- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
6.2i, 8 cyl.
- Engine Power
340kW, 570Nm
- Fuel
Petrol 12.9L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2013 HSV Gen-F Senator Signature – Quick drive review
Price: From $83,990 plus on-road costs
Vitals: 6.2-litre V8, 340kW/570Nm, 6-spd auto, RWD, 12.9L/100km
What is it?
The latest take on HSV's luxury-focused short-wheelbase high-performance sedan.
What does it say about me?
That I want all the gadgets, luxury and performance, but don't need the extra space of the Grange limousine or the supercharged stonk of the GTS.
Who else is buying it?
Cashed-up, and slightly more grown-up, Aussie muscle car traditionalists who like the restrained philosophy of the European rivals such as AMG, but can't afford to stretch into six figures.
What colours does it come in?
There are nine different hues to choose, ranging from conventional colours such as black, white and two silvers plus red, a new green called Regal Peacock, a purple and two shades of blue; a muted metallic shade called Karma and a bright shade called Perfect Blue that replicates that used on Peter Brock's HDT VK models.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Eric Bana; a true-blue Aussie all-rounder equally as talented in roles as diverse as an American comic book hero (Hulk), an English king (The Other Boleyn Girl) or a humble Aussie in-law (The Castle). Yet behind the glamour, both are still bogans at heart.
Why would I buy it?
Because you've got Holden's muscle car heritage in your veins and you want one of the best Aussie sports sedans ever produced, and believe it's every bit as good as its European rivals for less than half the money.
Why wouldn't I buy it?
Because you've never driven an AMG E63 or BMW M5, or you can't afford either of them.
Will it let me down?
Highly unlikely, as the major mechanical items such as the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 and six-speed automatic have been around for five years and refined over that time.
Does it cost too much?
While it is one of the most expensive Australian-built cars, when you consider the technology, features and performance you get for $84k it's a relative bargain.
Will I get a deal?
The Senator isn't the most popular, or the most heroic, of HSV's model line-up, so some dealers might haggle on slow-moving stock. But considering the Gen-F range has only just started to arrive in showrooms, it'll take some hard negotiating to get a deal at the moment.
Is it safe?
It comes loaded with every safety feature Holden has in its arsenal, including six airbags, ABS, three-mode ESP, lane departure warning, forward collision and reverse parking alerts and a rear-view camera.
Will it get me noticed?
Part of the Senator's appeal is its understated styling, but it's a brand-new HSV so, depending on where you drive it, you'll get the occasional thumbs-up from enthusiasts.
Any gadgets I can brag about?
It's got the latest magnetic suspension system – similar to that used by the likes of Ferrari and Audi – that changes the level of body control and damping when an electric current is applied to the fluid inside the shock absorbers. You can also start the engine remotely before you get in the car, and it comes with an in-built data logger pre-loaded with Aussie circuits for track-day enthusiasts.
Will I get carjacked in it?
There'll be more expensive vehicles in the corporate car park or country clubs at the top end of town, so it's unlikely any valet attendants will take it for a joy ride. But you'll be the envy of every red-blooded suburban Aussie, so be mindful of where you park it.
How's the cabin ambience?
Pretty damn good actually. Like all the latest VF-based Commodore models, there's been a significant lift in design, features and materials. The heated leather seats are comfy and there's plenty of space, but the HSV-specific auxiliary gauges for oil pressure and oil temperature in the lower section of the centre console delete a handy hidey hole.
What's the stereo like?
The Senator Signature gets the full-house nine-speaker Bose system as standard, which has decent sound quality and staging. It has a single CD slot, USB port and comes loaded with internet radio apps Stitcher and Pandora as part of the My Link system.
Does it go?
Sure does, because the Senator comes standard with the upgraded 340kW/570Nm 6.2-litre V8 with a new bi-modal exhaust and inlet manifold. It cruises quite comfortably, but also roars like an old-school bent-eight should, bolting from 0-110km/h in around five seconds flat.
Does it like corners?
With new Continental tyres, wider rear rubber and the Driver Preference Dial set to Performance mode – which stiffens the suspension, loosens the ESP and adds extra weight to the electric power steering - the Senator tracks pretty well for such a large car. The oversized AP Racing brakes balance the forward thrust with great stopping power.
What about bumps?
The major benefit of the magnetic suspension is that it instantly reacts to inputs, so it has a nice balance between comfort and handling.
What about service stations?
Let's face it, you don't buy an HSV for its economy.
Would you buy one?
Yeah, I like the look of the more subdued Gen-F range and the Senator in particular, and the fact it comes loaded to the gunwales with gear and has plenty of performance, there's not much that comes close for the money.
What else should I consider?
If you want more grunt, then only the supercharged GTS offers greater levels of bang for your buck. Otherwise, you're looking at a base-model BMW 5-series and Merc E-Class or a second-hand M3.
The Spin
“If you want to make a stand, then it's time to take a seat.”
The Translation
Get in, shut up and hang on.