Review: Holden Commodore SV6

[JoeT]

Holden Commodore SV6

Russell Williamson
10 May 2007
www.carpoint.com.au

Around town the SV6 may look more show than go, but head out onto a challenging country road and it comes alive.

Model: Holden Commodore SV6
RRP: $39,990
Price as tested: $40,990 (auto)
Also consider: Ford Falcon XR6, Toyota Aurion Sportivo SX6, Mitsubishi 380 VRX

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 4.0/5.0

While the majority of Commodores sold run the base model Omega badge courtesy of their fleet applications, there is always a market of user-choosers that want something that offers that little bit more individuality.

The budget might not stretch far over the $40,000 mark or to the hefty fuel bills that come with a V8, but there is an alternative in the form of Holden's sporty six-cylinder model.

That model is the SV6 and priced from $39,990 as a six-speed manual ($40,990 for the five-speed automatic tested) it offers extra visuals that separate it from the fleet pack. The bonus for VE buyers is that where in the past the sports six has often been little more than a dress-up job, the latest SV6 also delivers more in terms of its drive experience.

The SV6 definitely looks the part with a sharp and aggressive visage courtesy of the strong lines and lowered stance, well integrated bodykit and 18-inch alloys shod with low-profile 245/45 Bridgestone Potenza rubber. Inside the dark charcoal treatment to the dash and minor cosmetic highlights are a welcome relief from the Omega's grey-o-rama interior.

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Chameleon Of The Road

Bruce Newton
23 May 2007
www.drive.com.au

Bruce Newton discovers an impressive car with potential in the SV6.

Nine months on sale and the VE Commodore has neither saved the Australian car industry nor killed it. It has sold respectably in an environment less friendly to locally-built large cars than ever, retaining its position atop the sales ladder.

So with the spotlight pointed elsewhere, it's not a bad time to reacquaint ourselves with the first billion-dollar car to be designed, engineered and built in Australia.

In this case it's the sports sedan SV6, a car somewhat in the background during the VE launch, when much of the focus was on the high-profile V8 models.

In many ways the SV6 is more important than the likes of the SS and Calais V, because it is expected to be such a big seller for Holden. In this era of salary sacrifice and individual choice, it ranks second only to fleet fodder Omega.

For $39,990, the SV6 comes standard with a High Output version of the locally manufactured 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 engine mated to a Japanese Aisin six-speed manual transmission. Add another $1000 for a GM's 5L40E five-speed auto.

The standard equipment list for that money is strong but not class-leading. Dual front and front-side airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, traction and stability control are all standard safety items. Comfort equipment includes air-conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, remote central locking, single-CD audio and a partially powered driver's seat. Somewhat controversially, a fulled-size spare tyre is optional.

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[regfootball]

i love that car, even as a v6

[redimpss5]

I would love to road test the v-6 version!

[Aych Es Vee]

The SV6 annoys me.

It looks like an SS. But an SS should be a bit more exlusive.

[casket_demon]

I like the fornt end of the Holden more than the weak chinned G6 inspired front end of the G8.

[dav305z]

I hope with time we will get the manual V6 as well. We can only hope the model will be that successful.

[mkaresh]

Originally Posted by Aych Es Vee

The SV6 annoys me.

It looks like an SS. But an SS should be a bit more exlusive.

GM has a bad habit of taking the appearance kit off the top trim and offering it with the base engine a year or three later. Way to make those who paid top dollar for something special early on feel like they got ripped.

[Murrow]

That rear wing is horrendous. I'm glad the G8 pictures we've seen only show a lip spoiler.

[Randle2I]

I want a G8 with the 3.6 and a 6 speed manual. That would be the ideal daily driver.

[K-1]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

GM has a bad habit of taking the appearance kit off the top trim and offering it with the base engine a year or three later. Way to make those who paid top dollar for something special early on feel like they got ripped.

Early adopters always pay a premium.

[WishIhadatruck]

Originally Posted by mkaresh

GM has a bad habit of taking the appearance kit off the top trim and offering it with the base engine a year or three later. Way to make those who paid top dollar for something special early on feel like they got ripped.

Even worse, GM has a bad habit of making the base models look like cheap junk products that nobody wants to buy. What is wrong with getting a nice looking car with a less expensive and more fuel efficient engine? I'm not saying they need to look exactly the same, but lets not hope the V6 model looks too boring just to make the top line V8 model look better.

[377Z]

Originally Posted by WishIhadatruck

Even worse, GM has a bad habit of making the base models look like cheap junk products that nobody wants to buy. What is wrong with getting a nice looking car with a less expensive and more fuel efficient engine? I'm not saying they need to look exactly the same, but lets not hope the V6 model looks too boring just to make the top line V8 model look better.

Thats one area ALOT of manufacturers offend. VW, Saab, DCX, Toyota, Honda, all do it to varying degrees & I can think of cars from all of them that look cheesy in their base trims.

[377Z]

If I can be at least somewhat sure that the quality will be better than the GTO and if I can get over the rediculously stupid name, the G8 I would buy would be the regular 6 cylinder. I'm sure that 261HP will be more than enough for me.

Maybe they should rename the G8 GT to G8 Summit. Eh?

[bcjohnso99]

The overall rating of 3.5/5.0 is not encouraging. Anyone know which cars, if any, received 4.5/5.0 or better from this rag?

[camaro chris]

I Can't Wait