HSV Clubsport Review 2015
Here you need to keep in mind what you get for your money.
With $60,000 to $62,000 in your pocket, you can get a Prado V6 petrol base model, a compact entry-level European prestige sedan with a 2.0-liter petrol four-cylinder engine, or… a monumentally interesting local, noisy sedan with a V8 engine that screams. "here I am".
The entry-level HSV Clubsport has impressive performance and handling and is a true hairy-chested sports sedan.
Add $2500 for a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
It's a hell of a car for the money, and it's evolved into something that's really compelling to drive, as well as chock-full of tech and luxury kit.
They have perfected the beast over the years with some smart and stupid technology.
Special
The arrival of the high-tech VF Commodore a couple of years ago opened the floodgates for HSV to do something really special.
And in the base Clubsport model, they created just that, a car with incredible street pulling power and almost god-like flattery from a certain group of fans. It's a lot of fun to ride, but you'd better get in now if you want one of the best HSVs ever made.
Generation F HSVs outperform anything by most measures, they look and feel better than ever.
They've been perfecting the beast over the years, experimenting with some smart and dumb technologies, but in the recently updated F line, the HSV really excels.
The 2015 Clubsport is $61,990 for a six-speed manual, but we had an optional six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Our lead car was the bright new Jungle Green, which really makes it stand out, but not as much as the HSV-WOW license plates.
ENGINES
The car (base model) has plenty of sought-after things, including a bubbling, punchy 325kW/550Nm 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine. It has recently been upgraded with a high flow electric bimodal exhaust and an intermediate crossover to achieve the claimed power. Despite being an overhead valve unit, it is so big that it produces a lot of grunt.
Having said that, the LS3 doesn't mind revving up either, and it actually hits harder higher up in the rev range, which coincides with the electric opening of the exhaust valves and louder barking from the exhaust. It is capable of consuming 12.6 l/100 km in premium ULP mode and about 5.0 seconds for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.
changes
The latest round of updates saw the introduction of the GTS Maloo and increased power across the range, as well as changes to the look of the wheels and other bodywork.
Despite being an entry-level HSV, the Clubsport features AP Racing multi-piston brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, drive select (three modes), sports cloth seats, multi-function steering wheel, HSV gauges, dual-zone climate control , 8 inch touch screen, alloy pedals, remote start and passive entry are among the extensive equipment list.
Some driver assistance features are included, such as blind spot warning, park assist, hill start assist, and a rearview camera.
Driving
The most important thing is how this car actually drives, and this, the reader, can be described in one word - impressive.
The moment you turn the steering wheel, you can feel the sporty responsiveness of the Clubsport thanks to the electric steering - fast, precise and sensual.
LS3 doesn't mind overclocking either
Huge brakes easily slow down the 1705-kilogram Clubsport, while Continental tires provide a high level of grip.
We opted for "Perf" mode for some rides, but settled on "Sport" rather than the boring "Tour" mode.
Each has its own individual calibration.
The ride is firm but not overly harsh, the transmission engages gears quickly and smoothly, and the exhaust (sometimes) makes a pleasant burble, but it's not enough.
Love it, what a compromise, boring SUV or ultra conservative European compact or that. We would have Clubsport any day.
