2010 HSV Clubsport GXP & Maloo GXP Review

2010 HSV E2 ClubSport GXP & Maloo GXP – First Steer

After nearly twelve months of planning, HSV has today launched two all-new entry-level variants to its E2 Series range with the introduction of the HSV ClubSport GXP and HSV Maloo GXP limited edition models.

Based on the highly successful Pontiac GXP, as sold in the United States, the new HSV ClubSport GXP (sedan) and HSV Maloo GXP (ute) will be limited to 400 and 350 variants respectively.

HSV Managing Director, Mr Phil Harding, said that a long list of standard features and exceptional value for money were the key aims of the two limited edition models, and that the GXP was designed to attract new customers to the brand.

“We believe the time is right for HSV to introduce two new cars at this competitive price point,” said Mr Harding.

“Importantly, the ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP adhere to the HSV brand pillars of performance, handling and unique design.”

The models debut at a busy time for the Aussie performance marque with keen sales meaning some E2 variants are now experiencing a six month lead time. Today’s additions offers a whole new set of customers an affordable entry point to the HSV brand with prices now rivaling those of the VX Series ClubSport circa 2001-02.

HSV ClubSport GXP & HSV Maloo GXP pricing:

HSV ClubSport GXP: $61,990* (M) / $63,990* (A)
HSV Maloo GXP: $55,990* (M) / $57,990* (A)

* Pricing listed is the drive-away price and includes on-road costs, dealer delivery and statutory charges.

Highlights of the new HSV ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP models include unique suspension settings, Brembo brakes, new rear fascia (on Clubsport GXP only), LED daylight running lamps, E2 front fascia, bonnet and vented front guards, plus the interior from HSV’s ClubSport R8 (on sedan models) and HSV Maloo R8 (on ute models) including binnacle gauges and sports cloth seats (leather is not available).

The distinctive looks of the new model see HSV’s twin-circle LED taillamps removed from the equation with units from the Holden Commodore SS-V now fitted. A unique lip spoiler adorns the bootlid while a revised rear fascia now includes a central air diffuser (finished in black) and quad-tailpipe assembly (finished in polished aluminium).

Riding on HSV E1 Series ClubSport 19 x 8.0-inch Alloy wheels, the HSV ClubSport GXP and HSV Maloo GXP limited edition models also feature exclusive “GXP” badging, plus chrome highlights on the wing mirrors, door handles and fender vents.

The HSV Maloo GXP also picks up a HSV soft tonneau cover.

The mechanical package of the new HSV ClubSport GXP and HSV Maloo GXP models remain nearly identical to their namesake derivatives with HSV’s stonking 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine offered on both counts.

HSV ClubSport GXP & HSV Maloo GXP engine specifications:

HSV ClubSport GXP: 6.2-litre V8 (317kW/550Nm) | 4.9 seconds | 15.2L/100km | 366g/km
HSV Maloo GXP: 6.2-litre V8 (317kW/550Nm) | 4.9 seconds | 15.2L/100km | 366g/km

Six-speed manual and (optional) six-speed automatic transmissions are offered, though the latter attracts a $2,000 premium.

Stoppers come courtesy of Brembo four-pot calipers grabbing 355mm vented discs up front, and a single-piston unit on 324mm vented discs up back – both front and rear calipers are finished in silver.

To differentiate the HSV ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP from the R8 models in terms of suspension, both new models feature a revised, slightly softer suspension set up on both counts. The ClubSport GXP uses the same specifications as the US-spec Pontiac GXP, the top-of-the-range model available, while Maloo GXP sees different rear bushes, damping and spring rates up back, as compared to Maloo R8 (as no GXP utes were sold under the Pontiac brand).

These changes, along with the slightly slimmer tyres (245/40/R19), also mean that GXP models feature unique ESP calibration.

Powering through central Victoria’s Macedon Ranges area yesterday it’s clearly evident how well the new arrangement works to create an ideal ride and handling combination that is not only very well suited to the car’s orientation, but similarly to country ‘B’ roads where firmer settings usually equate to a choppy ride.

Both the ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP rides are very well sorted from a handling viewpoint with the compromise actually making the car easier to live with from a day-to-day perspective, without losing the highly favoured grips levels and handling typically associated with the HSV brand.

Safety equipment includes front, side and curtain airbags (curtain airbags not available on Maloo GXP), ESC with Traction Control and ABS braking with EBA and EBD. Headrests and three point seatbelts are offered in all seating positions with the front seats adding pyrotechnic pretensioners.

Optional equipment includes an electric sunroof, satellite navigation, rear park assist and a roof mounted DVD player (sedan models only). Colours available are Nitrate (Silver), Sting Red (Red), Phantom (Black), Karma (Grey), Heron (White), Voodoo (Blue) and Evoke (Charcoal – not available on Maloo GXP).

Expect to see both models in showrooms by mid-March, though with the HSV crew hinting that “quite a few” customer orders already taken, you’d want to be quick.

CarAdvice will bring you a complete review and road test of the new HSV ClubSport GXP and Maloo GXP over the coming weeks – stay tuned!

SPECIFICATIONS:

Click on this link to download GXP Specifications in PDF format.

HSV ClubSport GXP:

Engine: 6,162cc OHV eight-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 317kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 550Nm @ 4,600rpm
Induction: Multi-point
Transmission: Six-speed manual / six-speed automatic
Driven Wheels: Rear (with LSD)
Brakes: 355mm disc, four-piston (F) / 324mm disc, single-piston (R)
Top Speed: Not Tested
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds (Claimed)
CO2 Emissions: 366g/km (Approx.)
Fuel Consumption: 15.2L/100km (Approx.)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 73L
Fuel Type: 98RON Premium Unleaded Petrol (Recommended)
ANCAP Rating: TBC
Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
Safety: ABS, EBA, EBD & ESC with Traction Control
Service Intervals: 12 month / 15,000 kilometre
Spare Wheel: 19-inch temporary type (Black)
Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
Cargo Capacity: 496L
Tow Capacity: 1,600kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 11.4m
Warranty: Three-Year / 100,000 Kilometre
Weight: TBC
Wheels: Alloy 19 x 8.0-inch

HSV Maloo GXP:

Engine: 6,162cc OHV eight-cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 317kW @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 550Nm @ 4,600rpm
Induction: Multi-point
Transmission: Six-speed manual / six-speed automatic
Driven Wheels: Rear (with LSD)
Brakes: 355mm disc, four-piston (F) / 324mm disc, single-piston (R)
Top Speed: Not Tested
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds (Claimed)
CO2 Emissions: 366g/km (Approx.)
Fuel Consumption: 15.2L/100km (Approx.)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 73L
Fuel Type: 98RON Premium Unleaded Petrol (Recommended)
ANCAP Rating: TBC
Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
Safety: ABS, EBA, EBD & ESC with Traction Control
Service Intervals: 12 month / 15,000 kilometre
Spare Wheel: 19-inch temporary type (Black)
Suspension: Strut (F) / Multi-link (R)
Cargo Capacity: 1,208L
Tow Capacity: 1,600kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 11.4m
Warranty: Three-Year / 100,000 Kilometre
Weight: TBC
Wheels: Alloy 19 x 8.0-inch

DIMENSIONS:

HSV ClubSport GXP:

Length: 4,969mm
Width: 1,899mm (Excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,466mm
Wheelbase: 2,915mm
Track (F): 1,592mm
Track (R): 1,608mm
Legroom (F): 1,071mm
Legroom (R): 1,001mm
Shoulderroom (F): 1,501mm
Shoulderroom (R): 1,450mm
Headroom (F): 985mm
Headroom (R): 965mm
Hiproom (F): 1,439mm
Hiproom (R): 1,472mm

HSV Maloo GXP:

Length: 5,113mm
Width: 1,899mm (Excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,465mm
Wheelbase: 3,009mm
Track (F): 1,592mm
Track (R): 1,608mm
Legroom: 1,071mm
Shoulderroom: 1,501mm
Headroom: 985mm
Hiproom: 1,439mm

Bent 8 Brigade

Noice toot sweet!

Another winner for HSV
Derrvinci

Design-wise, there’s just too much going on at the front of these cars. They make my head hurt.

The Oracle

I have to agree, they are very busy at the front. But it gets them noticed and appeals to their clients.
I can’t remember who said it first, but these cars aren’t styled, they’re decorated.

Shak

I was with you two at first, but after i saw the sales and drove one yesterday, all my qualms flew out the window. I may not be some blind bogan supporter, but theres a reason these cars look like this, THEY GET SEEN.

Classic

I’m not a huge fan of HSV, but I reckon the exterior and interior of the sedan is the best finished product they have come up with. My only dislike is the intakes on the bonnet, and the grille – these look very tacky and almost an afterthought. But from the rear 3/4 view shot, the rear spoiler, the wheels and the interior – a big thumbs up.

Petey

I’m a sucker for bonnet intakes. Every time I buy a car I long to have them put in, but my mind tells me that they are a bit of a joke (unless part of a CAI). I’ll have to disagree, with respect, kind sir, though looking again, the front looks kinda EVO IX. Actually, I love the front but I think the back is a bit meh. Really, you arent buying class, just loud gaudy tasteless brute force. That isnt any disrespect to you, though. My taste is questionable at the best of times.
Frenchie

Agree Classic. Should have been colour matched or different material ie(carbon fiber).

RdS

the Maloo GXP is nice! the regular maloo is hideous from the B-pillar back, and this is MUCH cleaner. the cars look neat in the standard solid white and red too..
David

The bonnet and grill are awful. Totally overcooked. And why? I think the faux scoops and tacked-on bits detract from the car. It’s almost saying it needs this extra crap because it lacks real substance. FAIL!

And the Clubby front with the SS-V rear? What’s with that?! It looks like a backyard custom job – the sort of thing some bonehead would do with his fully sick VT.

Shak

surprisingly, the vents actually function, but dont channel any air into the engine, more for aerodynamic purposes.

Radbloke

God the back end of the sedan is woeful. So this is HSV’s answer to the GS then? I’d take the FPV any day of the week.

Schmak

I wouldn’t. Not unless Ford had their new V8 in them.

This isn’t a bad deal (I personally dont like it much because its seems like a pissing contest with Ford over a budget high performance car) because it is basically the price of an SS-V with some options, but giving you much more.
nick

Actually I much prefer the back end of this than the other E2′s which are just awful. Having said that I\’d also take the FPV.

Pete

I’m with Radbloke. The front is all aggression, which I like, but the back is pretty meek.

Stevo the Devo

The back end is starting to look very ‘korean’.

Andronicus

Well they have to make it tie in to the rest of their range dont they?

snap

Goodfa

The Commodore/HSV are really crying out for a significant interior upgrade.
I cannot believe how quickly this interior has dated.
Fingers crossed for VF whenever it comes.(Soon I hope)
Newbie

front looks a bit over kill -_- …

and fairy lights.. I can’t spot many differences in the interior to the models already out hmm
john

David has a great point. The HSV front/SS back is a ridiculous combo. HSV changed the rear end of the car too make it near impossible for “Holden” owners too make their cars look like HSV’s which is what happened too alot of pre E series commodores!
Tony

the front end just has too much going on

the guy who designed it just didn’t know when to put down his pencil

i like the weight too… “to be announced”? if it’s under 1.8 ton i’d be surprised

not my kind of car (would prefer a tricked over G6ET) but still… i hope they still make these 5… 10 years down the track

lifes too short to bother with the camry hybrids of the world

David

Tony, the restyled front end on the Camry Hybrid looks far more convincing than this.
Hayzel

With 18L/100km fuel consumption, I hope not.

Neo

Still Ugly bring the E1 Look Back.
ABMPSV

I bought a petrol station so I can afford to run this car!
Valet Dabess

i must admit, the looks are growing on me. the fuel is pretty up there
ABMPSV

Shocking fuel consumption!!

Flow

You don’t buy a HSV if you’re worried about that.
dan

Compared to what? Your turbo diesel golf?
You need fuel to make power. Nothing else in this price range can match it.
You may remember that the maloo won the consumption test that was done earlier this year because it used less fuel that it advertised it used.

ABMPSV

You do not need fuel to make power. There is technology which is missing from this car! The engine getting bigger and bigger. In Europe with technology they get more power with smaller engine. HSV should try that if they can do it!!

Bathurst

I agree just check HSV Grabge and MBE55. HSV engine 6.2 v 5.4 liter. HSV got less power 317kW v 350kW, less torque 550Nm v 700Nm and fuel economy HSV 20.6 v 12.5 liter and HSV is pushrod!!!

David

Bathurst, the E55 runs a supercharger. Maybe you should check the Walkinshaw Performance site to see what numbers a supercharged Clubby can make.

Shak

They did say they were trying to develop a DSG transmission, along with E85 compliance for all V8′s. Is that good enough for ya? HSV customers seem to be buying these in droves without giving two flips about the fuel consumption.

Shak

You guys know i was being serious, HSV is on record of saying they want E85 and DSG.

swank

A true performance V8 will always need more fuel, better technology only increases the cost of the motor. German performance V8′s e.g. AMG/BMW M Division, & exotic performance cars in general with large motors will always drink. Of course though there are plenty of alternatives, such as a turbo diesel golf.

Splatcat

These HSV’s look like mutton dressed up as Lamb.

swank

Splatcat,

I think it’s the other way around, the bare VE body is gorgeous.

Splatcat

Nope, the VE is seriously an out dated design. It has similar lines to the BA Falcon.

swank

I understand you may find the VE’s body unappealing, but to call it seriously out dated is rather extreme.

Shak

Well whatever HSV seems to do, its sales stay stable. FPV tried with the GS and it did well, but they cant get to HSV sales for some reason.
Reality Check

0-100 in 4.9 seconds YEAH RIGHT, ditto 15.2 litres per 100 km’s.

Has anyone noticed the ADR on an FPV F6 is only 12.1 litres per 100 km’s !!

Give me the F6 any day.

swank

This car will weigh less than it’s more expensive brethren, so maybe 0-100 in 4.9 seconds is possible. Drove the F6 back to back with a Clubsport last week, the F6 is fast & looks great. But the turbo’s unprogressive power delivery & lack of a decent soundtrack means I’m buying another V8. The new ford coyote V8 looks very promising though.

Bent 8 Brigade

F6 is about $7000 more coin than this.
One would imagine HSV will sell every one of these it can manufacture.

Andrew M

The F6 isnt in the “Budget” basket, its a full blown FPV model.
The poor mans F6 is the XR6T, and that is around 50K on the road which is about 14-15K cheaper than this
Also, FPV doesnt charge you 2K for an average 6 sp auto either. They do however give you a no cost option of a world class 6sp auto which also adds value under the F6′s higher asking price along with a few other features.

People with Passion for a performance car buy these vehicles and I doubt anyone keen on an F6 would swing to this GXP to save a few bucks.

This GXP (and like wise the GS) would only really pick up sales from their respective SS and XR8. They are there to catch buyers that would ideally like a Clubby or GT, but just fall short of the coin and likely go for the model much further down the scale, because when you look at it, there is quite a big price jump between the SS/XR8 and the Clubby/GT

Shak

Thats because they already charge for the 6sp in the asking price. In the business world there is no such thing as a no cost option. While the HSV ‘box may be average, at least they dont slug you for the box whether you buy it or not.
Andrew M

Where does it prove an Auto box is dearer than the manual???

For starters the manual box comes with launch control and extra synchros etc with for arguments sake could make them worth the same as the ZF6.

No such thing as a no cost option???
Well perhaps not in your business world……
I can think of many examples…..
Blue paint or red paint…..no cost option
Size 9 shoes or size 10 shoes….no cost option
A door hanging from the right hand side or left hand side….no cost option

Matty B

Given the choice, yeah I’d buy a Falcon over a commodore. But after seeing them on the roads, they’ve definately got a presence about them.
swank

The front-end actually looks ok when you see it in person, especially in black or grey, that bonnet badge needs to go though (e.g. Holden SS-V special edition/ Pontiac G8). The missing rear wing is also great, but I do hope the narrow 245′s at the rear can cope with the torque, HSV uses 275′s on their other models for a reason other than just good looks. And then there’s the brakes…
Baddass

The Ute’s rear end is waaaay too similar to a regular Commodore. If the tail lights were smoked like the SS-V sedan, it would look a little better. And considering this has the same performance for less money, I think this sorta makes the Clubsport R8 redundant.

Sam 300TD

The Maloo ute it replaces has the worst rear styling of all time. Anything would be an improvement.

Golfschwein

My Matchbox cars used to find their way into Dad’s vise, to make it look like they’ve been in a horrible accident. Some worked out really well, others just popped their rivets and buckled their chassis, which was always disappointing and unrealistic, I felt.

I’d give anything to have that metallic purple Pontiac GTO with its Superfast wheels in my collection right now.
Frenchie

I\’ll be interested to see what CA thinks of the brakes on these HSV\’s. Same front brakes that were used on the Pontiac GXP\’s.
Iz

Drove past 2 GXP sedans and one of the utes earlier on my way home; passed them while they were parked on the side of the road in Heathcote. Coulda sworn I saw a purple one, but then again it could’ve been my eyes =P

My only qualm is that ridiculous looking front end, but if they didnt have that, it’d be too similar to Holden’s standard range.. so its a bit of a dilemma that I’m sure wont hamper sales.

Otherwise, waste not want not, I suppose.

http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt Brogan

Hi Iz,

Very well spotted. This was the second media day (mainly for NZ journos) and the purple Ute was the Maloo R8 sweep car. You should have stopped to say G’day

The Realist

They had to do something with the US spare parts bin…
Lynchy

I agree with a lot of the comments concerning the looks, to me it’s neither HSV or Holden DNA, in the sedan anyway, FPV did a much better effort with the GS in terms of the styling, it’s very distinctive but clearly an FPV model made for the man with a few less dollars, at the same time the GT owners don’t get disgruntled because they still have the better engine. The ute though I think is a definate improvement over the regular E2 Maloo, that’s the worst looking ute in history. G6ET is probably still better value, better interior, fresher looks, probably a touch quicker as well, certainly in gear acceleration the G6ET has it all over the HSVs, a few litres better per hundred to boot.

I’m also sceptical over the 0 – 100 time of 4.9, I remember when they made that claim with one of the early Monaros and no independant testers got near it. There might be indviduals that will hit those times, private buyers definately get better numbers than magazines but the mags don’t normally run to get the best possible times, normally have extra fuel and a passenger.

Shak the 6 speed auto isn’t built in to the price it’s a no cost option, the fact is they’re expensive cars to begin with, FPV used to charge a premium for the automatics, when they made it a no cost option they didn’t increase the price of the manual to bring it up to auto cost.

Swank, the coyote should tick all the boxes you want, sound wise and the delivery of power. Still I’m suprised you thought the F6 had no sound track, I’ve got an F6 and under boost it sounds like a jet inside and out, it’s not a V8 but it still sounds the shizza.

swank

No disrespect towards your purchase I actually think the F6 is absolutely awesome. I just prefer the noise of a V8 & the way it progressively delivers it’s power, the turbo actually scares me lol.

Joker

Swank,

I found the F6 310 Auto’s power very manageable. It’s not the suicidal jekyl & hyde that some reviewers seem to make it out to be.
V8′s do sound awesome but I also thoroughly enjoyed the F6 soundtrack and exhaust crackle. Personally, the styling on the E2′s is a bit to storm trooper.
GXP’s back end, while not awesome is better to look at than a GTS etc.
The styling on the F6 is far more cohesive especially now that you can choose to have the raccoon eyes painted to match the rest of the car.

swank

Joker,

I’ve probably had around 60 min worth of test driving an F6 spanning over three separate drives. I did find the turbo to be a bit “suicidal jekyl & hyde”, especially in the rain. But I assume that once it becomes your daily form of transportation, you will learn to adapt?

Joker

Did you drive the Manual or the Auto? Or Both?
I’ve had a solid drive in the ZF Auto and found it to be quite manageable but deceptively fast. Mind you, I didn’t drive it in the Wet. A bit hard when where I live hasn’t seen rain in the last three or so months .

swank

Joker,

I drove the auto only.

Shak

Mate why would any business give you something for free unless they made up for the cost some other way. But then again that may be the reason FPV dont make as many sales or money as HSV, because they are giving things away for free.

Joker

Shak,

HSV have a bigger following and have for a while. They know the demographic they’re aiming for and they sell well to it. Ford lost out with the AU/Tickford Experience and HSV capitalised. Simple.
The E2′s will lose some buyers but the Red at heart fans will still buy it.
Don’t expect the E2′s sales to continue so strongly though. Once the die hard have bought it, you can expect the 5.0 S/C Coyote to steal some hearts. Or minds.

swank

Joker,

Agreed.

swank

If you can afford the higher insurance costs for an HSV as opposed to the Holden SS-V. I think it’s worth the small premium considering it will cost a minimum of around $8,000-$10,000 to achieve the same power & stopping ability as the GXP. Not to mention the excellent seats that HSV install in their cars among other things. Before anyone questions the $8000-$10,000 I mention above, sit down & do your research, because to do it right that’s what it will cost.

Tom22

Maybe the stopping power, but the L98′s are actually underrated at 270kw, a simple tune and you are easily making the same power as the LS3.

swank

Tom22,

Getting more kw’s is easy, but that alone is not going to get you the performance of the HSV. I’ve muscled up two V8′s in the past, trust me it’s much harder to achieve HSV spec performance than the tuners would have you believe. They always tickle your ears with “we can get more power” if your on a budget. The truth of the matter is revealed the moment you tell them your serious & you’ve got the cash flow. Before you know-it their talking about cam’s, lower diff gear ratios, full exhaust systems…

Tom22

Ah yes, maybe im stuck in the past. All i know is with my LS1 a tune is all it needed to get to HSV spec power of the time. Than again, back then they were running LS1′s in the HSV’s, so there was actually no major difference =P

Shak

CA are you guys going to be testing the E2 HSV range anytime soon.

http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt Brogan

Hi Shak,

CA will be reviewing the Senator, GTS and ClubSport R8 over the next few weeks.

Reality Check

Matt, why not take a reality check and match them up against an F6 with the world class ZF Auto ?

I just traded my BF2 Typhoon on a new FG F6 and while I thought my previous ride was fantastic the new puppy is absolutly wild and totally ballistic.

Guys don’t bother driving one of these F6′s in the wet, its hard enough to get traction when its dry LOL.
Shak

Thanks for that. I would also like to know if it is possible for you guys to test a Grange, as i have tried really hard to find a review elsewhere, but cannot.

Tom22

I really wish it had the SS-V front, i just cannot stand the e2 styling.

Is it just me, or is it every updated model they release they just pollute Holdens DNA? The Pontiac front bar, ok, im sure bogans love it, but it looks tacky, and were on earth is this meant to sit in the lineup? It looks like a half cast HSV/SS. And HSV isn’t fooling anyone trying to use up its “GXP” badges and boot lid spoilers it has in inventory from the Pontiac attempt, i mean come on Holden, did you really need to use the same GXP badge?

Bring back 2006, the VE lineup looked well planed out, muscular and attractive. Now it is just a mess.
Andrew Juma

It is clear I am not in the target demographic.
toxic_horse

I still reckon the single exhaust outlet on each side on the SV6 looks tougher than the twin exhausts on the V8′s.
ohreally

I am really dissapointed with the series 2 HSVs

the overstyled front end with tacked on running lights, bonnnet scoops, and the ss tail lights do not go together.
I think bacon and icecream are more suitable partners.

The E2 range has gone over the top and is in ricer territory now, do they include neon underbody lights as an option???

I think an ssV looks better!
Lionel Mandrake

Tom22: regarding a tune of the L98 getting to LS3 specs. Sure, you could also tune the LS3 or perform similar modifications and it will always respond better as the LS3 is pretty much an L98 with more capacity and more compression (10.7 Vs 10.4:1). So the discussion is really academic. The LS3 is clearly the superior engine in both stock or modified form.
ABMPSV

I did not know that top range HSV and FPV cost between $70T to $90T. I know I can not compare to European cars but I would buy a near new 2008 AUDI A4 B8 TIPTRONIC QUATTRO, 2004 BMW 645Ci E63 STEPTRONIC or 2007 MERCEDES C55 W203. All this car within that price range.

swank

@ ABMPSV,

As someone who works in the automotive repair industry. I would say if you can’t afford a new German car, then you can’t afford to maintain a 2nd hand German car. Especially a performance model, you may end up with a car that is hassle free… great, but if not, God help you. HSV’s & FPV’s are brilliant because they offer the average income earner, power & performance without the ludicrous costs that may/will be required with continued ownership of a German car. And it only gets better with Holden or Ford performance vehicles.

ABMPSV

German cars very reliable. I would just save on fuel compared to HSV and FPV nearly $2000 a year and what about resale value!!

swank

No, you would not save money on fuel if you bought this cars German equivalent. And as for German cars being more reliable & having decent resale value…urban myth my friend, 100% urban myth.

herdo

I’ve really like the look of the E2. It’s different which is why you buy a HSV. If it looked like everything else everyone would complain it was boring. Couldn’t afford an R8 but this is alot of me. I know i could tune an SSV or an old LS1 or 2 but I prefer the peice of mind that comes with factory power and warranty.
Millatime

Worst looking HSV’s ever. Styled by a 5 yr old?
Rocket

This must be the fastest and ugliest car in the Wooooorlllld!!! It will be wrapped around a tree or driven into a house like most Commodores after a few years.
Byron

Looks heaps great. Love both the sedan & ute, but i’d buy the sedan. Front end & back end look heaps mad. Interior is pretty good, though interior updates when VF arrives, will make this look even better. Go HSV!
Leah

WOW….my husband just purchased the GXP Sedan and after reading the comments I am rather tempted to make him cancel!! Oh well, the only thing I like about this is the lights on the front end!
excrement

i own a silver BFII fairmont ghia 5.4L 3V, 6 speed ZF, recently changed the diff gears from 2.53 to 2.92:1, full stainless steel hpc coated exhaust with extractors, a tune, now the car makes 227rwkw and over 620Nm at the flywheel as compared to 500-505Nm standard. It does 4.79s 0-100km/h now. This is with out even touching the intake manifold, just diff gears, exhaust + ECU tune up. All for $22500 including a car with just 25000k 2007 model.
Rat Patrol

Instead of quoting HSVs inflated 0-100 times, how about buying a VBOX and running your own? You might fiond that “4.9 seconds” suddenly becomes 5.3.