[BraveArc]

"It's a car that's built for performance and endurance, embodying the spirit of Australian racing." - Craig Lowndes

[BraveArc]

Introduction:
I was always car crazy. From my earliest memory, cars have been a constant. I only bought car toys and models, 80% of my video games involve automobiles in some form. And in 2013, I found my niche and my infatuation with V8’s started. The Chennai BMW dealership had a matte black E92 BMW M3 and I got to test drive it. Just fell in love with the sound and feel of the car. A few weeks later, I moved to Kuwait to start working. In 2017, While driving back from work, I for some random reason stopped at a used car dealership which just had Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs and checked out the cars. The staff didn’t even bother to come to me thinking I was just having a look. The prices were not as high and out of reach as I expected. So, a few weeks later I bought my first car, A 2013 Ford Mustang with 5.0 V8. I did not want to just have a Mustang, it had to be the real deal and that Coyote V8 was it. It was an automatic and I enjoyed it for a few months. Sadly, in Kuwait the Mustang has a notorious reputation with university kids and police keep pulling over Mustangs for the fun of it. I ended up selling the car seven months after buying it. It was short-lived, so within a few weeks I was searching for a sports car again. I didn’t want anything to do with muscle cars because of the police so I went more upmarket and turned to Europe. Tested a 2013 Audi S5. It was quick and nippy but I didn’t have a smile. Something was missing. I looked for E92 M3s but they weren’t affordable which is when I saw a Jaguar XK and a XK-R. Test drove the XK as it was in budget and because of its V8 soundtrack, was instantly in love. So on valentines day, 2018 I got the Jaguar XK. Owned it for 3 years, took it the track twice, and not once did it give me any issues. I don’t know why people say Jags are unreliable. I used mine well and it was my happy place. Only reason I sold that was the car was standing too long in COVID lockdowns and rats had bitten too many things and my “Jaguar Specialist” mechanic fleeced me off a good chunk of money and never sorted out any issues. The trust was gone and decided to let it go for peace of mind. I then turned my focus to doing a MBA outside of Kuwait to improve my long term career prospects. With things like the GMAT and university applications going on, the office car was more than enough. Close to two years later I left Kuwait and moved down under to Australia to do my MBA.

Need:
From when I started driving in August 2009 till May 2022, I had always had a car to drive around in. When I got to Australia, I didn’t have that and needed to get used to public transport. For all the talk about being a developed country, public transport especially buses are often late or worse early and as a result gone before you reach the stop. About a month into living here a friend was travelling and lent me their car for six weeks. It was an old 2000 Toyota Echo hatch. But it did the job of taking me from A to B. When the friend returned and took their car I realized how badly I needed a car here. I actually became very irritable as a person and the wife was none too pleased with how I was. So we started searching and our budget allowed for quite a few new cars.

Search:
We set a budget of around A$40,000 and quickly realized there are quite a lot of options, both used and new but there was a caveat. The Australian car market at that time (September 2022) was quite weird. New cars were not readily available unless you wanted something that was essentially a flop and used cars were going for prices insanely higher than what they were pre-COVID. We decided to have a look around and some of the options considered were:

Any Toyota
I figured the easiest car to sell when I want to upgrade would be a Toyota and so we went to the dealership and almost every model in the budget had a 1-2 year waiting period. The guy took to the used car section and nothing was in budget and some of the almost new cars were selling for over the actual new car price as they were immediately available. So ended up walking away.

An almost new Corolla Cross in the Toyota used dealership priced a couple of thousand dollars over the retail price


Peugeot 308
For about six months in Kuwait, my office had given me a Peugeot 3008, and it was a nice car to drive around in so thought of having a look. Checked out the all new 308 and as expected they did have stock. Tested out the car and it was really nice but I knew selling it would be a pain and I’d just have to lose a lot of money if I did. So decided to keep looking.

A very sharp looking car no doubt


And even more sharper interiors.


Suzuki Swift Sport
This was one I really did consider getting, it was fun to drive and there was stock arriving with an approx. delivery time of 1 month. Didn’t mind that, just had to put a refundable $500 deposit to guarantee myself a car. Put down a deposit after test driving one just to be safe.

Looks good, drives good, what’s not to love


Since I had to wait a month or so, I then decided to have a proper look at the used car market.
Lots of options available, had a look at the Europeans. The wife liked all of them which wasn’t surprising. She wanted us to get either an Audi A4 or a Mercedes C-class as they were fancy and nice interiors. I too was seriously considering it, albeit a bit different in the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Probably one of the all-time best looking cars in that category.
But after test driving a few of them, I knew I’d want to sell and upgrade not too far in the future. I also checked out a 1997 Lancer Evo 4 which I knew would result in getting kicked out of the house.

Just maybe worth being homeless.


So, I decided to look at a few more which may be different but safe. Initially thought about the Mustang again, there were plenty of them in and around that price range and no police worries here. But it would only make sense as a second car, needed something with four doors and a big boot. That’s when I thought about the Holden Commodore. It had a brilliant V8 and a lot of space. Looked at a few in the classifieds and was getting excited. I then remembered many years ago driving a friend’s E92 M3 manual and how great it was. Complete and precise control, it was a unicorn. So I decided to have a look at manual V8 Commodores as well. I knew Holden had shut down but it had an insanely strong following here being the last of the locally manufactured marquees. Tested a couple of them and had a big smile after I did. Even the wife was surprised at how much I was smilling and also annoyed I didn’t smile this way at other times.

A Manual VE commodore Series-II. Previous owner put a chevy badge as they were sold in the Middle-East as the Chevrolet Lumina SS. It had around 85,000km and the dealership was asking A$38,888.


This was the second one I saw. Private seller. Definitely in his early 20’s. Had tuned the engine to put out 390hp and had a really nice exhaust put in. I could hear it when he entered the street. He was asking A$40,000


Buying:
In my budget and only looking for cars that had done less than 90,000km I saw models between 2011 and 2014. This was essentially two different generations of Commodores. The VE series 2(meaning facelift) or VF series 1, which was the last generation pre-facelift. Both were mechanically identical but big difference in the styling inside and out. Saw three different cars and finally settled on a black one from a guy who used to be the head of service at a Holden dealership. I knew I wouldn’t be able to find a better cared for car. It was definitely a strong gut feeling that I did not get with the other two cars. I did a VIN check anyway to see if any accident history, absolutely nothing.

Delivery:
We negotiated the price and settled at A$37,500. surprisingly found that the car was bought on a 10 year finance. Transferred the remainder of the loan to the bank and the balance amount to him. He signed the transfer paper and then asked if he could go for one last round before I drove off and the way his face looked, there was no way I could say no. We went for a small round and then I drove the car from his house and parked it in our apartment. This is it:-

Parked for the first time in my garage spot


By the time I got home it was around 7:30pm so the next day I had to go to their version of a RTO called ‘Service NSW’ to transfer the car to my name which unsurprisingly involves a fee that is 3% of the purchase price.

[BraveArc]

Love the powerful stance. Holden raised the rear slightly more than the front.


Number of km when writing this review:
The car has done a little more than 92,250km so far. When I took delivery, it had done exactly 84,500km. So, basically been averaging 4,000km a year.

The Commodore:

Butch front. A very well put together car, GM should take a few lessons at-least from the Aussie’s on this.


Very clean back. Rather walk than talk sort of a feel.


Exterior styling & design

Even though it is 10 years old, the VF Commodore does not look dated. It boasts an aggressive design that features a muscular front end with a distinctive grille and prominent air intakes. The SS variant comes with a more sporty body kit, including a rear lip spoiler, side skirts, and quad exhausts, which adds to the whole visual appeal. These things apparently helped with aerodynamic performance but the previous owner put in a tow bar so not sure how much of that has been undone.

The car comes equipped with LED daytime running lights and projector headlights making it look good but the fact that they came with basic halogen bulbs irks me. Even for 2014, that is a bit dated. I do plan on changing the low beam to xenon’s some day. The rear of the car is nice and butch. The quad exhausts adds to the whole look, the V6’s have single outlets’ on either side and it just makes it look shallow for some reason. In terms of badges, just the Holden and ‘SS’ badges because everyone here know exactly what model the car is.

Overall Build Quality, Fit & Finish, Paint Quality and Panel Gaps

The VF Commodore showcases high-quality construction with good attention to detail. The factory workers knew this would be last Australian built car and gave it their all. The build quality is impressive, with tight panel gaps and a premium feel to the paint finish. Holden has clearly invested in ensuring that the VF feels solid and well-built. However, While the doors are substantial, they feel slightly lighter and do not have the same vault-like 'thud' as the European cars.

Wheels & Tyres

I do love the wheels on the car. It is fitted with the optional 20-inch alloys which look really sleek. Plus, the whole black on black look makes the chrome bits on the car really stand out. The tyres, typically 255/35 R20 in size, provide excellent grip and contribute to the car's dynamic performance but the V8 can still cause quite a bit of wheel spin and rear-end slide under hard acceleration, until the traction control kicks in.

One disappointment is that, the car does not come with a full size spare and rather comes with the non-option 18” wheel but at least it’s not a space saver so long drives aren’t much of a worry.

Visibility & Size of Mirrors

Frontal and lateral visibility is generally good, with large windows and a well-designed seating position. The A-pillars on the other hand are quite thick, maybe not Ford EcoSport level of bad but they do create blind spots.
Rearward visibility is pretty decent even with the high boot lid and rear design. The ORVMs are small but adequate and provide a good view of the rear, assisting with lane changes but do not have auto-tilt when in reverse and there is a lot of kerb side parking in Sydney. I end up manually tilting the left mirror when parking and this is a big big miss in my opinion. It also has blind-spot monitoring but I'm so used to not having it, I hardly ever pay attention to it.

Safety & Related Equipment

The car excels in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features that make it one of the safest cars in its segment. The car is equipped with seven airbags for both front and rear passengers. The usual six and the seventh being for the drivers knees. It also comes with ESC, EBD, Traction Control(very necessary) and ABS.

The headlamp cluster


The LED DRLs are at the bottom and manage to shine through even on the brightest of days

Scuff mark shows the problems of having a low car. (By the previous owner )

The DRL turns off when the parking light is turned on


All the lights turned on. Disappointing to not have Xenon at-least for the low beam.


Note the sensors, there are six in the front and four at the back


Small ORVMs but not really a problem. Also a vent which is purely for show. The indicators are integrated into the vent which has been a Commodore thing since 2005.


10 spoke 20" rims. They come from the HSV division which is Holden's performance brand. The discs look small as a result. When the time comes to change, might get some drilled discs.


Guessing the tyres are very expensive, the previous owner has put some unheard of brand.

They do have plenty of life left in them


Two washer units with six jet sprays in total


Basic door handle with provision for manual open only on the driver's door. No keyless entry, need to use the remote key fob.


Radio antenna, would've preferred a sharkfin but can't be bothered to upgrade.


Keeping with the muscular look, the side skirt comes out in the front and starts to taper in progressively to the back


Tail-lamps are all regular bulbs


Lip spoiler adds to the look. Car would look weird without it.



Reverse camera neatly placed


Engine is protected by this plate. Can notice the scraping that has happened over the years


The tow bar put by the previous owner


The rear end


MacPherson strut suspension system in the front


So well proportioned

[BraveArc]

50 shades of grey in the interior


Interior

The interior is quite neat and simple. Very reminiscent of cars from that time (God I feel old, 2014 feels like yesterday), with a large touchscreen infotainment system at the center and controls that are intuitively placed, with a mix of physical buttons and knobs for ease of use. The touchscreen comes with the GM’s MyLink infotainment system, which includes satellite navigation, DVD player and bluetooth connectivity with complete phone integration so music and telephone connectivity. Most of the time, I use the physical controls as my go to; it’s only when I am using the GPS and typing in the address, that I use the touch screen.

MID

The instrument cluster is quite interesting, the tachometer and speedometer are analog of course, and there is a multi-information display (MID) in-between which can show a whole heap of information. Some of which I cannot understand to this day. From basic km driven, time in the car, etc to GPS directions, fuel consumed to some random graphs. I’ve put the different things in the photos below. So if anyone can shed some light please do.

Storage

The center console has a couple of storage spaces, one in front of the gear lever where I can keep my wallet and phones, one right behind the gear lever where I usually put my mints and house keys. It has two cupholders but the positioning is very bad for a manual car as if I have any medium or large sized drink I have to be uncomfortable changing gears. Probably apt for the automatic variants. There is a large storage box in the middle with coin holders and a USB-A port.

Trim

There’s a lot going on in terms of materials and looks, the top is your typical dark grey plastic and the area either side of the screen is in Kevlar which also has the ‘Storm’ designation as the car is from a special limited production series called……. Well no other way to put it ‘Storm’ Edition. No clue what the differences to a normal version are. Immediately below that is a "carbon fibre" strip (probably plastic) with a thin chrome line on top, which adds a sporty touch to the interior. Followed by some more dark grey plastic including the glove box.

Seating

The seats are very comfortable both in the front and back making it very comfortable for long drives. Both front seats are a mix of manual and powered, so moving it back and front is the manual lever at the bottom whereas tilting the backrest and raising and lowering are powered. All the seats are a mix of black leather and dark grey suede (Probably hoping for Alcantara is a bit too much) and provide good support as well during spirited driving. The rear leg room is good enough for anyone who’s 6’ tall with decent under thigh support.

Steering is thick and nice to hold


Steering mounted controls. Cruise controls on the left. Audio and telephone on the right.


Instrument cluster. Both needles go to max and back during startup.


Control stalks. Typical RHD arrangement, wipers on the left and indicators on the right. The MID can be controlled from the right.


Headlamp knob. They are in automatic by default and have to be twisted to go manual.


Aluminum foot pedals give a sporty look. Have a dead pedal as well, positioned in a way that operating the clutch and resting is easy.


Very basic but does a good job of making me smile. Made of Aluminum and has gotten worn over the decade of use. Will replace it with a fresh piece next service.


To the left of the gear knob are the buttons for the sensors and traction control


To the right is the handbrake knob. The car has nice autohold function that holds the car even if I remove my leg from the brake; very helpful on slopes which Sydney has plenty of.


8 inch touchscreen. Most things can be controlled by the buttons and knobs but GPS requires using the touchscreen to type in details


Dual-zone climate control does a good job of cooling the cabin. temperature setting is neatly integrated into the knobs. DVD player sits right in between the A/C controls and hazard lamp button.


Kevlar panel and 'Storm' edition embroidered nicely onto the panel on the passenger side


Storage space in front of the gear lever. Nice blue ambient lighting.


Cup holders and a small storage space in front of them. If any bottles are placed in the cup holder, it is inconvenient to drive.


Comparison when having a bottle and not having a bottle


Doorpad also has different materials. Soft leather to rest my arm. Bottle holder capable of holding a 1 litre bottle. Button to open the trunk is there as well.


All power windows get auto up / down functionality.


All are well lit and little bit of ambient lighting as well


Seats are a mix of leather, suede and kevlar. Very comfy and provide enough support when taking a turn faster than I should.


Controls are a mix of manual and powered


Armrest that opens to a deep storage bucket. Has a charging port as well as the USB for the screen and AUX input


Deep glovebox with felt lining. Well lit


Driver & passenger sunvisors are identical. Very basic and feels cheap.


Front cabin light and sunglasses holder. Two bluetooth mics cover both sides of the cabin.


Inside of sunglasses holder is felt lined to prevent scratching the sunglasses


Outdated IRVM. Should've come with an auto-dimming one. Clear case of GM cost cutting


ORVM does a good job


Blind spot indicator which I never pay attention to


A-pillar is thick but not EcoSport thick

[BraveArc]

Practical interiors


Simple keys


Audio System & Sound Quality

My car comes equipped with a 9-speaker audio system tuned by Blaupunkt, which includes a subwoofer mounted in the rear. The audio quality is good but is no comparison to JLR’s Meridian systems which I deem as the gold standard for ICE.

For music input, it has AUX, Bluetooth, CD/DVD, and USB. Also has video playback so can watch movies on DVD though I doubt I'll ever use that feature.

The home screen. Can see clearly even under the sun.


The second page


The reverse camera. I've turned off the grid lines. Haven't shown it here but a red exclamation mark comes up on the left/right side if something/someone is approaching


Sadly, unlike some Europeans it is either/or between camera and sensor


Music through Bluetooth is seamless. For some reason some tracks get album cover and some don't. I use Spotify.


Tone adjustment


GPS, also bright under the sun


GPS menu


Can be set to 50/50 with music but I don't use it that way


Phone dialer


The MID displays a lot of information. It's controlled through the right stalk.


Fuel economy related but not sure what I'm seeing here

[BraveArc]

Rear space & comfort

The VF Commodore offers ample head & legroom for rear passengers. It can comfortably accommodate taller adults, making it a suitable choice for longer journeys. The cabin is wide enough to comfortably fit two adults in the rear seat. The rear seats are well-cushioned and offer a comfortable seating position. The angle of the seatback provides good support for the lower back, which is comfortable during longer journeys. Rear passengers have central A/C vents, cup holders, and storage pockets with bottle holders.

The middle seat, while slightly less comfortable due to the presence of a transmission tunnel, is still usable for short to medium-length trips.

Air-conditioner cooling & effectiveness

'Very strong' would be the right term for this A/C. During winter it heats very quick and in summers it cools faster. Then again summer here is 35-40 degrees so Indian conditions are hotter. Maybe someday it can be tested in those conditions. It has dual zone climate control that can be synced/un-synced depending on preferences. The automatic climate control system adjusts the fan speed and air distribution based on the cabin temperature, maintaining a consistent and comfortable environment.
Albeit for the life of me I always control it manually. In literally every car I drive. If there was an option, I think I'd just go for the manual knobs.

Interior storage, practicality & boot space

The VF Commodore features ample storage space. The center console includes cup holders and a small tray for holding coins or other small objects and a some more space to keep my wallet and phone for quick access. All four doors have sizeable pockets that can hold bottles and other items. The glovebox and center console box under the arm rest are of a decent size, providing enough space for essential documents and other small items but no provision for cooling in either of them. The back of the front seats includes pockets as well.

The boot is a good 495 liters in size. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split configuration, increasing the size of the cargo space. There is a spare wheel under the floor so complete access to the boot space.

Rear doorpad has a storage pocket, and a bottle holder for large bottles. The area where you'd rest your arm is clad in soft leather. Rear speakers are mounted on the door


Front seat is in my driving position which is a very relaxed one. I think I am one click away from completely back. Good amount of legroom even in that setting.


Another example of the legroom. Me sitting at the back. I'm 6' tall.


Comfy rear seats


Had my friend who is of average Indian adult size sit in the back seat


Rear A/C vents and cup holders. They go into the seat when not in use.


Rear lamp


No clue when or how they got in. Australia things.


Three handles with coat hangers.


Boot has a good 495 liters of capacity & a practical layout.


On the right is a side compartment and on the left is the cover behind which is the battery and fuse box.


The battery compartment. Will be sticking to Bosch when the time comes to change.


Fuse box right above the battery


Just some bags in the boot. The empty bottles are for recycling.


Hooks on either side to hold shopping bags


The spare wheel is the 18" non-option alloy


Handle to easily close the boot

[BraveArc]

Endangered species


Performance

The 2014 SS is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces 362 horses (@ 5,700 rpm) and 530 Nm of torque (4,400 rpm) which shows itself instantly even when the accelerator pedal is feathered, which makes overtaking effortless. It is an updated version of GM’s LS2 called the L77. If the accelerator pedal is floored, the acceleration will push me into the seat. Holden says the SS can do the 0 - 100 run in 5 seconds. As I climb the rev counter, the engine sounds pretty good but I feel like changing the exhaust someday so as to enjoy it properly. The previous owner had changed the mufflers to make it slightly louder but it is still quiet when compared to the white car I test drove.

The engine is competent in crowded city traffic. Driving on roads where the speed limit is 40 kph sees the rev needle at merely 1,000 to 1,200 rpm and almost always in second gear. I must add, on empty roads in the city, I have to consciously make an effort to keep it at slow & safe speeds as the place is riddled with cameras and fines are crazy (10kph over the limit is around ₹8,000)

On the highways, it does come alive. The 6-speed gearbox lends the car with relaxed cruisability. 110 kph(Max limit in NSW) is seen at only 1,800-1,900 rpm in 6th gear and if I do want to get a bit naughty, going up 50-60ks happens in the blink of an eye.

Transmission

The 6-speed manual transmission in the Commodore SS is good to use and the gear lever has a satisfying mechanical feel but it clearly is not meant for noobs. Gear shifts are firm and precise, making the driving experience engaging. The clutch is on the heavier side and provides instantaneous feedback, if not paying attention will stall the engine. The ratios are well-matched to the engine's power band, which helps keep the engine in its sweet spot allowing for strong acceleration in every gear. But in city, I don’t need any of that power so I am mostly working the clutch in second gear and if I spend a lot of time driving in traffic, I end up getting tired.

Overall, the manual transmission enhances the driving experience, providing a direct connection between the car and me.

Fuel Efficiency

Getting a V8 and thinking fuel efficiency is probably a mistake in on itself. In city driving, I get around 5-6 km/l, while on the highway, it can deliver about 9-11 km/l. You now know why these big cars are getting 6-speed gearboxes. They need the super tall 6th ratio to deliver fuel efficiency that doesn't shock you. With a 5-speed gearbox, highway fuel economy would also be in the single digits. Fuel isn’t cheap in Sydney, I only fill 98-Octane and that usually hovers between A$2.1 to 2.5(₹110 to 135) per liter. The fuel economy may not be great, but it is a price I am willing to pay for the performance and driving pleasure the Commodore SS offers. The fuel tank has a capacity of 71 liters, providing a decent range for long drives.

Suspension & Ride Quality

The car offers a well-balanced ride and handling package. The suspension is tuned to feel firm but does offer a comfortable ride, even on rough roads. For a so called “developed” country, roads are deplorable but the suspension absorbs mostbumps well, providing a somewhat smooth ride in the city. On the highway, as the speed increases, the ride remains compliant, and composed, even on undulating roads.

Handling & On-Road Behaviour

The grip levels of the Commodore SS are impressive, thanks to its chassis and wide tyres. On twisty roads, the car handles with confidence. The rear-wheel-drive setup adds to the driving enjoyment, allowing me to power out of corners with ease. The car is not as nimble as smaller cars, but it handles well for its size and weight.

Steering
The electric power steering in the car is well-tuned. It provides decent feedback and feels connected to the road. While it may not be as natural as a hydraulic setup, it is sharp and direct. In the city, at low speeds the steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. And, it weighs up nicely at higher speeds, providing a sense of stability.

Turning Radius

The turning radius is larger than some other sedans that I’ve driven (F10 523i and W203 C180) so in tight spaces, I always need to execute a three-point U-turn. However, in a state where U-turns are illegal, it's a small compromise for the performance and handling capabilities the car offers.

Ground Clearance

The car has a ground clearance of 110 mm. This is adequate for most driving conditions in Sydney, but I’m still cautious over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces. Unlike some German cars, the Commodore SS does have a lower stance which contributes to its sporty look. However, the ground clearance means that if I reach a sharp incline or decline then I am going to end up scraping the bottom of the front bumper or the middle of the car and that sound is always gut wrenching.

Any Niggles, Problems, or Part Replacements

My car has been trouble-free for the almost two years that I’ve owned it. I have had no issues requiring any work, and the car has performed flawlessly. I did notice the cooling had dropped slightly back in March-April of this year, so will need to refill the gas at some point before summer.

Quality of After-Sales Service

Holden's service network in Sydney has been commendable. Even though the brand shut down completely in 2020, GM has continued to operate the service centers. Also, there are plenty of third-party service centers which specialize in Holden Commodores and that helps as well.

Cost of Upkeep & Maintenance

Maintenance costs for the Commodore SS can be on the higher side, but this is expected for a performance sedan. I did a general service at the 90,000km mark and that cost me close to A$500(₹27,000)

Towing specifications. Never going to be used by me


Love


Completely covered underneath


Oil cap details the right oil so no mistakes


Hydraulic strut holds the bonnet


Bonnet insulation sheet


Other Notes:

• Recently did a minor aesthetic mod to the car. It's the last photo of the review.

• As I started working in May 2023, my driving in the city started to increase. As mentioned before, not the most comfortable of vehicles to be driving in heavy traffic situations. So I decided to get a second beater car and ended up buying a 2010 Suzuki Alto Automatic (Maruti A-Star). Not gonna lie, driving that made a world of difference. It was a definite quality of life improvement and as a result I enjoy the Commodore even more now. It’s essentially become my weekend car. And the jump from 1 litre 3 cylinder to 6 litre V8 is VERY noticeable.

• Is it as good as I hoped it would be? Yes and no. The commodore sounds great and goes great but the E92 M3 manual I drove all those years ago is simply a unicorn. The commodore gives a powerful feeling and can put up a fight to most performance cars on public roads. But, again the M3 was the most fun thing I've ever driven.

• Long term, when I return home, I am hoping to be able to bring the Commodore with me. It has a timeless look to it and until there is petrol to be bought from petrol stations, I'd like to be able to drive a V8.

The daily driver (Note the change of badges . Got them from Amazon)

Sold it end of last month. Replacing it with the all new KIA Picanto.

Just some stripes

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

Brilliant review of an absolutely wonderful car. Big Holden fan here. Richards, Skaife, Lowndes...those in the know, will smile hearing these names. Sad to see Holden go away some years ago. The world of automobiles is a poorer place.

[rkv_2401]

I used to see a car like this in Alexandria. It's interesting to know that this is what it looks like when stock - I always thought that that car was heavily modified. It did have a bigger rear spoiler, IIRC.

And yes, I could always hear it when the owner entered the street.

[V.Max]

Originally Posted by BraveArc

Endangered species
The 2014 SS is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces 362 horses (@ 5,700 rpm) and 530 Nm of torque (4,400 rpm) which shows itself instantly even when the accelerator pedal is feathered, which makes overtaking effortless. It is an updated version of GM’s LS2 called the L77. If the accelerator pedal is floored, the acceleration will push me into the seat. Holden says the SS can do the 0 - 100 run in 5 seconds.

Dude your ride looks absolute badass !!! I'm not going to Straya anytime soon.
BUT should I settle down there, I'd get myself the Holden Senator Signature! Its got a road shattering 6.2 litre Supercharged LSA engine with 550 hp and 691 Nm of torque ! And it looks ravishing as hell!

For me the Holdens of Australia are like the Maseratis of Europe! There's a lot of show and a lot of GO!!

[Aditya]

Exceptional, unbiased & detailed ownership reviews of cars have started going to our homepage reviews box. It's the ultimate stamp of trust from Team-BHP (as a platform) because lakhs of visitors every month check out reviews from there & make purchase decisions.

Your review has also gone here. Thank you so much for sharing .

[dragracer567]

Used to be sold as the Chevy Lumina in the Gulf up to the 4th gen (the fifth gen didn’t make it), this car was a fan favourite, the only RWD fun-to-drive car in its segment! It regularly outsold the more expensive Dodge Charger back in the day.

It was the last popular sedan sold by Chevy in the GCC after which the only American presence in the segment had been Ford (which has also wrapped up its sedan portfolio since) and Dodge-Chrysler (about to wrap up). It’s the end of an era!

[lillios]

Bring it to Chennai soon, we have cars and coffee to attend

Originally Posted by BraveArc

Endangered species
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Performance

The 2014 SS is powered by a 6.0-liter V8 engine that produces 362 horses (@ 5,700 rpm) and 530 Nm of torque (4,400 rpm) which shows itself instantly even when the accelerator pedal is feathered, which makes overtaking effortless. It is an updated version of GM’s LS2 called the L77. If the accelerator pedal is floored, the acceleration will push me into the seat. Holden says the SS can do the 0 - 100 run in 5 seconds. As I climb the rev counter, the engine sounds pretty good but I feel like changing the exhaust someday so as to enjoy it properly. The previous owner had changed the mufflers to make it slightly louder but it is still quiet when compared to the white car I test drove.

The engine is competent in crowded city traffic. Driving on roads where the speed limit is 40 kph sees the rev needle at merely 1,000 to 1,200 rpm and almost always in second gear. I must add, on empty roads in the city, I have to consciously make an effort to keep it at slow & safe speeds as the place is riddled with cameras and fines are crazy (10kph over the limit is around ₹8,000)

On the highways, it does come alive. The 6-speed gearbox lends the car with relaxed cruisability. 110 kph(Max limit in NSW) is seen at only 1,800-1,900 rpm in 6th gear and if I do want to get a bit naughty, going up 50-60ks happens in the blink of an eye.

Transmission

The 6-speed manual transmission in the Commodore SS is good to use and the gear lever has a satisfying mechanical feel but it clearly is not meant for noobs. Gear shifts are firm and precise, making the driving experience engaging. The clutch is on the heavier side and provides instantaneous feedback, if not paying attention will stall the engine. The ratios are well-matched to the engine's power band, which helps keep the engine in its sweet spot allowing for strong acceleration in every gear. But in city, I don’t need any of that power so I am mostly working the clutch in second gear and if I spend a lot of time driving in traffic, I end up getting tired.

Overall, the manual transmission enhances the driving experience, providing a direct connection between the car and me.

Fuel Efficiency

Getting a V8 and thinking fuel efficiency is probably a mistake in on itself. In city driving, I get around 5-6 km/l, while on the highway, it can deliver about 9-11 km/l. You now know why these big cars are getting 6-speed gearboxes. They need the super tall 6th ratio to deliver fuel efficiency that doesn't shock you. With a 5-speed gearbox, highway fuel economy would also be in the single digits. Fuel isn’t cheap in Sydney, I only fill 98-Octane and that usually hovers between A$2.1 to 2.5(₹110 to 135) per liter. The fuel economy may not be great, but it is a price I am willing to pay for the performance and driving pleasure the Commodore SS offers. The fuel tank has a capacity of 71 liters, providing a decent range for long drives.

Suspension & Ride Quality

The car offers a well-balanced ride and handling package. The suspension is tuned to feel firm but does offer a comfortable ride, even on rough roads. For a so called “developed” country, roads are deplorable but the suspension absorbs mostbumps well, providing a somewhat smooth ride in the city. On the highway, as the speed increases, the ride remains compliant, and composed, even on undulating roads.

Handling & On-Road Behaviour

The grip levels of the Commodore SS are impressive, thanks to its chassis and wide tyres. On twisty roads, the car handles with confidence. The rear-wheel-drive setup adds to the driving enjoyment, allowing me to power out of corners with ease. The car is not as nimble as smaller cars, but it handles well for its size and weight.

Steering
The electric power steering in the car is well-tuned. It provides decent feedback and feels connected to the road. While it may not be as natural as a hydraulic setup, it is sharp and direct. In the city, at low speeds the steering is light, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. And, it weighs up nicely at higher speeds, providing a sense of stability.

Turning Radius

The turning radius is larger than some other sedans that I’ve driven (F10 523i and W203 C180) so in tight spaces, I always need to execute a three-point U-turn. However, in a state where U-turns are illegal, it's a small compromise for the performance and handling capabilities the car offers.

Ground Clearance

The car has a ground clearance of 110 mm. This is adequate for most driving conditions in Sydney, but I’m still cautious over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces. Unlike some German cars, the Commodore SS does have a lower stance which contributes to its sporty look. However, the ground clearance means that if I reach a sharp incline or decline then I am going to end up scraping the bottom of the front bumper or the middle of the car and that sound is always gut wrenching.

Any Niggles, Problems, or Part Replacements

My car has been trouble-free for the almost two years that I’ve owned it. I have had no issues requiring any work, and the car has performed flawlessly. I did notice the cooling had dropped slightly back in March-April of this year, so will need to refill the gas at some point before summer.

Quality of After-Sales Service

Holden's service network in Sydney has been commendable. Even though the brand shut down completely in 2020, GM has continued to operate the service centers. Also, there are plenty of third-party service centers which specialize in Holden Commodores and that helps as well.

Cost of Upkeep & Maintenance

Maintenance costs for the Commodore SS can be on the higher side, but this is expected for a performance sedan. I did a general service at the 90,000km mark and that cost me close to A$500(₹27,000)

Towing specifications. Never going to be used by me
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Love
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Completely covered underneath
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Oil cap details the right oil so no mistakes
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Hydraulic strut holds the bonnet
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Bonnet insulation sheet
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Other Notes:

• Recently did a minor aesthetic mod to the car. It's the last photo of the review.

• As I started working in May 2023, my driving in the city started to increase. As mentioned before, not the most comfortable of vehicles to be driving in heavy traffic situations. So I decided to get a second beater car and ended up buying a 2010 Suzuki Alto Automatic (Maruti A-Star). Not gonna lie, driving that made a world of difference. It was a definite quality of life improvement and as a result I enjoy the Commodore even more now. It’s essentially become my weekend car. And the jump from 1 litre 3 cylinder to 6 litre V8 is VERY noticeable.

• Is it as good as I hoped it would be? Yes and no. The commodore sounds great and goes great but the E92 M3 manual I drove all those years ago is simply a unicorn. The commodore gives a powerful feeling and can put up a fight to most performance cars on public roads. But, again the M3 was the most fun thing I've ever driven.

• Long term, when I return home, I am hoping to be able to bring the Commodore with me. It has a timeless look to it and until there is petrol to be bought from petrol stations, I'd like to be able to drive a V8.

The daily driver (Note the change of badges . Got them from Amazon)
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Sold it end of last month. Replacing it with the all new KIA Picanto.

Just some stripes
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