The Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition is the same as a normal commodore with the emphasis on more power, refined handling and a stylish exterior. Priced from about $56,000 MLP it can be described as a bargain. For those that want to go a bit quicker, a little tickle from a tuner and you can be driving one quick sleeper that still maintains reasonable fuel economy.

What are we Testing?

I went for a run in Holden’s SSV Limited Edition Commodore as part of the Street Commodores 7^th Annual Charity Cruise

What’s its Purpose?

The SSV is aimed at the performance family sedan market.

What’s it Like

The Commodore SS V-Series Special Edition is the same as a normal commodore with the emphasis on more power, refined handling and a stylish exterior. Priced from about $56,000 MLP it can be described as a bargain.

What’s Good & Not so Good?

Good                 Plenty of power

                        Good fuel economy considering

                        Grippy seating

Not so good       Steering wheel

                        Too quiet exhaust note wise

                        Rear vision

Drive Notes

Outside

The SSV Limited Edition isn’t as aggressively styled as the SSV. The front bar is lifted off the Pontiac GTO and adds a new and distinct styling that definitely stands out from the crowd. The thing that stands out most to me about the rear is the lack of a bulky rear wing and this is not a bad thing.

I’m not one to go in for wings on Commodores and the little boot lip spoiler sits just right. The 19 inch rims look good but to really stand out from the crowd I would look at some of the factory upgrades or a good set of aftermarket rims if that’s what you want.

Inside, Comfort & Features

Inside the SSV fit and finish is up to the usual Holden standard. Again my gripe with the steering wheel is the same as with the SV6, it just doesn’t sit right in my hands but other than that it’s good.

The leather seats are good, wrapping around me and holding on well to keep me in place even when a bit of spirited driving was involved. I found them comfortable and I was able to get into a satisfactory driving position and the same as the SV6 and all Commodores I can’t put the seat back all the way and still touch the pedals safely, a novelty for me at nearly 2m tall.

I found the stereo to be a good quality unit with plenty of power and sound quality, good for everything from Playschool to Metallica. Music information is displayed on the multifunction LCD display in case you forget what is in the 6 stacker. As with other Commodores the unit mutes when Bluetooth is active and a call is coming in. the Bluetooth worked well, was easy to connect and when I tested it giving good sound quality through the speakers.

The weather was pleasant so we decided to cruise with the windows down and not use the dual zone climate control which is shown on the multi-function LCD display.

Safety

All Commodores have a 5 star ANCAP rating with traction and stability aids along with airbags to help keep you safe.

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

Performance, Engine, Transmission & Suspension etc

The SSV 6.0L V8 develops 260kW @ 5700rpm and 517Nm @ 4400rpm of torque. For a family sedan this is plenty of power to play with. Power in this vehicle is delivered through a 6 speed auto with active select.

Being the SSV I had to play with the active select but soon got bored with manually selecting gears and put it in sports mode if I wanted to give it some stick. It’s just not the same as driving a manual.

Suspension is listed as being the sports option but being old school I would describe it as the FE2 option from the cars of yesterday. Basically, its lower springs and firmer shocks to give it a better stance and firmer ride.

Off Road & Towing

The SSV is rated to tow 2100kg with the appropriate equipment fitted.

Summary

Overall the SSV was a fun car to drive. It has performance without being excessive, comfort without being plush and style without going over the top.

For a sedan to commute daily to and from work with power but not the excessive fuel bill and the ability to take the family out for a drive in comfort, this would have to be up there with your choices.

For those that want to go a bit quicker, a little tickle from a tuner and you can be driving one quick sleeper that still maintains reasonable fuel economy and all for mid $50,000 price tag

AAG Ratings

Article Copyright © all rights reserved - Auto Alliance Group Pty. Ltd. 2010