- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 2 seats
- Engine
6.0i, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
270kW, 530Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 14L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
Holden SS V Ute
The new VE Ute is the latest in a long line of passenger car-based Holden utilities and, significantly, the first VE derivative to follow the sedan.
It also continues the philosophical transition of being less a humble work ute than a two-seat sports car, as the relatively light 508-kilogram payload of the SS V auto tested here indicates.
More features, a more useable cabin, greater storage flexibility, better performance and better safety are just some of the claims.
The competition
Ford Falcon XR8 UTE
How much? From $41,595.
Engine: 5.4-litre double overhead cam, 32-valve V8. 260 kW/500 Nm.
Safety: Four-star NCAP rating. Driver's airbag, traction control, ABS.
What's it got? Air-conditioning, cruise control, trip computer, CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels.
For: Strong and sweet-sounding V8, brilliant six-speed auto available, entertaining handling, practical cabin.
Against: Rear suspension struggles on poor surfaces, thirsty, now starting to get on in age.
Our score: 3/5.5
Mazda MX-5
How much?From $42,870.
Engine: 2.0-litre double overhead cam, 16-valve four-cylinder. 118 kW/188 Nm.
Safety: Four-star Euro NCAP rating. Four airbags, stability/traction control, ABS.
What's it got? Air-conditioning, cruise control, leather, six-stack CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels.
For: Agile and involving handling, zesty performance, more liveable cabin than before, folding hard-top available, cheeky looks.
Against: Poor refinement, not amazingly quick, no spare wheel.
Our score: 4/5
Volkswagen Golf GTI
How much? From $38,490.
Engine: 2.0-litre double-overhead cam, 16-valve four-cylinder, turbocharged. 147 kW/280 Nm.
Safety: Five-star NCAP rating. Six airbags, stability/traction control, ABS.
What's it got? Climate-control air, cruise control, trip computer, six-stack CD player, 17-inch alloy wheels.
For: Sprightly performance, foolproof and enjoyable handling, classy and comfortable cabin, quality, safety.
Against: VW recommends expensive 98 octane petrol.
Our score: 4/5