A brief Uk review of the new SSV Commodore
Discussion
www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/204559/holden_commodore.html
Claiming March.....
Any updates Mr Greens?
Claiming March.....
Any updates Mr Greens?
. We would only , and have only ,looked at HSV product. The differences between the regular Holden VE programme and the HSV VE programme are more substantial than in the past and thats been reflected in the sales of the HSV variants have gone through the roof.
Prior to AE publishing I did point out that the SS-V shares many parts with the HSV variants but they really do drive very differently.
Stu
Prior to AE publishing I did point out that the SS-V shares many parts with the HSV variants but they really do drive very differently.
Stu
stu harris said:
We would only , and have only ,looked at HSV product. The differences between the regular Holden VE programme and the HSV VE programme are more substantial than in the past and thats been reflected in the sales of the HSV variants have gone through the roof.
Prior to AE publishing I did point out that the SS-V shares many parts with the HSV variants but they really do drive very differently.
Stu
Prior to AE publishing I did point out that the SS-V shares many parts with the HSV variants but they really do drive very differently.
Stu
A recent comparison between the SSV and the HSV in mag over here claimed the suspension to be far better on the HSV - lower stance, better ride all round.
Oh and the extra grunt was noticeable!
The paint quality on that car is abysmal, take a look at the orange peel on photo 7.
STU - Vauxhall need to bring in the lower spec car unless the higher spec one can be sold at a sensible price, any combination of high volumes and a price of much over £35k would remove the bargin element that many have bought the monaro for... that car would sell well as a replacement for the CV8.
bennno
Have to agree ringram, HSV used the LS2 to try to differenciate (read value add) from the regular Holdens models, but as you say, the L98 is far superior to the LS2.
Much more potential in the L98, and for all the extra cost of the HSV versions over the SSV, most people down here dont believe its worth it for the extra you get...certainly the sum of parts dont add up to the final price.
For the extra money, the HSV should have had the LS7 at least, instead of a few add on plastic bits, some wheels, exhaust and a upgraded tune.
The MRC suspension is being bagged down here also as a bit of a gimmick, very noisy and harsh riding. The SSV standard suspension is preferrable.
While the Monaro might have sold ok at the price in the UK as it was a sporty 2 door sedan, i think Vauxhall will have trouble selling a 4 door sedan for the same money.
TopGear will certainly like how it drives, but the cheap, hard plastic, low rent interior wont impress.
VE Commodores were certainly built down to a price, not up to a standard. Thats probably most of the reason why Opel has said its not interested in taking them.
Much more potential in the L98, and for all the extra cost of the HSV versions over the SSV, most people down here dont believe its worth it for the extra you get...certainly the sum of parts dont add up to the final price.
For the extra money, the HSV should have had the LS7 at least, instead of a few add on plastic bits, some wheels, exhaust and a upgraded tune.
The MRC suspension is being bagged down here also as a bit of a gimmick, very noisy and harsh riding. The SSV standard suspension is preferrable.
While the Monaro might have sold ok at the price in the UK as it was a sporty 2 door sedan, i think Vauxhall will have trouble selling a 4 door sedan for the same money.
TopGear will certainly like how it drives, but the cheap, hard plastic, low rent interior wont impress.
VE Commodores were certainly built down to a price, not up to a standard. Thats probably most of the reason why Opel has said its not interested in taking them.
V-Car said:
TopGear will certainly like how it drives, but the cheap, hard plastic, low rent interior wont impress.
VE Commodores were certainly built down to a price, not up to a standard. Thats probably most of the reason why Opel has said its not interested in taking them.
I'm not quite with you on that. Yes, the "sports" interior is the least appealing of the three by a fair margin (base, luxury and sports), but to me seems no cheaper than what you get in a BMW 1 or 3, and a lot better than an X3. The acres of mat black don't do it any justice though.
As for being built to a price; it has to be. This is, after all, a mainstream family car even if the UK pricing will obscure that fact of life. To but it into perspective the SV6, the cheapest sports model, costs $39k, or 16k Pounds.
Edited by FFD on Thursday 4th January 04:18
Edited by FFD on Thursday 4th January 04:21
FFD said:
I'm not quite with you on that. Yes, the "sports" interior is the least appealing of the three by a fair margin (base, luxury and sports), but to me seems no cheaper than what you get in a BMW 1 or 3, and a lot better than an X3. The acres of mat black don't do it any justice though.
The BMW build and engineering is of a different league. Fit, Finish and materials are all very superior. I admit this having seen a colleagues new 3 series up close to my old VXR, shut lines, dash mouldings etc are entirely different.
Dont forget that in the UK this car will be the price of a decent 5 series so you shouldnt really be comparing it to a 1 anyhow.
bennno
bennno said:
FFD said:
I'm not quite with you on that. Yes, the "sports" interior is the least appealing of the three by a fair margin (base, luxury and sports), but to me seems no cheaper than what you get in a BMW 1 or 3, and a lot better than an X3. The acres of mat black don't do it any justice though.
The BMW build and engineering is of a different league. Fit, Finish and materials are all very superior. I admit this having seen a colleagues new 3 series up close to my old VXR, shut lines, dash mouldings etc are entirely different.
Dont forget that in the UK this car will be the price of a decent 5 series so you shouldnt really be comparing it to a 1 anyhow.
bennno
I wouldn't base my opinions of the VE on the old Monaro. The Uk got the car right at the end of the platform's lifespan.
Panel gaps on the 1 and 3 are noticeably larger than the VE. You notice it from quite a distance away. Compare them side by side when you get the chance. As for fit and finish of the interior, again check them out side by side. I agree that the "sports" interior does the car no favors; it is kind of retro amalgam of 80's Japan crossed with 90's Detroit. The center pod led readouts are really not 2006. Holden would be better off using the Statesman/Caprice interiors, and just changing the hard trim items to something more sporting.
While UK pricing is relevant, the point I was making is that this car is designed to compete as a high volume family car in the Australian, the middle east, and soon US markets. That does have an impact. If Vauxhall price the car much higher, that's Vauxhall's decision and not a comment about the VE.
Edited by FFD on Thursday 4th January 09:33
HSV's are purchased in Oz due to the brand. They are seen as more prestigious than the Holden badge. They compete with the M5's etc.
As a top of the range Vauxhall I guess thats fair enough. Perhaps Vauxhall arnt looking to get something in the value area. Though I agree they should bring over the SS or SSV to replace the CV8. Mind you dont forget the VXR outsold the CV8 in recent years! IIRC. But that could be due to the engine size difference, which now doesnt exist.
Personal imports are always an option.
As a top of the range Vauxhall I guess thats fair enough. Perhaps Vauxhall arnt looking to get something in the value area. Though I agree they should bring over the SS or SSV to replace the CV8. Mind you dont forget the VXR outsold the CV8 in recent years! IIRC. But that could be due to the engine size difference, which now doesnt exist.
Personal imports are always an option.
ringram said:
HSV's are purchased in Oz due to the brand. They are seen as more prestigious than the Holden badge. They compete with the M5's etc.
HSVs are more sporting than prestigious. You buy them for performance, not luxury. And while they may compete with M5's on performance, they do so at 1/2 price.
Edited by FFD on Thursday 4th January 09:37
FFD said:
ringram said:
HSV's are purchased in Oz due to the brand. They are seen as more prestigious than the Holden badge. They compete with the M5's etc.
HSVs are more sporting than prestigious. You buy them for performance, not luxury. And while they may compete with M5's on performance, they do so at 1/2 price.
Edited by FFD on Thursday 4th January 09:37
Sorry FFD, have to agree with ringram on this one. HSVs in Perth are bought mainly as a status symbol. VERY few of them ever see a track or get driven as you or I might. OK, this is only my opinion, I don't have proof, EXCEPT: I am TRYING to buy a VZ Clubsport R8. In theory, a car you buy for it's performane (LS2, 4 spot brakes etc). Only problem is, I want a manual (of course) and all I can find are autos...
ringram said:
Mind you dont forget the VXR outsold the CV8 in recent years! IIRC. But that could be due to the engine size difference, which now doesnt exist.
Ahem, not quite right - to the best of my knowledge...
In 2004 Vauxhall imported c. 300 CV8's and 50 VXR's - all of the VXR's sold, whilst the CV8's took a little longer and were discounted.
In 2005 Vauxhall reversed the mix i.e. 300 VXR's and 50 CV8's - que CV8's sold out quickly with minimal discounts, whilst the 2005 VXR's are still lingering (like bad smell) through to 2007 and are now being chopped out at a 10k discount.
An increase above £35k would remove the bargain power element for me and tip the car in to direct competition with a nearly new E55, New model M3 or demo RS4. All very tough competition with at least equal performance, prestiege, build quality and residuals.
bennno
Edited by bennno on Thursday 4th January 11:26
FFD said:
ringram said:
HSV's are purchased in Oz due to the brand. They are seen as more prestigious than the Holden badge. They compete with the M5's etc.
HSVs are more sporting than prestigious. You buy them for performance, not luxury. And while they may compete with M5's on performance, they do so at 1/2 price.
Agreed, but M5 has just jumped up from a 400bhp V8 to 510bhp V10 at £60k.
So on that basis the UK HSV needs 510bhp for £30k
Bennno
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