Holden Commodore SV6 2006 Review

What we liked
>> $50K Exterior presentation for $40K
>> Engine and transmission both improved
>> Interior makes Omega look spartan

Don’t buy any four-door sedan this side of $60,000 without at least test-driving the VE SV6. Starting at $39,990 (the same price as the previous VZ SV6), it is a stunner. It is also one of the best ways of enjoying the sheer brilliance of the VE chassis while saving a bundle on fuel.

Despite the significant increase in performance over the Omega (for more information click

With VE, Holden was forced to undertake some serious development with this engine (including 72 new parts and a free-flow dual exhaust) in an effort to create a ‘premium’ engine to power the likes of the Calais and Statesman models. It is therefore this powerplant that shows the most improvement – and the SV6 the model that reaps the rewards.

Previously, the High Output Alloytec was a wheezy, raucous revver. Now, it gets up and goes willingly. There is still a trace of recalcitrance but you can now scream it up and down the rev range while flying through a mountain pass nudging the ESP boundaries and have a hoot doing it.

The current BF Falcon XR6 at $39,710 is a formidable rival with its strong, torquey engine, advanced transmissions, upbeat cabin and clean looks. The VE range launches an SV6 that has its measure for the first time.

While the SV6’s dark charcoal cabin can be a little overwhelming, it has some really neat touches and is a big step ahead of the Omega’s greyness. The gauges are easy to read with extra calibrations, although the oddball reverse-reading fuel gauge stays. The extra instrument readouts built into the centre of the dash are a neat touch.

The six-speed manual with its well-defined shift pattern delivers a tall yet punchy second gear for tight, fast roads while third will run out to serious speeds. The engine now has the grunt to run the tall fifth and sixth gears, hence the potential for outstanding economy.

The five-speed auto is a big improvement over the Omega’s four speed autobox. That said, it is still some way short of the best six-speed autos (read: Ford’s ZF-sourced unit). It is simply not as intuitive nor as subtle in its changes.

The SV6’s seats are standard VE fare which means they’re good enough (just). This model’s upgraded trim, embossed seat inserts and leather wrapped wheel are a big plus. The presence of the substantial door grab handles integrated with the armrest are a pleasant reminder of what the axeman missed.

The SV6 is a car that can make you feel prouder than its sub-$40,000 pricetag would suggest. The Sports suspension generates a level of control and a ride quality on Australian roads that most Japanese and European imports can’t get close to until you spend double this sort of money.

As the XR6 differes from the cooking model Falcon, so the SV6 doesn’t look like other Commodores. Chunkier styling, mesh grilles everywhere, twin exhausts and look at me alloys tell even the uninitiated you are not driving next door’s repmobile.

In the Aussie market, this level of differentiation is critical when the SV6 is the step off point for the user-chooser and self-employed. When its handling is so balanced and its legs are so long without huge fuel bills, you can bet that it won’t be long before the SV6 wears a uniform.

SV6 or XR6? This is a tough one when the XR6 suspension package, engine and six-speed transmissions are still superior but the VE’s grip, body tightness, balance, steering, driving position and feel are a full generation ahead.

What did we do to deserve such an amazing choice at tarted-up Japanese runabout money?

For more SV6 pics click