Holden Commodore SS V 2006 Review

What we liked
>> Awesome performance
>> Huge braking and handling reserves
>> Complete safety package

And not so much
>> It needs a lot of road
>> Still thinking
>> Still thinking

There have been some good, even great Commodore V8 models, but few of them felt like they hadn’t reached the limits of the original design. Despite its massive performance the VE SS V does not feel even close to placing its VE platform under duress.

In terms of a local V8 muscle car, it drives like nothing else -- end of story.

It’s not overstating the point that all other icon Aussie performance models will be lumped together as those that appeared before the SS V and those that had to lift their game to even catch a glimpse of its handsome but fast disappearing rump. Simply Holden has moved the game on...

The secret, of course, is despite the big upgrades in engine, transmissions and rear axle, the VE clean sheet design has generated near perfect 50:50 weight distribution. It also has one of the best ESP systems ever on a muscle car which allows you hang it out at the hoary limits knowing there is a giant safety net ready to put you back in your place.

It also has upsized brakes that you can stomp on without the normal Commodore feeling that you might push the pedal and the firewall into the engine. The solidity of all the controls, the total lack of complaint or sign of any duress, no matter how hard you stoke the SS-V, is commendable.

Most importantly, while it is highly entertaining it can revert to a highly sophisticated, even soothing family tourer in an instant. Consumption is going to be at least 2.0-3.0lt/100km thirstier than the SV6 but if you’re set on owning the hottest Holden-badged VE you won’t sweat the details?

The SS V highlights everything that is right about the new VE series. Where the VE sixes don’t always have enough torque and can be a touch raucous, the L98 V8 feels like it was built for the job (Ed: it was, wasn’t it?).  The power and torque generated by a generous six-litre capacity make a nonsense of any extra weight. It is also silky smooth with the rumble of distant thunder. The grip of 19-inch alloys, the biggest standard wheel every offered by Holden history, leaves nothing to chance. 

It is also the first VE level where Holden removes its corporate grey coats and goes wild with cabin colours. If you order an SS V in Ignition Orange, you can specify orange dash sections, orange perforated leather inserts and orange instrument cluster. So what if it feels like you have stepped into a Griffith orange grove, it’s fun and alive.

If you order a black or silver SS-V, you can order the same parts in red or orange -- all at no extra cost.

The SS V has just about everything you need including projector head lights, 6.5-inch multi-function screen,  curtain airbags, dual zone climate control,  230W sound system with sub-woofer, unique profile leather wrapped sports steering wheel, premium inner doors with grab handles, full leather trim and alloy pedals.

Its great value at $51,990 compared to the old SS at $51,790. Even if you do have to pay $250 more for a full-sized spare wheel!

You heard right, it’s just $200 more than the old SS. Even without the extra equipment and the choice of a totally re-engineered six-speed M10 manual or all-new six-speed auto, the experience of a fast V8 model that can hold a neutral line through corners at high speed even on broken surfaces are worth several times the piddling premium.

The big-hearted wallop that can be called up with a flick of the Active Select transmission lever is unprecedented in any Holden. So too is the total lack of driveline shunt or vibration. Nor is there a murmur from the rear end as it processes this pile driver force.

Indeed, the overall SS V package leaves its $51,330 XR8 rival in serious trouble when the Ford is thirstier, not as quick and front heavy in comparison to the new Holden.

Feature for feature the SS V also has the Falcon pinned to the canvas. Even if you argue the XR8’s six-speed auto is significantly better than the SS V transmission, the L98 V8 has such an even spread of torque and superior power output that it doesn’t matter. And the way an SS V buyer can differentiate their car from lesser SV6 (for more click

Where the XR8 can only boast a lonely power bulge over the base XR6 models, the SS V starts out as more differentiated over other Commodores then adds quad exhausts, different headlights, rocket launcher tail lights, 19-inch alloys with their own spoke pattern, larger rear spoiler with black support structure and V badging.

The SS V also leaves the top-shelf V8 Euros suddenly staring at the law of ever diminishing returns.

For more SS V pics click