KEY POINTS:
You might like your VE Commodore sexy and subtle, like the Calais four-door, or maybe with wings and things stuck on the outside, like the sporty S-series sedans. But I like my VEs with a tray on the back.
For me - like a lot of the vehicle's buyers, I might add - the appeal of the ute version of the VE has little to with practicality and/or utility.
Sure, it's ostensibly a commercial vehicle, but the ute also happens to be the best-looking, best-handling version of the VE line. Holden is perfectly aware of this, of course, which is why it expends so much energy promoting the ute as a "two-door sports car". That goes double for high-end versions such as the SS-V tested here - it's fashion and feral performance first, honest hard work second. Or perhaps third.
If you really want a ute capable of stomping all over building sites or carting dirty machinery around, get yourself the entry-level VE Omega ute, or better still, the Rodeo, which is definitely your traditional type of commercial "pick-up".
The fact that Holden bothers to have another whole ute/pick-up model line in addition to the VE should tell you something about its attitude towards the VE - which is to say it's not a very practical one.
What makes the ute a more entertaining proposition than the equivalent Commodore sedan? It's nothing to do with the powertrain, which is shared in the same state of tune between the two. Nor is it the weight and/or weight distribution, which is also near enough to identical whether your VE has four doors or two.
The main difference lies in the wheelbase. The ute rides on the (very long) 3009mm platform of the Statesman and Caprice models, but naturally does without the extra kerb weight of those luxury models. The combination of the stability of the long wheelbase - with the leaner attitude and lower suspension of the VE sedans - seems to work wonders, although the SS ute's sports suspension still rides slightly higher than the sedan.
With the six-speed manual-gearbox option, which gives you a direct line to that rorty V8 engine, this is muscle-car magic and no mistake.
The VE ute also carries stuff. It has a lined tray and tie-downs fitted as standard. If you want to know more, buy a copy of Company Vehicle.
Really, I have little interest in the ute as a workhorse.
So let's step inside, where you get the cabin architecture of the SS-V up front and an impressive amount of storage behind the seats.
The previous VU ute was abysmal in this respect. With just 90 litres of internal luggage space, the new VE boasts 240 litres, which is nearly as much as the bootspace in a Suzuki Swift, except that it's all behind the front (sports) seats.
Our SS-V test car is king of the VE hill - at least in terms of the Holden-badged stuff (HSV has its mad Maloo, but that's another story).
For an extra $4500 over the regular SS, the V-series brings larger 19-inch alloys, cabin tweaks such as coloured instruments, and a flash LCD information screen, premium stereo system, alloy pedals and dual-zone climate air conditioning.
Love the looks, love the handling, love the cabin space. But I do have one suggestion for improvement in the interior.
That elegant split shoulderline on the rear wall of the cabin would be an ideal place for a pop-out clothing hanger - perhaps concealed underneath that massive "SS" badge.
It goes without saying that the driver of an SS-V ute is much more likely to be wearing a jacket that requires hanging up, than one that gets crumpled on the floor.
HOLDEN VE UTE SS-V
WE LIKE: Looks cool, goes fast, can even carry stuff.
WE DON'T LIKE: Too long for the city, flimsy looking tie-downs.
THE FACTS
Basic price: $55,490.
Options fitted: None.
Price as tested: $55,490.
Warranty: 3 years/100,000km.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE
Engine: 5967cc petrol V8.
Power: 270kW at 5700rpm.
Torque: 530Nm at 4400rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-drive.
ADR fuel consumption: 14.5 litres per 100km.
SAFETY
Active driver aids: Anti-lock braking with force distribution and brake assist, traction and stability control.
Passive restraints: Front and side airbags, two lap-sash seatbelts.
ANCAP adult occupant crash test rating: Not tested.
VITAL STATISTICS
Wheels and tyres: 18-inch alloy wheels, 245/40 tyres.
Length: 5040mm.
Height: 1480mm.
Width: 1899mm.
Wheelbase: 3009mm.
Fuel tank: 73 litres.
