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Perfect Poignancy: Holden Commodore SV6
It was with more than a twitch of sadness and emotion that I handed back to the dealership, after three weeks covering the Christmas/New Year’s period, Holden’s VF SV6 sedan, with six speed manual and coated in a a Perfect Blue paint scheme. Coming off the back of confirmation that Holden would cease local manufacturing in 2017, it was somewhat poignant to spend time in the Commodore that has been so well welcomed by the media and public.
The Driven Heart
It’s a strong combination in the VF Commodore; the torquey 3.6L V6 and six speed manual. There’s 210 killer wasps
(at a high 6700 revs) to be had alongside an immensely usable 350 torques at 2800 rpm, a rev point where push in the back acceleration can be had in the right gear. It’s mostly easy on the brain to drive, with a firm and progressive clutch pedal travel but a pickup point that seems to be on/off like a light switch. The gear shift itself, although not heavy, has a notchy feel when slotting the lever home. Reverse is across to the left and up and has no lockout mechanism. Oddly enough, first leaves the SV6 somewhat ragged and breathless but moves into its stride come second and third, where the torque of the V6 can really come into play. At freeways speeds sixth has the donk ticking over just under 2000 whilst the flexibility can be used to either simply slot back into fourth on the downchange or miss a gear on the upchange. There’s some induction noise and a nice rorty tune from the exhaust.
The Sheetmetal
In a nod to Peter “Perfect” Brock, 
Holden offer a blue so very similar in shade to the famous colour that coated the VK HDT range known as the “Blue Meanie” that it’s been called Perfect Blue. It’s a lovely shade and evokes, in those old enough to remember or those that follow motorsport, what HDT’s mid ’80s groundbreaker was all about. With contrasting matt and gloss black bodywork, it’s an eyecatching colour that highlights the curves and creases on the VF shape, from the eagle eye headlights cresting the LED DRLs wrapped in gloss black through to the almost Camaro like tail light clusters above the rear apron, 
sporting twin pipes. 
There’s a subtle lip spoiler for the boot which impedes only minimally on rear vision from the cabin. It’s a strong and assertive profile which suits the various colour schemes available, especially on the SS versions whilst chrome highlights the gloss black inserts at the nose.
The Office Space
The VF has been around for long enough now for it to be familiar to most. The main change to the interior of the VF SV6 is a carbon fibre look to the dash and an interesting carbon fibre style weave in the seat cloth. It’s flexible, looks good and feels good to the
fingers. As a manual, seating position is important and this was the case here, with a comfortable 
seating slot found easily. There’s sports style pedals, manual (not push button) ignition, red highlights to the dash display, whilst the centre dash display is the monochrome style from the Evoke, rather than the colour version found higher up the chain. Reverse camera parking was a doddle however satnav isn’t included, an odd omission. The MyLink system that is now standard across the range is user friendly, look the part and offers the internet based radio apps such as Pandora plus there’s Holden’s parking assist and blind spot notification system to enjoy as well. At the rear there’s the skiport access from the cavernous boot, a 60/40 rear fold would be handy though. Naturally there’s plenty of airbags should they be required.
On The Road
The FE2 suspension setup works a treat on the SV6; it’s firm yet supple, absorbent and fluid, provides confident handling and combines with a sensible steering ratio (with the electrically assisted steering) to give point and shoot driving. The Bridgestone 245/45/18s hang onto the road pretty well for the most part however did seems to lose some traction on barely damp surfaces, including one slide into a left hander on ramp. The six speed manual is not the epitome of smoothness in shifting, with a notchy crunch into each gear nor is the clutch exactly spot on. Although smooth and well pressured, the actual pick up point required a 
measure of finesse and constantly felt a little “lightswitch” on/off. A nice and nifty addition is the hill start brake system, holding the brakes for a second or so in order for the first gear to be selected and not allow rollback. Under acceleration, first felt rough and thready, running out breath even however in third or fourth a good go at the loud pedal saw rapid forward movement plus there was enough of a bark from the bonnet and exhaust to tickle the aural tastebuds. Brakes were progressive with enough bite from moderate pressure to haul in the 1800kgs or so of the SV6. Overall fuel economy was 9.4L/100 km with predominantly suburban driving; the first indication of needing fuel came at around the 600km mark.
The Wrap
It was with more than a sense of sadness that I had to give the mid $30K SV6 back to its temporary home; sad that soon Australia will lose such an excellent, well engineered, home grown product. Sad that, as a manual driver by preference and ideology, that the Australian market prefers the self shifter. Sad that the downsize factor takes away some of the sense of freedom and fun that a solid and torquey V6 offers plus the sheer roominess of a large sedan. Although the Malibu has failed to excite the wallets of Aussie drivers, it is, at least, a size comparable with the VF and requires some styling and engineering tweaks if it’s to be a serious contender to go some way in offering a physically large car exercise once the VF sees the end of Holden made cars in 2017. It was a poignant moment for me to hand over the key to what is a shining example of what will soon be lost to Australia’s future generations.
Information on the VF SV6 and its family can be found here:http://www.holden.com.au/cars/commodore/sedan-range
Here's Why you Should Upgrade your Car in 2014
The start of 2014 brings mixed news for the car industry around the world. Although car usage is more than looking strong, the automotive industry in Australia is shaky, and with the new that Holden is to leave in 2017, it leaves a lot of people asking, ‘where next?’
On a personal level however, the start of the New Year is a great way to start thinking about a new car. Been promising yourself the latest model of the car you’ve already got? Thinking about your finances and getting bored of shelling out on a rust bucket? Worry no more, here at Private Fleet we look at some reasons why 2014 should definitely be the year you upgrade your car.
You Deserve It
There’s something nice about buying a new car that feels like you’ve earnt it. That new car smell, the fact it’s your pride & joy and nobody can touch it or clean it but you. It’s also, fundamentally, a treat. There’s no point patching together ancient cars and you need to ride around in something you can enjoy.
Safety
Nobody can argue with the fact that new cars are safer than old ones. Not long ago, even having a minor crash meant that you were dicing with death, but statistics show now that you’ve got a far greater chance of surviving – especially in more modern and technology advanced cars. The world of safety in the automotive industry has become so much more advanced; and by purchasing a newer car you are making the most of this.
You Get More for Your Money
Cars companies at the moment are falling over themselves to pack more technology and gadgets into their cars than ever before. It means that in 2014, what you’re paying for is a great car, but also an excellent entertainment and navigation system, an enjoyable and comfortable place to sit and a very safe and technologically advanced
Warranty and Offers
Buying a new car has certain assurances, and manufacturers at the moment need to be able to sweeten the deal with consumers by offering extended warranties and good finance packages. You can never underestimate the importance of having certain assurances when buying a new car – if there are any faults you’ll be able to get them fixed for free and have peace of mind when you first take it out.
Can Be Delivered to Your Specification
No more trawling the listings for something that matches your dream. When you buy a new car you’re able to pick what you want and know you’ll be able to get it. Many car manufacturers offer a huge amount of options – and we have seen the issue of customisation really come to the fore in the last couple of years. The real boom in online shopping has helped with this, but even buying your car through more conventional means, you’re able to pick exactly what you want down to the finest details.
To find out more about the work Private Fleet carries out, visit the section of our site and find out how easy it can be to order your new car. Additionally, if you’re stuck in two minds, be sure to check out our car review section for more information about specific cars.
The Death Of An Australian Icon: Holden Is Lion Down.
For a bloke raised with the great triumvirate of car makers of Chrysler, Ford and General Motors-Holden, in the late ’60s and early ’70s, the news on a day that numerologists were salivating about (11/12/13) came as expected but still deeply unwelcome to me. The once great company, known as Holden, will be ceasing manufacturing in 2017. Just a few months after its also once great rival, Ford Australia, announced the same news, the unwanted confirmation was announced mid afternoon.
Sadly, it appears to be a combination of factors but a situation that will keep conspiracy theorists happy for a while. What is known: GM honcho Dan Akerman, a self confessed “non car guy”, advised Aussie boss Mike Devereux by phone just hours after Devereux said there still was no decision. In the statement to the press by Devereux is this: “The unfortunate fact is that as I stand here today, GM already has all the information it needs to know that our Next Gen business case is not viable.” And: ” We have looked at every possible option to build the Next Gen products here in Australia. But no matter which way we applied the numbers, the long-term business case is simply not viable.” Within the statement is no mention of lack of support financially from the Federal Government, however it’s this potentially vital point that will be debated for the next few years.
Whether or not the Labor Party’s proposal to fund around $150 million per year for the foreseeable future would have worked tied in with what could justifiably be seen, in some areas, as an unnecessary delay by the Federal Government, would have worked has now been rendered a moot point. What is undoubted is the closure of the engine plant in Port Melbourne (Victoria) with the loss of 1300 jobs, the body manufacturing plant in Elizabeth (South Australia) with 1600 positions to go plus the world renowned proving grounds at Lang Lang, Victoria. There will be a retention of a Global Design Studio plus staff enough to manage the transition from a manufacturing base to a sales and marketing company.
In a recent interview, when asked about the secrets to his success and the transformation of General Motors, Mr Akerson said: “Fundamentally I’ve got to run a business that’s gonna turn profits.” This isn’t surprising, given the financial mess the American Big 3 found themselves in recently. However it’s this statement that, at its heart, provides the reason behind the decision: it’s business. However the reason for the rot goes back a long way. Some say it was Holden’s reluctance, along with Ford, to move with demand and provide the vehicles the market and therefore, the public wanted. Akerman said: “It was a perfect storm of negative influences which include the sustained strength of the Australian dollar, high cost of production, small domestic market and arguably the most competitive and fragmented auto market in the world”. Others say the high cost of living in Australia, the required amount of wages conspiring with a shift to a demand for smaller cars (and, some will argue, better quality) and SUVs alike up against the cost of manufacturing and the unsustainable losses on each Australian built car, are to do with the end result.
From here, there’s an economic cost,with figures of around $21 billion being thrown around. There’s the human cost, not just the 2900 or so workers directly affected but those in associated automotive industries, the suppliers and parts manufacturers, to the car and courier and truck drivers plus local businesses that depended on the workers spending their dollars with them, such as the humble sandwich bar and local pubs where workers may go for a frothy after a shift.
With a large range of cars available to cater for all parts of the market, Holden certainly ticks the boxes for diversity; the Commodore (enjoying a sales resurgence and, somewhat ironically, getting rave reviews in the US), the Malibu, Cruze, Colorado, Barina and Trax but with just the Commodore built almost start to finish here whilst the Cruze is assembled here, the costs to build were being swamped by the relatively low sales numbers in a market comparatively miniscule on a world scale.
Sadly, regardless of the debate, it’s a done decision and unless something truly miraculous happens, come 2016 and 2017, where the two separate manufacturing plants finally close, there’ll be many a tear shed, no doubt a few choice words directed at politicians but finally, the doors will close and Holden, after a long and chequered history as a manufacturer, kicking off with the fabled 48-215 through to the iconic catchphrase of “football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars”, down to the classy VF Commodore, will be lion down.
State of Play: Holden in Australia.
At the time of writing there’s still no firm answer on what will happen with Holden as a manufacturer in Australia. What is painfully and abundantly clear is this: if Holden ceases to build cars then so will Toyota. What follows from there is a huge increase in unemployment; not just the line workers in the factories but the suppliers, the companies that provide the raw materials in the form of electronics or metal or LEDs or bulbs or courier services and so on.
There’s been conflicting reports as to who/what/why from the Federal Government in regards to funding; the Labor Party says $150 million per year can be offered to keep Holden building whilst Opposition Senator Kim Carr says their is no committed funding for the automotive industry past 2020. The current acting Prime Minister, Warren Truss, says though that there are funds available now, in the order of over a billion dollars, thanks to unspent funds from other areas. The Government has written to Holden asking that they declare their intentions.
There are rumours that the decision is not Holden’s to make but the overlords in America; themselves in a state of change with the company just naming Mary Barra as CEO, taking over from Dan Akerson, the man that is said to have made the decision. However, there’s more to it than that. Holden needs to stay but it does need to undergo a fundamental change in its outlook and thinking. I made the point on radio that, as it stands, Holden is a critically ill patient that needs ministrations until a cure, KNOWN to be 100 percent effective and confirmed as available in just a couple of years is provided. A great example is the current situation in regards to bomb proofed vehicles for the Government fleet, with some sources claiming that Holden had not made a bid to supply these vehicles whilst others are
saying that they had bid but weren’t up to the mark. There’s also been questions about the costs, with one figured being mentioned of over one million dollars for just one vehicle whilst the main company involved, BMW, can provide a higher standard vehicle for cheaper, at just $525,000….
Ford and Chrysler, along with General Motors, were allowed to trade out of an incredibly difficult financial situation, brought on by well entrenched and hard to shift attitudes inside and out. This has been successful, with the US Treasury selling off the last of its shares; Holden can 
do the same and needs substantial re-investment as well. The Commodore is currently under severe evaluation in the States prior to being sold as the Chevrolet SS and is getting substantially good reviews. The Cruze is showing its age and needs a makeover to compete against rivals such as the Focus/Mazda3/i30 trio and more is needed to build here, such as is mooted for a new model by 2020.
Regardless, Holden and Toyota as a result, need the Government to continue funding but being hard headed about how this process will work will work against a fair resolution, especially with tens of thousands of workers livelihoods and potentially billions of dollars, not just millions, at risk of being lost to the future.
Update: as of mid afternoon, December 11 2013, Holden has confirmed that it will cease manufacturing in Australia from 2017. The decision was made in Detroit.
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