What are we Testing?
Let’s go for a ride in Holden’s SV6 Commodore with 3.6L V6 SIDI engine producing 210kW of power and 350Nm of torque combined with a 6 speed manual transmission.
What’s its Purpose?
The SV6 is a family sedan/sales reps car with more aggressive styling a bit more poke and power than the run of the mill Commodore.
What’s Good & Not so Good?
Good Looks good
Fun to drive
Fuel economy
Not so good Gearbox chunky
Not a lot of standard features
Steering wheel feel
Huge blind spot from the ‘A’ pillar
Outside
Even in stock trim the current generation of Commodores look good and by adding the body kit they have given the SV6 a slightly more aggressive stance that sets it aside from its origins. The SV6 maintains the fat front stance and the front bar enhances this while not going over the top. The same applies for the rear. The twin exhaust is understated while giving a hint of performance and the wing looks good.
The SV6 is 4894 mm long, 1899 mm wide and 1476 mm high with a turning circle of 11.4 meters and has a wheelbase of 2915 mm. Wheels are 18" x 8" alloy wheels. 245/45 R18 SL 96V tyres (4)
Inside, Comfort & Features
Inside the SV6 is like a normal commodore except that this one was fitted with the optional leather pack and 6-stacker stereo. The seats are comfortable without being anything special and there is plenty of room for adjustment, so much so that I couldn’t put the seat all the way back like I normally do and still depress the clutch fully.
I found the shape of the steering wheel a bit off-putting. The size of it felt good but the way it was moulded didn’t sit right in my hands and I couldn’t get a comfortable grip. The quality of the interior mouldings is up to Holden’s standards.
The stereo is good but lacks in the speaker department. While the sound quality is good its not quite up to some other systems out there. I didn’t have the opportunity to try out the Bluetooth but it is the same as fitted to other Commodores and they work well.
Safety
The SV6 has a 5star ANCAP rating.
Safety features are what you would expect in a family sedan. Including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA), and Traction Control System (TCS). Airbags aplenty including Dual stage airbags for driver and front passenger, Side impact airbags for driver and front passenger, Side curtain airbags
So pretty much all the stability/braking/traction programs and front and rear airbags to help keep you alive.
Performance. Engine, Transmission & Suspension etc
The 3.6L SV6 has 210kW @ 6400rpm and 350Nm @ 2900rpm of torque and this is enough to propel you along nicely. While it’s not in the same league as some other performance six-cylinder sedans it’s enough.
I found the gearbox very agricultural to use, being hard to shift and clunky. Whether it was just this car being a press car or common amongst all of them I couldn’t tell you. You will have to test drive one to see. The clutch was very tight and while I found this part of the fun my wife didn’t.
Suspension is Front: Direct acting stabiliser bar. Coil spring, Rear: Multi-Link Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). Coil spring. Stabiliser bar. Holden have fitted the sports package to the suspension but I found it on the soft side though it still handles well. It includes Linear Control Suspension with Sports suspension: sport tuned spring and damper and reduced ride height. The SV6 rides on 18" x 8" alloy wheels. 245/45 R18 SL 96V tyres (4)
The SV6 has a 1600kg towing capacity.
Family Cars - Large 
