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 298g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP)

Also consider:
>> HSV Maloo (from $76,990 plus ORCs)

Related reading:

>>Holden Commodore VFII SS-V Redline Ute 2015 Review
>>Holden VFII SS-V Ute Video Review
>>$20m and fuel economy price for Holden VFII

Further MY17 Commodore reading:
Holden Director review
Holden Motorsport Edition review
Holden Magnum review
Final Aussie Commodore: Magnetic attraction to special-editions
Final Aussie Commodore: Holden confirms three farewell specials
Final Aussie Commodore: Holden defends Director name