2005 Holden Commodore V6 v Ford Falcon XR6 v Mitsubishi Magna VR-X v Toyota Camry Sportivo comparison review
Australian sports sedans don't only come with V8 engines. BRUCE NEWTON examines the four locally built six-cylinder rivals.
Holden Commodore SV6
Thanks to the high-tech new aluminium engine found under its bonnet, the Commodore is right back in the hunt for six-cylinder sports sedan honours against the XR6.
The DOHC 24-valve Alloytec 190 produces (you guessed it!) 190 kW from its 3.6-litre capacity at 6500 rpm, beating the Falcon in the power stakes. But there's a substantial 40 Nm torque deficit, with 340 Nm provided at 3200 rpm.
With a sharper top end and around 100 kg less kerb weight than the Falcon, the Commodore is faster in a straight line and manages better fuel consumption, although still behind the Magna and Camry.
The Alloytec, however, is noisy when revved, although Holden insists it will improve in the new 2006 VE Commodore.
The SV6 comes with a six-speed manual or no-cost-option five-speed auto. Both are excellent - the auto has the flexibility of semi-manual changes via steering wheel buttons.
The Commodore feels its age in the chassis. For the 2004 VZ update, Holden continued to hone away, but with a design dating back to the 70s, there's only so much you can do.
Price: $39,490.
For: Performance, drivetrain.
Against: Noisy, not as fun to drive as the Falcon.
Rating: 4 stars
Ford Falcon XR6
The highlight of Ford's almost imperceptible BA Mk II update last year was a six-speed manual gearbox for the XR6T and XR8. But the entry-level Falcon sports sedan missed out, probably because there was no need to add to an accomplished package.
Powering the XR6 is the latest generation of Ford's venerable in-line six-cylinder engine, the Barra 182. Producing 182 kW at 5000 rpm and a class-leading 380 Nm of torque at 3250 rpm from its 4.0-litre capacity, this impressive engine is comfortable in town, on the highway, or on a winding mountain road.
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It mates to a five-speed man-ual transmission or optional four-speed. An excellent semi-manual shift function makes the auto the choice for most people most of the time.
With a well thought out sus-pension design, the XR6 delivers class-leading chassis dynamics - light but accurate steering and an excellent balance between ride compliance and handling accuracy. New standard traction control adds assurance.
However, at 1710 kg (auto) the Falcon is the heaviest here, impacting on performance and fuel consumption.
Price: From $38,655.
For: Strong engine, excellent on-road behaviour, looks.
Against: Kerb weight hurts acceleration and fuel consumption.
Rating: 4 stars
Mitsubishi Magna VR-X
The Magna may nearly be gone, but in VR-X form, it shouldn't be forgotten. We're talking the front-wheel-drive version here, not the all-wheel-drive VR-X that went on sale late last year. While the AWD has a higher level of pure grip, it's heavier, slower and doesn't have the sporty 17-inch tyres of the front-wheel-drive.
Some will ignore the Magna because it doesn't drive the rear wheels, but it's good fun. Although a bit biased towards understeer, it sits quite flat and firm. A limited slip differential (manual) or well-tuned traction control (auto) keep things pointed in the right direction.
The 3.5-litre SOHC 24-valve V6 engine is a sweetie, producing 163 kW at 5200 rpm and 317 Nm at 4500 rpm. Mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox or five-speed intelligent auto with a semi-manual shift lever, it is smooth and strong, never fussing despite needing to be revved to deliver its best performance.
While that performance level is a little way behind the Falcon and Commodore, it's still more than acceptable and offers better fuel economy.
Speaking of frugality, you'll find good deals on VR-X, as Mitsubishi is very much in run-out mode leading up to the new car in October, plus there's the five-year warranty to add some interest.
Price: From $38,490.
For: Sweet engine, dynamically sound, economic.
Against: Old, dated interior, unfash-ionable, cramped rear seat.
Rating: 3 stars
Toyota Camry Sportivo V6
Yes, this car gets alloy wheels, a locally developed bodykit and a rear spoiler, but a real sports Camry will have to wait until the next generation arrives in early 2006.
The Sportivo V6 is powered by an efficient 3.0-litre V6 that produces 145 kW at 5200 rpm and 279 Nm at 4400 rpm. Like the Magna's engine, this unit is smooth, quiet and civilised, and in those terms is a step ahead of the locally built sixes.
But it can't compete with anything else here in terms of performance numbers - other than fuel economy. Trans-mission options are a rubbery five-speed or a four-speed auto with no semi-manual operation.
While the chassis tuning isn't dramatic, it is definitely a step ahead of the base models in the Camry range, offering more accurate steering, a flatter stance and a better compromise between ride and handling.
Bland as it is, Toyota has steadily increased interest in Sportivo. An update in 2004 did no harm by adding equipment such as audio controls on the steering wheel and a unique Aus-tralian all-black interior, while cutting the price at the same time.
Price: From $37,500.
For: Solid build quality, spacious.
Against: Bland, per-formance.
Rating: 3 stars
Prices and details correct at publication.