Holden: Muscular beast packs a punch plus a big thirst

Despite clever displacement-on-demand technology, the SS-V is still a thirsty machine. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

What it is
Holden's most muscular Commodore, this SS-V is the Redline Edition which gets a few embellishments - 19-inch polished alloy wheels, Brembo brakes up front, and sports performance suspension.

The 6.0-litre V8 comes with cylinder-cutting technology to keep thirst down and will run on plain petrol or an eco-friendly biofuel mix of up to 85 per cent ethanol. Biofuel delivers a higher octane than petrol, but this 260kW/517Nm engine's powerful enough not to need the extra boost. Otherwise, the $74,490 Commodore SS-V Redline Edition comes with six airbags, ABS and stability control for a five-star crash test rating; plus rear park assist and Holden iQ - with touch-screen access to many standard cabin functions plus integrated satnav, Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity.

We like
The cylinder cutting tech works seamlessly; you can't tell if four or eight pistons are in play unless you look at the instrument info screen. So you've got that V8 punch when you want it - and fuel-frugal cruising when you don't. We rather like the satnav's retro vibe too which suits this muscular sedan's character.

We loathe
Despite the clever cylinders, the SS-V's still thirsty - returning a 13.2l/100km average during our test; acceptable for a V8, but not so good if it claims eco-credentials.