BEHIND THE WHEEL: Holden Commodore SV6
MONDAY AUGUST 15, 2016
PRO
Comfortable and roomy
Good performance
CON
Standard suspension setting
Gear shifts are slow
SPECIFICATION
3.6-litre 6-cylinder
280 bhp 350 N
6-speed automatic
0-100 km/h: 7.8s
Top speed: 240 km/h
There are many car companies we do not know of in Malaysia and fortunately I manage to get my hands on Australia’s Holden SV6 while traveling. In favour of economy, car companies are downsizing their engine size and having turbos strapped to their engines. I am glad that this isn’t the case for the case.
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When I had a look on the car I will be driving, the first thing that came to me was the car is all about speed and handling instead of a comfortable cruiser. Interior feels roomy and the seats are comfortable. Not only that, the touchscreen infotainment is easy to use and straightforward. However only stock speakers were present in this car.
After a while, it is time to start the car where the exhaust reminds you of the 3.6L mill turning fuel into dust. On acceleration, the car’s power delivery is instant with a kick on low rev and builds as it climbs to the redline. That is thanks to 280 bhp and 350 Nm of output being sent to its rear wheel. The SV6 has a 6-speed automatic transmission where at times the shifts are a little slow. However, this can be eliminated by engaging sport mode and every responses are sharpened.
I decided to take it to Caves Road for a scenic drive and to see how the car responds to corners. Approaching the end of the route, it surprised me on how much body roll and understeer while entering sharper bends. This is forgiven since the car’s ride has been setup to be comfortable. In addition to the drive, the steering is substantially weighty giving me the proper feel at every turn.
Time has come for me to return the car and head back home. It sure is a nice car to be in regardless if you are driving or being driven. Every instrument, buttons, and knobs are user friendly that's properly placed to not disrupt the driver. To me, it still can be a car to be driven fast.