First Zeta driving impressions
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Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 384
From: Australia
First Zeta driving impressions
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/Ar...ID=18937&vf=12
Individually.
Holden Commodore Omega (Base)
Holden Commodore Berlina
Holden Calais
Holden Calais-V
Holden Commodore SV6
Holden Commodore SS
Holden Commodore SS-V
Holden Commodore Omega
Holden Commodore SV6
Holden Commodore SS-V
The VE Commodore in a nutshell:
We like
-Tight body that makes it feel more composed and able.
-Cabin is impressively quiet.
-Refinement has made huge leap forwards.
-V8 engines sound awesome and deliver plenty in the way of performance.
-Smart six-speed auto on V8 models.
-More progressive feel to accelerator pedal.
-Near 50-50 weight balance makes for confident (and sporty) road manners.
-ESP is standard on every model.
-More progressive and accurate steering.
-Attention to detail.
-Real metal used on door handles and dash strips of some luxury models.
-Quality action to things like the windscreen wipers.
-New easy-grab exterior door handles.
-The boot finally has hinges that don’t invade boot space.
-Visual differentiation between base/luxury/sports models.
-Improved shift action to six-speed manual on V8s.
-Price rises have been kept to a minimum.
-It’s the most complete-feeling Australian-made car to date.
We don't like
-Massive A-pillars obscure vision through corners.
-Four-speed auto is still not up to 2006 standards.
-You have to pay extra (albeit not much) for a full-size spare tyre. As someone pointed out, “that’s un-Australian”.
-Curtain airbags are still optional on base vehicles.
-Air-conditioning still listed as an option on base cars.
-Not enough mechanical differentiation between Calais/Calais V and SV6/SS/SS V.
-SV6 doesn’t drive as good as it looks.
-Heavier bodies take their toll on V6 performance.
-Lighter steering not for everyone.
-Carryover indicator stalks are an unwanted reminder of VZ.
-Shiny plastics looks cheap in places, particularly on the SV6.
-Plastic fit on early production cars could be improved, especially the plastic strips on the inside of the windscreen.
-The obscure name game that’s seen things like Berlina replace Acclaim, SS replace SV8 and Calais replace Berlina.
-Split-fold rear seat is not available.
-Rear wing on sports models hinders rear vision.
Excellent!
HSV details out around the 21st.
Individually.
Holden Commodore Omega (Base)
Holden Commodore Berlina
Holden Calais
Holden Calais-V
Holden Commodore SV6
Holden Commodore SS
Holden Commodore SS-V
In conditions that Noah would welcome the SS-V was poised, responsive, stable, nimble and awesomely quick.
It is undoubtedly Australia’s new muscle car King.
It is undoubtedly Australia’s new muscle car King.
The sports suspension (codenamed FE2) version of Holden’s new multi-link MacPherson strut front and 4.5 multi-link rear suspension combine with the drum-tight body to provide inspiring grip, minimal roll and – paradoxically – an entirely liveable and comfortable day-to-day ride.
Holden Commodore SV6
Holden Commodore SS-V
What we liked
>> Awesome performance
>> Huge braking and handling reserves
>> Complete safety package
And not so much
>> It needs a lot of road
>> Still thinking
>> Still thinking
>> Awesome performance
>> Huge braking and handling reserves
>> Complete safety package
And not so much
>> It needs a lot of road
>> Still thinking
>> Still thinking
In terms of a local V8 muscle car, it drives like nothing else -- end of story.
We like
-Tight body that makes it feel more composed and able.
-Cabin is impressively quiet.
-Refinement has made huge leap forwards.
-V8 engines sound awesome and deliver plenty in the way of performance.
-Smart six-speed auto on V8 models.
-More progressive feel to accelerator pedal.
-Near 50-50 weight balance makes for confident (and sporty) road manners.
-ESP is standard on every model.
-More progressive and accurate steering.
-Attention to detail.
-Real metal used on door handles and dash strips of some luxury models.
-Quality action to things like the windscreen wipers.
-New easy-grab exterior door handles.
-The boot finally has hinges that don’t invade boot space.
-Visual differentiation between base/luxury/sports models.
-Improved shift action to six-speed manual on V8s.
-Price rises have been kept to a minimum.
-It’s the most complete-feeling Australian-made car to date.
We don't like
-Massive A-pillars obscure vision through corners.
-Four-speed auto is still not up to 2006 standards.
-You have to pay extra (albeit not much) for a full-size spare tyre. As someone pointed out, “that’s un-Australian”.
-Curtain airbags are still optional on base vehicles.
-Air-conditioning still listed as an option on base cars.
-Not enough mechanical differentiation between Calais/Calais V and SV6/SS/SS V.
-SV6 doesn’t drive as good as it looks.
-Heavier bodies take their toll on V6 performance.
-Lighter steering not for everyone.
-Carryover indicator stalks are an unwanted reminder of VZ.
-Shiny plastics looks cheap in places, particularly on the SV6.
-Plastic fit on early production cars could be improved, especially the plastic strips on the inside of the windscreen.
-The obscure name game that’s seen things like Berlina replace Acclaim, SS replace SV8 and Calais replace Berlina.
-Split-fold rear seat is not available.
-Rear wing on sports models hinders rear vision.
Excellent!
HSV details out around the 21st.
Last edited by crYnOid; Aug 2, 2006 at 03:52 AM. Reason: Adding more reviews, added select quotes too!
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,802
From: Annapolis MD
Re: First Zeta driving impressions
Good review!
I like the refinement, 50/50, acurate steering, and stiff body. I wonder why the 60/40 isnt offered. Lighter steering make me think numb. I hope thats not the case when Camaro comes. I like it
I like the refinement, 50/50, acurate steering, and stiff body. I wonder why the 60/40 isnt offered. Lighter steering make me think numb. I hope thats not the case when Camaro comes. I like it
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
Re: First Zeta driving impressions
Originally Posted by Zigroid
thats kind of expensive. even more than the GTO.
The 550i is $162400.
So they probably won't be as expensive if something like them is sold here.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,123
From: Melbourne, Australia
Re: First Zeta driving impressions
Perhaps one of the more impressive aspects of VE pertains to its 'perceived quality'. Holden MD, Denny Mooney, literally junked million$ of dollar$ worth of existing VE manufacturing equipment and introduced new machines to get panel gaps down to a benchmark 3mm. So intent was Mooney on making sure VE was built to the quality mandate that the man, himself, was hands-on during the VE testing phase.
Holden is aiming very high with VE.
Holden is aiming very high with VE.
Last edited by SSbaby; Aug 3, 2006 at 06:56 AM.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
Re: First Zeta driving impressions
Originally Posted by SSbaby
Perhaps one of the more impressive aspects of VE pertains to its 'perceived quality'. Holden MD, Denny Mooney, literally junked million$ of dollar$ worth of existing VE manufacturing equipment and introduced new machines to get panel gaps down to a benchmark 3mm. So intent was Mooney on making sure VE was built to the quality mandate that the man, himself, was hands-on during the VE testing phase.
Holden is aiming very high with VE.
Holden is aiming very high with VE.
