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:
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