HSV Maloo R8 2013 Review
My first ride on the new VF that everyone loves: Maloo ute. And not just any Maloo, but the top version of the WIZ R8 SV Enhanced with 340 kW underfoot - more than the old GTS. From the very beginning, it was obvious that this is a much more refined, sophisticated beast. It's not just about cranking it up, revving it up and listening to the V8 roar.
VALUE
The Maloo price remains unchanged at $58,990 for the manual, while the R8 manual costs $68,290. The R8 adds leather, machined alloys, a BOSE audio system, a bimodal exhaust, an extended HSV driver interface and a host of other technologies, plus a body-to-body hardback.
The car adds $2000 to the price, and the SV Enhanced upgrade, available only with the R8, costs another $4995. This includes a power and torque boost to 340kW/570Nm, lighter 20-inch SV Performance forged alloy wheels and black accents on the fender vents and mirrors.
ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
You've probably heard of the supercharged 430kW LSA in the GTS. The rest get a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter LS3 with 317kW and 550Nm of torque as standard, while the R8 boasts 325kW/550Nm and the SV Enhanced version has been upgraded to 340kW/570Nm.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while an active-select six-speed automatic is optional. The good thing about the manual is that it comes with launch control, and the bad part is the cramps you get squeezing and releasing the clutch in heavy traffic.
FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES
Twenty-inch wheels come standard, along with AP four-piston brakes and high-performance suspension. The R8 also has some other features such as a driver preference dial and a head-up display that projects a picture of the vehicle's speed and other useful information onto the bottom of the windshield.
The Enhanced Driver Interface (EDI) system provides the driver with a variety of information such as fuel efficiency, vehicle dynamics, and performance-related information. Automatic reverse parking, a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors are also standard.
Design
Don't let yourself be fooled. Bottom is the same machine as the VE. But the Gen-F Maloo gets an all-new interior with new seats, fabrics, instrument cluster, gauges, center console, trim and trim.
Gauges have been moved from the top of the instrument panel to the bottom, and instead of three, two now show oil pressure and battery voltage.
But the satellite navigation system no longer provides warnings about speed cameras or school zones. This feature was lost with the transition from iQ to the new American Mylink entertainment system, and for good reason.
SECURITY
Five Stars. It comes with all the usual suite of safety systems, with the addition of forward collision warning, blind spot awareness and lane departure warning.
DRIVING
No surprises. It rides hard and stops abruptly, but the exhaust sound is a bit muffled for our liking - even with the bimodal exhaust valves. Ride and handling are excellent, even on the potholed bitumen lanes that wind past country roads, although it's better to keep order. Full auto is disappointing, but manual control is more exciting, though we still miss the lack of paddle shifters.
You will need 91, 95 or 98 octane fuel, but the first two will result in a reduction in power. It is assumed that the car will consume 12.9 l/100 km of fuel consumption. Our consumption was about 14.0 liters per 100 km. More if you put on the boot, less if you hold it steady.
Holden recently took the SS ute to the famous Nürburgring in Germany, where he set the lap record for a "commercial" car, much to the amazement of the Germans and everyone present. It was a 270 kW machine. When I first started Maloo, I wondered how long a 340kW Maloo would last?
VERDICT
If before Maloo was not one, now it is a full-fledged two-seater sports car. The guys will love it, their girlfriends will hate the competition, because it is the Yut who wins the argument every time.
VPG Maloo R8 SV
Cost: from $68,290 (Manual)
Engine: 6.2-litre V8 petrol 325 kW/550 Nm
Transmission: 6 times manual
Thirst: 12.6 l / 100 km; 300 g / km CO2
