HSV Clubsport R8 Tourer v SS V-Series Sportwagon
HSV Tourer ... from $66,990 plus on-road and dealer costs. 6.2-litre V8; 317kw/550Nm; 6-speed manual; 14.6L/100km and 335g/km CO2; RWD.
Value Standard seats are cloth but extra money buys bigger brakes, sportier suspension tune, more powerful engine, xenon headlights and a launch control system.
Safety Identical to SS V-Series but gains extended cruise control, daytime running lights and rear-view camera.
Engine The HSV's V8 punches harder than the SS. Bi-modal exhaust (optioned on this car) has a deep, throaty roar.
Inside Flat-bottom steering wheel and bolstered seats with better lateral support. Sportier-looking instruments.
How it drives You feel the bumps more but has sharp handling and grip.
Verdict The HSV provides more thrills than the SS V-Series. Plenty of modifications for the hardcore V8 fan.
SS V-Series Sportwagon ... From $59,290 plus on-road and dealer costs; 6.0-litre V8; 260kW/517Nm; 6-speed auto; 12.6L/100km and 298g/km CO2; RWD.
Value Leather sports seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, six-disc CD with colour screen, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, foglights, 19-inch alloys.
Safety Five-star crash rating, six airbags, stability control, reverse parking sensors.
Engine Plenty of torque and good throttle response. More refined as an auto with cylinder-deactivation technology.
Inside Thick windscreen pillar obscures forward vision, ordinary looking plastics on the dash, great seats, plenty of cabin space.
How it drives Ride is firm but comfortable, steering is direct.
Verdict Cleaner looks and good value but not as focused dynamically as the HSV and with less performance.