HSV ClubSport R8 2017 Review

What’s it all about?
What we have here is a Holden Sportwagon injected with a potent form of anabolic steroid, a muscled-up 6.2-litre V8-powered family hauler that's been supercharged for good measure.

It pumps out a massive amount of power, 410kW, without diluting its pragmatic approach. There's plenty of room for five occupants and enough boot space for their gear.
Simply put, the HSV ClubSport R8 Tourer LSA is the most powerful wagon Holden Special Vehicles has ever built – and one of the most extreme wagons to ever grace Australian roads.

It's unique in the HSV range as the only wagon variant; there are multiple ute and sedan variants in the HSV range but this is the only wagon. And it's made even more special because it's a family wagon, a dying breed left by the wayside as the ubiquitous SUV steamrolls everything in its path.

But this throwback to the good old days isn't going to go quietly (cue maniacal laughter).

How much will it cost?
The rumbling HSV Tourer LSA is priced at $88,990, which is a lot of quid for what many will call a Commodore. And you can spend more if you want. The standard brake package comprises 367mm front and 372mm rear disc brakes with four-piston calipers, but for $3495 you can add the AP Racing brake package from the GTS.

This brings 390mm front discs with six-piston AP Racing calipers and they provide impressive stopping power and excellent pedal response, too. Even a little tickle gets the anchors salivating.

Because this is the special "30 Years" model it comes with a couple of tasty tweaks that improve driving dynamics, including a brake-based torque vectoring system, which reduces understeer when you're gassing the throttle. This is a very useful feature considering there's 410kW and 691Nm of supercharged anger unleashed on the rear axle.

The other addition is a richer exhaust note, thanks to tweaks in the bi-modal exhaust.

During Australia's Best Driver's Car 2016, when last we had a supercharged HSV, the Holden Commodore SS V made more noise. Thankfully HSV has remedied this and the Tourer LSA's Gen IV power plant wob-wobs like a proper V8.

Why should I buy it?
There are many reasons why someone might buy this vehicle. Performance is one – it's exceedingly fast. Patriotism is another – this is the last of the rear-drive HSV bloodline. There's also a level of practicality that the large cargo area brings.

But there's more to this vehicle than just a supercharged V8, torque-vectoring rear end and specially-tuned exhaust system. HSV has created a fitting send-off for its warrior wagon and with unique wheels, balanced suspension and upmarket interior appointments it's a great vehicle to drive.

Despite the massive 20-inch alloy wheels and sporty 35 profile tyres (255 front, 275 rear), the car has better ride comfort than many German sport sedans of comparable output. At the same token, when push comes to shove the car is in its element, the front end biting strongly as it tips into corners, the rear end providing propulsive force.

The torque vectoring isn't the best system we've ever tested but it's still a welcome addition, keeping the nose pointed where you want it. The car's 1974kg unladen mass can spook you if you're not smooth but in time, when the chassis comes to you, it's capable of remarkable corner speeds.

The standard-fit six-speed automatic transmission covers the gamut between smooth and cruisey to wild and fast, and the steering paddle shifters are a nice touch too, particularly on spirited drives.

This car is incredibly quick off the line too. Bury your right foot and the rear hoops arc up, ignoring traction control momentarily, as more than 600Nm of torque are transferred from the engine along the prop shaft then dumped on the rear axle. Acceleration off the line is staggering but in-gear roll-on poke is just as arresting, the car's epic power band between 4200rpm and 6150rpm ensuring all occupants become pinned in their seats.

Driving this car sedately requires an iron will and lots of restraint. The sonorous supercharged V8 acoustics and compelling thrust deliver a hit more addictive than nicotine. Smoke 'em if you got 'em.

When is it available in Australia?
HSV's supercharged wagon is available in Australia now – but won't be for long. When Holden shuts its Elizabeth factory in South Australia on October 20, 2017, it will spell the end of an era for HSV as well, whose large rear-drive sedans, wagons and utes will come to an end.

Priced at $88,990 the HSV 30 Years ClubSport R8 Tourer LSA might sound like a lot to pay for an Aussie wagon, but considering its closest rival – in performance terms – is the Audi RS6, a $250,000 proposition, it's an absolute bargain.

Factor in tyre replacement, fuel and brake pads and the cost of ownership rises significantly, but for the savvy rev-head, this HSV will hold appeal.

Who will it appeal to?
Aussie bogans will love this car – myself included, as it's ideal for towing the jet ski – but because of the vehicle's added practicality the Tourer's appeal is increased. It would serve well as a family car, thanks to the extra utility. You can fit bikes in the back and haul far more luggage generally, with 895 litres of space expanding to 2000 litres with the rear seats folded.

To put that in perspective, sedan versions of this vehicle have less than 500 litres of boot space, which is still enough to swallow a bunch of golf bags.

So the boot is massive, it's a bona fide road-tripper with an excellent head-up display projection, there's loads of room for five passengers and it can tow up to 750kg, or 1600kg if the trailer has brakes. A bit of an all-rounder really.

Another good option is the non-supercharged Holden Sportwagon SS V Redline, whose 6.2-litre V8 engine makes plenty of mumbo, but costs $59,190.

Where does it fit?
This car is a top performer -- an elite athlete capable of extreme feats. Technically speaking we'd categorise this as a large car; emotionally speaking it's far more than that. It'll be the sort of vehicle, 30 years from now, that will make people smile, retelling stories of "remember when…”

Today, it's a fantastic car to drive. It's not cheap, but considering the sort of performance it provides and the fact that only high-end German machinery can match it in the woah-to-go stakes, the supercharged HSV's value equation begins to take shape.

It's unlikely in the history of this country that anything as potent will ever be built here, not with this level of pragmatism or relative affordability.

Sure, it slurps fuel faster than a parched brumby at a watering hole and won't be to everyone's taste… but something this fast, this comfortable and this fun to drive will be sorely missed when it's gone.

2017 HSV 30 Years ClubSport R8 Tourer LSA pricing and specifications:
Price: $88,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 6.2-litre V8 supercharged-petrol
Output: 410kW/691Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Fuel: 15.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 348g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star ANCAP