Holden's performer: VE Commodore SV6

ALERT: for Holden's just-announced pricing and spec details on new VE click

The VE SV6 has become even more of a hero V6 model ready to eat into the sales of Ford's popular XR6. Combining most SS V8 features with the High Output V6, the SV6 defines a new line between economy and performance for the new range.

The SV6 brings several firsts for a local six-cylinder performance model. Its dual big bore single pipe exhaust outlets and its SS front styling have strong overtones of the final Monaro CV8-Z and the side slots in the front guards were previously an SS feature. All of which are quite fitting for a model boasting 195kW which coincidentally is the same output as the HSV VT ClubSport!

Compared to an Omega, you get a honeycomb sports grille, deep section sports front bumper with matching honeycomb inserts and fog lights, deep side skirts, exclusive SV6 low-profile rear bootlid spoiler in body colour and 18-inch alloy wheels with dual section five spokes shared with the SS.  There is a purposeful twin section rear diffuser-style sports facia with a centre black honeycomb section that houses the reflectors and highlights the polished bazooka ends of each exhaust outlet. Beautiful!

Inside, the SV6 dash is given a distinctive vertical feel with a prominent and raised centre section that extends over the top of the dash pad. This "waterfall" treatment as Holden describes it, separates the passenger and driver space into "pods" for a motorsport effect. Sports instruments are cleverly integrated in the raised section above the centre vents and dash lighting is in red. A leather-bound steering wheel with reach and tilt adjustment completes the sports environment with its unique dark trim. Leather is optional. The single disc CD system with Blue Tooth mobile phone connectivity is upgraded from 6 to 7 speakers over the Omega. Air-conditioning, ESP and side impact airbags are standard.

Premium transmissions include a choice of the standard six-speed Aisin AY6 manual or optional five-speed GM5L40E automatic with floor-mounted Active Select. It is significant that Holden's new Active Select, like Ford's, configures manual downshifts forward, upshifts back, which is becoming more common as consumers demand uniformity in this area. Sports suspension settings include lower ride height and firmer springs configured to the lighter V6 engine.

For the technically minded, the upgraded High-Output engine delivers 195kW/6500rpm and 340Nm/2600rpm. The manual SV6 has a fuel consumption figure of 11 litres/100km compare to 11.4 of the previous model and the auto SV6 delivers 11.3 litres/100km compared to 11.4.