Holden Commodore SS Ute 2014 Review

Australia is the spiritual home of the passenger-car-based utility. Ford built its 'Coupe Utility' at its Melbourne plant in 1934 but it wasn't until Holden's 50-2106 of 1951, based on the FX sedan, that the once-humble ute entered volume production.

Since then the Aussie ute has become an institution – a faithful companion for farmers, labourers and tradies of all types, and a rite of passage for countless adolescents seeking their own piece of a local legend.

Now, time is running out for the 'true-blue' ute, with Ford ending local production in 2016 and Holden in 2017. The end of an era is looming, and that in itself is sure to give higher-end examples – like the SS Ute reviewed here – an extra push off showroom floors.

Holden's SS Ute has played a major role in the category's history, setting pulses racing since its introduction in limited-edition VS guise back in 1998. It's gone on to become an icon in its own right, the SS badging boldly heralding the V8 heart that beats within.

Priced at $39,490 (plus on-roads), the latest SS is the cheapest of Holden's V8 'sports' utes. Above it in dollar terms, the SS-V gets keyless entry and starting, 19-inch alloys, front fog lamps, sat-nav and leather seating for $42,990, while the flagship SS-V Redline adds staggered alloys (wider rears), Brembo brakes, sports suspension and some extra safety systems for $48,990.

That's a fair stretch from the basic six-cylinder VF Ute models (priced from $33,490) but still well below the $58,990 HSV Maloo.

Ford's FG XR8 Ute disappeared from the blue oval's line-up a few years ago and the last examples of the GS Ute and limited-edition Pursuit Ute have gone with the recent demise of FPV, although Ford says some dealers may have the odd one stashed away for a rainy (and lucrative) day.

The SS is powered by Holden's 6.0-litre Generation IV Alloy V8, producing 270kW/530Nm when mated to a six-speed manual transmission or 260kW/517Nm when mated to a six-speed auto. The latter adds a $2200 premium.

The manual model reviewed here is a 2014-spec SS Ute, but the differences between it and the MY15 model, which went on sale last month, are minimal. Recalibrated power steering, enhanced reversing camera software and two new colours (Jungle Green and Some Like It Hot Red) is about the extent of the update. The SS-V Redline, meanwhile, cops new rims and, on the auto, paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Jumping behind the wheel of the SS Ute is a bittersweet moment. The cab's interior has an all-pervading aura of quality that backs up the sleek 'n' mean lines and 18-inch alloys, but the positive first impression only underlines the tragedy of the demise of the local auto manufacturing scene. All that world-class talent, all those jobs, gone…

The 'Sportec and Kinetic Suede' bucket seats provide excellent comfort and support and the all the controls are sensibly placed. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has inset controls for the cruise control, audio and phone, integrating with Holden's MyLink 8-inch colour touchscreen in the centre stack. This offers a wide array of music options, including Bluetooth streaming, and the quality of the basic stereo package is good.

You sit low in the SS Ute and the centre console and dash wrap around you; it feels more like the cockpit of an aeroplane than a car... And as you survey the pleasing mix of tactile dash textures and that long bonnet stretching off beyond the steeply raked windscreen, you can't help but surrender to the SS's allure.

If only the rear three-quarter vision was better. It's a good thing that the SS Ute comes with blind spot assist as standard. This is one part of a comprehensive suite of safety features that help the SS Ute secure a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

In addition to the stability control, switchable traction control and anti-lock brakes, the SS Ute also has trailer sway control, hill start assist and reverse cross traffic alert, plus a total of six airbags.

Turn the key and the V8 rumbles into life in a subdued manner, yet one that hints at the potential lurking within. Our test vehicle's six-speed manual shifted nicely through its ratios although the clutch is on the heavy side and its narrow take-up band takes some acclimatising.

Jump on the alloy-faced accelerator and the SS Ute responds instantly; a wave of torque breaks over the vehicle and it pulls hard through to its indicated 6000rpm redline. On the road there's ample punch available from virtually any point in the rev range.

It's a bit of a shame then that for all this performance the SS Ute falls short with its 1600kg towing and 500kg payload capacity. Those numbers will force many buyers to look elsewhere.

Then again, this is no rough hay hauler. It's a 'sports' ute and in that respect it delivers. The suspension is on the firmer side and, together with the 245/45R18 Bridgestone Potenza rubber, this rear-drive ute with limited-slip diff clings tenaciously through the bends. Well weighted and accurate steering adds to the effect.

While the V8 builds speed with ease the four-wheel disc brakes are just as adept at washing it off, with good feel and feedback at the pedal.

Cabin storage options are plentiful; the door side pockets aren't huge but you do get a decent bin in the centre console (with 12-volt and USB outlets), plus twin cup holders, bays for knick-knacks fore and aft of the gearstick, overhead sunnies storage and a good-sized glove box. You can slide bits and pieces behind the two seats, too.

Out back the tub has a plastic liner and six (not so sturdy) side-mounted tie-down anchor points, with a soft tonneau cover to shield your gear from both the weather and prying eyes.

Front and rear parking sensors are complemented by a reversing camera. With a parallel and 90-degree electronic park assist thrown in, there are fewer excuses for parking mishaps.

Downsides? Just the one obvious one – you don't buy a V8-engined vehicle to save the planet. Holden quotes a combined fuel economy of 11.5L/100km but around town we recorded 15.0L/100km. That V8 engine is there to be enjoyed, after all, but with a 71-litre fuel tank that spells a safe range of somewhere approaching 450km.

Holden says around 50 per cent of its ute buyers opt for the V8 and after spending a couple of weeks in the SS we can see why. Refined, well equipped and superbly sporty, it's pure V8 motoring pleasure.

We can't wait to see what the General has up his sleeve for the final iteration of Holden's V8 Ute (possibly an upgrade to the 6.2-litre HSV-spec, LS3 engine) but when it finally bows out we'll join thousands of others in shedding a solemn tear…