HSV Maloo R8 E2 2010 Review

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For the E2 Series, the new Maloo benefits from the full frontal treatment -- a twin vent bonnet and a new front bumper with daytime running lights -- plus numerous technology tweaks. Along with the other HSV goodies -- see our full HSV E2 Series news breakdown -- the E2 Maloo is the most technically advanced ute Australia -- and perhaps the world -- has ever produced.

That may seem like a bold claim, but we're about to explain why.

The Maloo also benefits from the upgrade to the latest Bosch cruise control system with downhill braking assist, a world first. There are also significant changes to the suspension, which we'll get to in the next section of this preview report. Also new are tyre pressure monitors, and a stronger clutch from the HSV W427 on manual models.

The previously lame sound system has been upgraded with more power and more speakers. There are now two extra speakers in the outer side panels behind the seats, which increases the speaker tally from four to six. There's also auto-up power windows on both doors (previously only auto down), another first for a locally made ute.

An optional bi-modal exhaust system (louder at certain revs, quieter at others) costs $2290. And leather seats and 20-inch pentagon wheels (with charcoal accenting and machined spokes) cost $3990 as a package deal only. Either of the above changes earn the Maloo a red SV Enhanced badge on the tailgate.

Trainspotters may notice that the Maloo badges have moved from the sail plane (the plastic section that follows the contour of the roof pillar that leads into the ute tub) to the lower section of the bodywork, just in front of the rear wheel arches. This is because HSV had problems with the adhesive badges sticking to plastic, so now they stick to metal (as does Clubsport).

The E2 Maloo is an impressive and worthwhile upgrade. The only pity is that, from behind, you can't pick the new Maloo from the old. The rear lights, tailgate and exhaust tips all carry over from the previous model. This is because the Maloo is only about 18 months old, so it's still relatively fresh, the company says. [Ed: Our investigations suggest that the line of the new exhaust's require a complete rejig of the rear valance -- an expense HSV wasn't able to absorb on Maloo alone.]

The optional 20-inch wheels are carried over (albeit with charcoal accenting on the spokes). All other wheels in the HSV E2 range are new.

When the current generation Maloo went on sale two years ago, HSV chassis engineers made some controversial decisions. They removed the rear sway bar because they felt the Maloo (now with 9.5-inch-wide rear tyres) had more than enough grip. They also made the front end suspension reasonably stiff, to try to transfer more weight to the rear of the car. The result was the VE1 Maloo suspension set-up was prone to running wide (understeering) in corners unless you adjusted your driving style. The firm front end was also sharp over bumps.

In my opinion at least, having owned one HSV Maloo and three SS utes over the past five years, the VE SSV felt better, albeit more tail-happy.

Fast forward a couple of years and HSV has learned a lot about the VE platform. It has also had more time to get acquainted with the Maloo and its quirks.

It's worth remembering that this thing is huge. With a wheelbase of 3009mm it sits on the same underbody as a Holden Statesman. Massive. For the E2 Maloo, HSV engineers put all their knowledge from the wagon and W427 suspension set-ups to good use. For starters, HSV now leaves the rear sway bar in place when the Maloo goes down its production line. And it has seriously revised the spring and damper settings, front and rear.

The front struts are the same as those on the E2 wagon, and both have much better damping control. They absorb bumps better without being floaty. The Maloo, however, gets unique front springs compared with the wagon. They're still reasonably stiff but they feel softer because of the improved damping. The rear springs, meantime, have been softened now that the sway bar is retained.

The result is a much more comfortable ride without sacrificing any handling. Indeed, the Maloo feels more neutral in corners than before.

The bi-modal exhausts give it more bark. And the launch control works a treat. All are welcome changes. It has been said before that the Maloo feels more like a sports sedan than a ute, but you really need to remind yourself by glancing in the rear view mirror every now and then.

Overall, the E2 model feels like the Maloo has gone to finishing school. As a ute fanatic, perhaps I'm biased towards load carriers, but while the E1 Maloo was a fair first effort, the E2 Maloo is the best of its breed yet.

Click on the link to see our model-by-model breakdown of the entire E2 range.

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