Holden Commodore SV6 Ute 2011 Review

Holden SV6 Ute: Quick Spin

What we liked
>> Smooth, rev-happy engine
>> Ride-handling balance
>> Intuitive touchscreen

Not so much
>> Limited rearward vision
>> It's two-cylinders short of greatness

The last time we checked, the Commodore-based Holden utility was the second-best selling 4x2 ute in Australia, only bested in sales by the Toyota HiLux. Add 4x4 ute sales into the equation and it's a slightly different story, but it shouldn’t detract from the fact that the sleek, rear-wheel drive Holden ute is a popular vehicle. And after punting around the entry-level Holden sports ute, the SV6, recently, it’s also a very capable sports car with a tonne (well, not quite) of practicality.

Powered by a 210kW/350Nm 3.6-litre V6, the SV6 has more power and torque than available with the original AlloyTec mill that’s gone through various updates since first used in 2005's VZ Commodore. It revs a little higher too, with peak power now arriving at 6700rpm up from 6500rpm.

Better yet it no longer becomes asthmatic at high revs, now spinning cleanly to redline. Mated to a six-speed manual the engine delivers ample power to the rear wheels while involving the driver at the same time.

The SV6 is not as wild as the SS ute, which packs a 270kW 6.0-litre V8, but it's far from slow either. With a little clutch finesse (abuse?) it springs off the line with significant pace and hits 60km/h surprisingly quickly. There's also some satisfaction in being able to wind out first and second gears without having to worry about being pulled over by the plod and whacked with the hooligan stick.

Tipping the scales at 1717kg, the SV6 ute is lighter than the 1770kg SS ute, with most of weight loss at the front end courtesy of the smaller engine. The result is a tad more eagerness to tip into corners compared to its V8 sibling.

Punch hard through a corner and the two-door SV6 maintains a moderately flat attitude and steering is precise for the most part. The SV6 is a genuinely fun car to punt through curves although the brakes aren't brilliant (they could do with more initial bite). You'd probably find better deceleration in a Kia Rio... The first change I would make would be better brake pads.
 
Visually, Holden is on a winner and from 20 paces away, you get a similar visual impact as the more expensive SS ute, including the same 18-inch alloy wheels shod with 245/45 R18 rubber and bodykit treatment. I reckon Holden's VE design has aged well -- the pumped wheel arches, low stance and snub nosed front end contributing to the determined, muscular appearance.

It's a good cruiser too, with ride quality up to scratch thanks to pliant suspension. While we didn't replicate Holden's claimed 9.8L/100km fuel economy figure, we weren't too far off the mark.

Rearward vision is on par with a Lamborghini Murcielago (read: woeful) but on the plus side interior space is decent for a ute. The seats are comfortable and well sized and the iQ colour touchscreen display is a delight to use. The intuitive system comes with CD burning, iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, so has most of the bases covered.

Dual zone climate control aircon is standard, as are six airbags, stability control and a five-star safety rating.

Having evolved from a light commercial vehicle into a lifestyle-oriented sportscar, the SV6 ute does a lot of things well, and it’s easy to understand why it’s a top seller. It looks and performs as expected and feels good while doing it, and its $34,990 pricing represents decent value.

While the V8 SS model costs another $5000, give or take, and has arguably more street cred, don't discount the SV6 because it's two-cylinders short of greatness. It's cheaper to run, still satisfyingly quick off the mark and is a little more nimble on bendy bits of road. Add all the Series II trimmings into the package, such as the iQ touchscreen system, and you're left with a very capable lifestyle ute.

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