Holden Commodore SSV road test
by Stephen Walker
12th October, 2014
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Holden release
VF "Redline"
18th July, 2013
Driving a V8 provides a great deal of motoring satisfaction. Easy power
delivery and good performance are just two of the admired qualities. Option up a Holden Commodore SSV with the "Redline"
package and an added feeling of excitement comes into play!
Test Car particulars
The 2014 VF series Holden Commodore SSV with the optional Redline pack and automatic transmission, delivered in Regal
Peacock (a dark green), was priced from $54,690* for the standard car at the time of our recent test. Prestige paint, as
per the test car, adds $550* to the base car taking the 'as tested' price* to $55,240*
The "Redline" is about to be updated so check specs and prices with a local Holden dealer. Next Car will have a
story on the updated model in the coming week.
Variants
"Redline" is an optional package for the SSV rather than a distinct model. The Redline package is available on all
three Commodore bodystyles (sedan, wagon, utility).
Key features for the 2014 VF SS V "Redline" include:
- Brembo® brakes
- Forged 19” alloy wheels (4)
- Ultra High Performance 245/40 R19 (front) and 275/35 R19 (rear) tyres
- Colour Head-up Display
- Forward Collision Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
- Updated FE3 sports tuned suspension
- Passive Entry with Push Button Start with sensor key
- Smart remote engine start system (automatic transmission only)
- 9-speaker Bose® premium audio (sedan only)
- Sunroof (sedan only)
- MyLink 8 inch colour touch screen with app functionality
- Enhanced voice control
- Satellite navigation
- SIRI Eyes Free Enabled
- Dual-zone climate control
- 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat (sedan and wagon only)
- Leather appointed seating
- Leather wrap sports steering wheel
Driving the SSV auto with "Redline"
Please allow me to admit my guilt with driving the Redline. Yes, I drove and drove it and then drove it some more.
From Melbourne out to Warburton and on another occasion from Melbourne down to Warragul. Two separate trips to regional
Victoria proved to be better than one trip!
My guilt with the pleasure of driving this car was enhanced by the inclusion of satisfied passengers whilst driving
around Warburton. Be assured, I found it easy to fill the Commodore with valiant volunteers when we undertook some car
pooling at a small gathering to drive into the forest and up to Mount Donna Buang.
The Commodore SSV with the Redline pack is a comfortable sedan that rides a little on the firm side but in the most
pleasant of manners in my opinion. The steering and braking are very good - Redline has big Brembos up the front. The
mountain and forest proved the worth of the handling characteristics of the Commodore. Always driving within the law
and with five occupants on board, the "Redline" was even enjoyed by the passengers. The driver should always enjoy the
Redline!
Specifications
The Commodore SSV comes with a six-litre V8. When fitted with an automatic transmission the power maximum power is
260kW at 5,600rpm and maximum torque is 517Nm @ 4,400rpm. These figures ensure full satisfaction. However, if you're
greedy for power then you may be thinking that more power should be included but I am quite happy with this degree of
authority for the accelerator pedal.
The automatic is a six-speed unit with sequential shifter.
The brakes include Brembo high performance disc brakes at the front.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) incorporating Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(EBD), Electronic Brake Assist (EBA) and Traction Control System (TCS) is standard.
Safety
Front, side and curtain airbags are standard and all Commodore sedans have a five-star ANCAP crash worthiness rating.
And there is a reversing camera, always an important driver assistance tool.
Fuel and emissions
Consumption for the 6-litre V8 is rated at 11.8 litres/100 kilometres on the 'combined cycle'.
The on-board trip computer indicated our consumption was 12.7 litres per 100 kilometres for our final 100 kilometres
which was in an urban environment.
The fuel tank capacity is 71 litres. All grades of petrol can be used in the SSV Redline, including E85.
Connectivity/Infotainment
Included in the Redline is Holden MyLink Infotainment System; 8" high-resolution colour touch-screen display; AM/FM
radio; Embedded Apps – Pandora® and Stitcher SmartRadio™; Single CD player able to play MP3 tracks; USB
input; Full iPod® integration; AUX input jack; Bluetooth®; 9-speaker Bose® premium audio;
DVD Playback (when stationary, packaged with satellite navigation) - external devices need to be compatible of course.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 4,950 mm
Width: 1,898 mm (excluding mirrors)
Height: 1,471 mm
Wheelbase: 2,915 mm
Kerb weight: 1,780kg (approximately)
Boot capacity: 496 litres.
Towing
With appropriate equipment, a VF series Commodore V8 sedan can tow a braked trailer up to 2,100kg.
Conclusion
The fragmentation of Australia's new car market means that larger cars are not as popular as they once were. But there
is still enough demand to make the Holden Commodore one of the best selling cars in the nation.
Driving the Holden Commodore SS V with the Redline option was a thoroughly delightful experience. My enjoyment of
motoring means that I get a buzz out of driving, especially on out of town excursions. Thus the driving experience of
over 500 kilometres in the "Redline", that included plenty of driving in country Victoria, was a real treat.
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery
fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices,
fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
E&OE
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