2009 Holden VE Commodore Sportwagon SS Road Test Review

Mechanical Package

This is where the real adventure lies. The SS badging and body kit of this car are not merely for show. To back up its visual punch, the Sportwagon SS packs some serious hardware beneath its skin.

For real contentment, some will need look no further than the GM-sourced 6.0 litre aluminium V8 sitting in the nose. On 98 RON unleaded this engine kicks out 270kW at 5700rpm and backs that up with 530Nm of torque at 4400rpm.

The only way to get those figures though is in the manual equipped SS, with the Active Fuel Management equipped automatic losing out by 10kW.

Surprisingly, fuel economy fell into unexpected territory with the Sportwagon recording ‘just’ 9.7 l/100 km on the open road, beating Holden’s official claim of 10.5 l/100 km. Even around town a return of 18.4 l/100 km was better than the factory 20.7 l/100 km figure.

Make no mistake, at no stage was the Sportwagon spared in the interests of economy, so with a little careful piloting fuel consumption figures could well be improved upon further.

The six-speed manual has undergone a clear leap in refinement from the early days of Holden’s six-speed boxes. It still lacks the click-to-click travel of some Japanese offerings, but the meaty feel through the lever suits the boofish brutality of the drivetrain as a whole.

Power is put to the ground though a limited-slip differential, which can have its work cut out for it with 530 Nm to sort out. It works very well; you can get on the power quickly and early without things turning nasty.

There’s also fully independent suspension with Holden’s first Aussie built multi-link rear suspension set-up helping keep those 18 inch wheels in contact with the tarmac.

The Drive

There comes to be something of a ritual with a car like this. Early morning starts saw the SS slowly awakened, from the first twist of the key the car was gently warmed until engine and gearbox reached a reasonable operating temperature.

Some time after that, the temptation to explore the performance potential inevitably emerged. (It will happen to you too. Let’s face it; you’re not likely to park something like this in the driveway unless that raw V8 appeal taps a nerve somewhere inside.)

Prod the throttle and the instant push back into the driver’s seat is matched only by the aural sensation that fills the cabin. Not since Holden laid it’s 5.0 litre Aussie built, iron block V8 to rest has a GM power-plant sounded this good.

There’s more to the game than just a metallic-edged, big bass noise-quake though. The Sportwagon does something no previous Commodore wagon has ever done so compellingly before. It begs you to drive it.

At 1931 kilograms, the Sportwagon SS is no lightweight, yet, find a winding road with a series of corners to string together and the weight seems to simply fall away. Or maybe it just can’t keep up.

Braking is strong and with good pedal feel, although if heavily exercised the Sportwagon’s weight takes a little of the shine off their performance. They’ll pull up true time and time again, but the initial bite seems to fall off slightly with heavy use.

If you believe in a greater power, then now would be the time to give thanks to the Sportwagon’s ESP calibration. Not only does it keep you from shamefully putting the rear in front of the car, but it does so with enough slip that you feel like you’re pedalling like a pro.

While the suspension tune feels right at home on a winding country road, it also does a surprising good job around town too.

While Holden’s FE2 sports calibration isn’t the last word in ride-comfort on a pockmarked road, the feedback it brings is worth the trade-off. It’s never jarring, just consistently firm and efficiently resisting body roll.

The Verdict

If you’re looking for head-kicking urge up front and cargo capacity behind – and a family-friendly price – you haven’t been forgotten. When it comes to a niche market, Holden has this category all-but sewn up.

Fleet buyers can happily look to the superior cargo-hauling abilities of Ford’s ageing BF wagon and Europhiles can hand over triple the money for a Benz or BMW of equal ability.

But passion, compelling performance, and head-turning looks need not be out of reach. Better than that, it can all be had in a package that’ll easily swallow a family’s necessities for a week away, in the best old-fashioned road trip style.

Holden’s Sportwagon SS is designed for those who want to take the wheel, not those who have to.

Likes

• Break from Aussie-wagon styling tradition
• ‘Proper’ V8 noise
• Muscular proportions
• Brilliant ESP calibration

Dislikes

• Fuel consumption around town
• Interior showing its age
• Brakes loose out to all that weight