HSV interiors are becoming boring

[VZSS250]

Congratulations to HSV for delivering a VZ range that is so mechanically unique to the Holden range.

But errrr...what happened to all the great (loud) interiors we were accustomed to seeing...they dont even use the boy racer seats no more!!! For some people, that was the only reason to upgrade your ss, to get the big bolsters on the seats (well maybe not but anyway). Now the seats look like standard SS seats.

I reckon my red hot leather interior in my SS looks just as good, if not, better than anything HSV are offering at the moment. Very plain, very crap, even the steering wheel misses out on the brushed aluminium look of the SS!!!. They use the pedals out of the SS. They cant even design dials that look as good as the SS! FPV interior looks the goods also with that high gloss aluminium in the centre console.

What is going on, have they got some grandad taking care of the interior?

[Danv8]

[QUOTE=VZSS250]Congratulations to HSV for delivering a VZ range that is so mechanically unique to the Holden range.

But errrr...what happened to all the great (loud) interiors we were accustomed to seeing...they dont even use the boy racer seats no more!!! For some people, that was the only reason to upgrade your ss, to get the big bolsters on the seats (well maybe not but anyway). Now the seats look like standard SS seats.

I never really liked "loud" interiors in the HSV range makes them look a tad tacky like the Fairlane G220 interior yuck but thats just my personal opinion.

[Big Wig]

VSSS,

Mate, I've lived with both the colourful VX R8 and the tone down VYII R8. The VY leaves it for dead front a comfort quality perspective. Yep the VX had the Coulstons but the bolsters kept saging and the new seats are less restrictive in the shoulders - plus the faux carbon looks heaps better than silver.

The best inprovement IS the steering wheel - far better feel and removing the brushed silver and using leather is great

Just my 2c
Stu

[Freaky]

I thought they did away with the large bolster type seats as seen in the VY Series 1 because too many big blokes were complaining they didnt fit comfortably in them.

I dont like the new ones from the VY Series 2 onwards.

[Evil LS1]

Truth be known, clubsport seats aren't that good. More a lounge room seat than a performance seat. One of the first things I'd do is rip them out and fit a pair of Sparco Torinos or Recaro SRs, trimmed in a a quality aftermarket leather. They may have done you a favour.

[Frankster_P]

Its good that they r getting less tacky

More in the BMW M mould or AMG please

[VZSS250]

Yeah ok...so the bright colours were tacky buy a senator. Or cant they give us better quality materials, like a dash that does not look so plasticky, more aluminium highlighting, fully detailed door trims...anything that will impress at least as much as them fully bolstered seats. What about equipment levels...a thumping sound system in the clubbie...please.

[Rt!]

for the guys who rip the seats out for aftermarket seats:
what do you guys do about the side airbags? ?? :(

[Evil LS1]

for the guys who rip the seats out for aftermarket seats:

Ah that's a point. I'd be devastated if I couldn't put my beloved Recaros in. I hate airbags. I'm stuck with the world's worst steering wheel and I'd have to put up with lounge chairs. Good excuse to stay with an older car :(

[Sonnymad]

Congratulations to HSV for delivering a VZ range that is so mechanically unique to the Holden range.

But errrr...what happened to all the great (loud) interiors we were accustomed to seeing...they dont even use the boy racer seats no more!!! For some people, that was the only reason to upgrade your ss, to get the big bolsters on the seats (well maybe not but anyway). Now the seats look like standard SS seats.

I reckon my red hot leather interior in my SS looks just as good, if not, better than anything HSV are offering at the moment. Very plain, very crap, even the steering wheel misses out on the brushed aluminium look of the SS!!!. They use the pedals out of the SS. They cant even design dials that look as good as the SS! FPV interior looks the goods also with that high gloss aluminium in the centre console.

What is going on, have they got some grandad taking care of the interior?

I totally agree with you on this,wen i sold my calais and went to the holden dealer and was doing the deal on the vy r8 wen i sat in it ,i thought is this a hsv ? the interiror is disgusting,it actually felt like a excutive all grey & plain,i thought bugger this i aint paying $60000 for a hsv with plain interior,thats wat led me to buy the sv300 it has a hot interior !!

http://www.ls1camaro.net/freehosting/INTERIOR.JPG

[Nobby]

Truth be known, clubsport seats aren't that good. More a lounge room seat than a performance seat. One of the first things I'd do is rip them out and fit a pair of Sparco Torinos or Recaro SRs, trimmed in a a quality aftermarket leather. They may have done you a favour.

Those seats look comfy, but it always struck me as odd to put them in a sports car.

[Cat755]

I would have to agree with Frankster and Big Wig, I like the toned down, up market interior, of the VZ. Had a VX R8, before the current R8, optioned with full leather because I could not stand the red&orangy colour cloth inserts.Had it described to me once as looking like someone opened the door and threw a pizza in :eek: Still I wouldn't disagree if they put the coulston seats back in, they were very supportive, buggers to get out of though and the bolsters did wear easily (had the front seats replaced under warranty for that very reason). Still not complaining about the current seats though. I'm sure that if the boy racer interior was all that was available the wife would have made me get a BMW or Merc :eek: no LS2 :box:
I have no complaints with the sound system,260w,ten speaker with subs,plenty to drown out the sound of the V8 if you want :p
I'm not a grandad either, but for 75 grand it needs a higher end feel and I think HSV have got it spot on.
As far as people being impressed ,I have not had one bad comment about the R8 and am continually wiping the dribble off it from young and old. Nothing to come back to the car and find people looking over it, under it,and in it.
Anyhow I love it, am still grinning and having a lot of fun driving it :D

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

Congratulations to HSV for delivering a VZ range that is so mechanically unique to the Holden range.

But errrr...what happened to all the great (loud) interiors we were accustomed to seeing...they dont even use the boy racer seats no more!!! For some people, that was the only reason to upgrade your ss, to get the big bolsters on the seats (well maybe not but anyway). Now the seats look like standard SS seats.

I reckon my red hot leather interior in my SS looks just as good, if not, better than anything HSV are offering at the moment. Very plain, very crap, even the steering wheel misses out on the brushed aluminium look of the SS!!!. They use the pedals out of the SS. They cant even design dials that look as good as the SS! FPV interior looks the goods also with that high gloss aluminium in the centre console.

What is going on, have they got some grandad taking care of the interior?
I AGREE compleatly hsv r8 interiors are dull and boring since vy 2 all black leather only ,i like leather but not all black ,seat and door insearts should be differant ,the only reason my wife bought a gto was to get yellow and black leather ,other wise she would just have bought a monaro ,my r8 maloo came with all black leather and the dealer changed them to red and black fore me

[RhysB]

[QUOTE=SV300 LS6]I totally agree with you on this,wen i sold my calais and went to the holden dealer and was doing the deal on the vy r8 wen i sat in it ,i thought is this a hsv ? the interiror is disgusting,it actually felt like a excutive all grey & plain,i thought bugger this i aint paying $60000 for a hsv with plain interior,thats wat led me to buy the sv300 it has a hot interior !!
QUOTE]

I couldnt agree more. I actually had a test drive of a VZ Maloo yesterday, and the first thing I noticed when I sat in it, was the poor seats. They looked like they had "built up" bolstering on the sides, but they were extremely soft and unsupportive when you actually slid over and put your butt in them. Very poor in comparison to the support some of the old Coulsens offer. Yes, I felt the interior was a bit drab in compared to some of the VX HSV interiors that were offered, but I like a bright vibrant interior for sure. I guess if you dont like the interior, do what I did, and get the bastard retrimmed in colours you do like. :)

[jason phillips]

The coulston seats are one of the few reasons that I got the R8 instead of the standard clubsport. Love em :D . The drivers side bolster has sagged a little but that is just wear. I would love to get them covered in red and black leather, GTS style. Any one know of some one good for the job in S.A?

[Red CV8 R]

I hated all those wild coloured interiors of the previous HSVs, to Mardi Gras for me. I think HSV have done alot better with the newer interiors.

[Cat755]

Maybe HSV need to go back and revisit the styling of the VT/VX series where you had a choice of fabric and leather colour, thereby satisfying a much greater spread of taste. HSV do spend a lot less time on the cars when they get to Melbourne now, more done by Holden in Adelaide. I say this because the build plate from Holden and then HSV only differed by 10 days, with the VZ, whereas with the VX it was more like 8 weeks. They probably only do the interior and body kits in Melbourne with the mechanics completed next to the GTO Pontiac line in Adelaide. Therefore they should be able to spend more time on the interior to appease most buyers.

[Danv8]

I hated all those wild coloured interiors of the previous HSVs, to Mardi Gras for me. I think HSV have done alot better with the newer interiors.


I agree I'd rather a much sedate interior style and more money spent on the other bits and pieces like handling, brakes, etc etc. Then loud interiors but as it is each to their own.

[elisiX]

http://members.optusnet.com.au/elisix/Monaro3.JPG

Coloured interior looks horn thnx. :D

[Danv8]

http://members.optusnet.com.au/elisix/Monaro3.JPG

Coloured interior looks horn thnx. :D


I like that! the mags looks great.

[dark]

I have come from a VX R8 to the VY11 R8 and I am very pleased with the difference but each to their own that's why we have choices. We are different, not wrong, just different.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

Maybe HSV need to go back and revisit the styling of the VT/VX series where you had a choice of fabric and leather colour, thereby satisfying a much greater spread of taste. HSV do spend a lot less time on the cars when they get to Melbourne now, more done by Holden in Adelaide. I say this because the build plate from Holden and then HSV only differed by 10 days, with the VZ, whereas with the VX it was more like 8 weeks. They probably only do the interior and body kits in Melbourne with the mechanics completed next to the GTO Pontiac line in Adelaide. Therefore they should be able to spend more time on the interior to appease most buyers.
WHEN i ordered my vy1 r8 i wanted red and black leather ,i rang hsv and they said they had droped that option with the vu , and the colson seats were going on vy2, and the cars came from holden with the seats in them now so they did not do aney special interiors aney more . :mad: A full retrim is up to 10k from a custom shop IF YOU CAN FIND some one who wants to do it ,no one up heare :( Iwont be sealing my cars til i find ones with INTERIORS i like, not all black ,or gray or cream ,you should be able to have a choice of coulers the same as the out side ,ALL BLACK CARS AND ALL WHITE UTES.YYUUUKKK

[who_me_?]

I think it was a bit tacky but those who like LOUD may think otherwise.

Certainly not family friendly !!!

http://www.hsvclub.com/member_profiles/chris-gts-r/

[spank]

i agree with hsv senator , the vt / vx range was far to "mardi gras" for me as well , but when i bought my vt clubby 11 i couldnt afford to upgrade to leather like i had in my vt1 gts so i ordered with the blue / grey trim (was the least lairiest of the range). when i bought my vy clubbies i kept one with the standard trim and upgraded one to leather , may be boring to some but i like it , and thats what matters most , each to thier own , but maybe it should be an option if there is a call for it , but i wonder how many people there are that think what hsv should do that actually buy the cars , from my experience most just bag hsv and are content with thier ss and sv8's

[james2]

Ill take boring anytime in a HSV, black leather in my VX R8 LOVERLY :)

[Goggs]

How do you guys with the black leather interior's go for heat in the cab?? My Calais has got the black velour interior and it's as hot as hell inside during summer. I drove a VY11 SS with leather interior as a wedding car and you had to run the AC for about 15min to cool the damn thing down enough to sit in it or grab the steering wheel.

Also CAT755,what part of the Downs are you from?? Somewhere near me maybe??

[RedDevil]

Gday guys

Having just picked up a VZ Maloo i thought i might put my 2 cents in on this interior debate...

I love the look of the new VZ's and the new LS2 is great, the only real worry i had when i was ordering it was the interior which from the brochures i was real worried was going to be dull and boring.

I agree it is really black, but i wud have to say i am impressed with it, it is a classy interior, there is no loud colours(i thought i wud miss but strangly i dont)!

The seats are fine and i reckon a good mix between race car and drive car, just my personal opinion.... now time for another spin hehe

Cheers!

[Chev Lumina SS]

Unfortunately I havent seen any of these colourful interiors in person but from the pics they always looked great, added to me fun aspect the the car, the dull black of the uber German brigade is so boring...

Personally would love a car with yellow, red, blue or even green leather, something to really make a car unique.

Here in SA we are about 1 year behind yout guys in exterior design, only now are we getting the new model( sorry VX, XY, YU havent quite learned this yet ;) ) with the uprgraded 250 kW motor and the side vent behind the front wheel.

[dark]

How do you guys with the black leather interior's go for heat in the cab?? My Calais has got the black velour interior and it's as hot as hell inside during summer. I drove a VY11 SS with leather interior as a wedding car and you had to run the AC for about 15min to cool the damn thing down enough to sit in it or grab the steering wheel.

Also CAT755,what part of the Downs are you from?? Somewhere near me maybe??

Never had a concern, I have an excellent tint on the windows. I think having a leather steering wheel, that is difficult to touch, would effect all coloured cars, but again I have not had a problem, the tint works a charm.

[Cat755]

As intimated by Dark, a good quality tint works wonders. When combined with the excellent climate controlled air conditioning, cabin temp has not been an issue.Of course if left out in the midday sun, in the summer, it can take a few minutes to cool but probably not much worse than other colours apart from maybe white.
Goggs: not from near you, live at Gundy, but have been to Dalby a bit over the last 2 years while my son was at the ag college. You may have seen his ute: blue with a full VX body kit, roll bar, lowered, Malloo 17" wheels and high spots, VS manual.

[GTS_215]

i think the VT-VX interior was awesome. i loved all the colours and the racing seats. the VY II and VZ interior in da HSV's is so boring and the seats dont look and feel as good

[dark]

i think the VT-VX interior was awesome. i loved all the colours and the racing seats. the VY II and VZ interior in da HSV's is so boring and the seats dont look and feel as good

I have owned VT11, VX R8 and now VY11 R8, so I consider that I at least have experienced everything that you have looked at. The VY11 is by far a better feel to drive, allows wives to get in and out of the seats, the VX you get the bad comments from the other half. If you want a car for the track, but a VY11 and get different seats. It handles better, and from standard better performance, excellent brakes and looks the goods. The interior has a simple thing like the drink holders, try a VX, nothing, sunglass holder, try VX, nothing. A much refined dash compared to that plastic looking silver in the VX, that I had. I am not sure whether you looked at one in a showroom or have actually owned one and more importantly driven one, IMHO.

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

I have owned VT11, VX R8 and now VY11 R8, so I consider that I at least have experienced everything that you have looked at. The VY11 is by far a better feel to drive, allows wives to get in and out of the seats, the VX you get the bad comments from the other half. If you want a car for the track, but a VY11 and get different seats. It handles better, and from standard better performance, excellent brakes and looks the goods. The interior has a simple thing like the drink holders, try a VX, nothing, sunglass holder, try VX, nothing. A much refined dash compared to that plastic looking silver in the VX, that I had. I am not sure whether you looked at one in a showroom or have actually owned one and more importantly driven one, IMHO. HOW about a pole on the subject?

[VZSS250]

For those of you who hav said the older interiors were tacky, and that the conservative look of the post VY series 1 cars is far better...

So let me get this...you like your interior conservative ("classy"), but you like the exterior to have a wild bodykit? Some CONSISTENCY is what Im looking for people.

Until now, I thought if you wanted a classy interior you bought a Calais/senator/statesman/caprice.

The Clubbie R8 was once aimed at the boyracer. It seems that now the family man, the one whose wife complains about the coulson seats, is HSV's preferred buyer.

Well this 22 year old is not going to shell out $70k for a HSV unless the interior reflects the exterior of the car.

[smoke]

I think maybe if you want style you would go for a calais/stato.
SS probably, sporty/loud and HSV style AND speed.

[Cat755]

VZSS250: If HSV have got their interior styling so wrong why is it that they are selling record numbers of them. Last year they recorded record sales and 04 is going to be better again. I was told by my local HSV sales rep that if you wanted a Maloo (VZ) delivery would not be till April/May.Maybe because HSV are aiming their sales more at the "family man",as you suggest,is the reason they have not copped any flak from the media as compared to Fords F6.
I myself don't think the R8 was ever aimed at the "boyracer",maybe the Clubby, and in the current power controversy HSV are doing well to keep their nose clean.I see no inconsistency in a car of the R8's capabilities being stylish on the inside while hard edged and in your face on the outside. In fact I love it :p
My wife loved the coulston seats in the VX R8, but her mother(72 years young) did have problems getting out :D

[exwrx]

Well this 22 year old is not going to shell out $70k for a HSV unless the interior reflects the exterior of the car.

That's your dcision as a consumer. HSV does a lot of mrket research and listens to what their target buyers want. This is reflected in their record sales.

If you are in the market for a new HSV (are you?) and you like everything about the car except the interior colours, there is no shortage of quality aftermarket trimmers who can personalise your car's interior for you eg Blackmans in Melbourne. Just a thought.

[Danv8]

Well this 22 year old is not going to shell out $70k for a HSV unless the interior reflects the exterior of the car.[/QUOTE]

Well no one is expecting you to buy one. If you prefer interiors that look like someone tipped a can of paint in it thats your choice. I'd rather the extra money to go into performance, handing, braking and maybe a few odd interior bits and bobs. If HSV wanted a boy racer image I guess they would of had an option to select what style of trim you want.

[dark]

Perhaps HSV has got it wrong?, with record sales, I cannot see them going backwards when their marketing tells otherwise and the proof is in the sales.

[M&Ms]

I was told by my local HSV sales rep that if you wanted a Maloo (VZ) delivery would not be till April/May.

That's because of problems with the traction control system that needs 3 months to sort out

[Danv8]

That's because of problems with the traction control system that needs 3 months to sort out


Bah
traction control pfft I don't even use it on my Calais. :)

[ATOMIC MALOO R8]

That's because of problems with the traction control system that needs 3 months to sort out THERE is a black VZ maloo siting in our local delership right now had a look at it over xmas .??

[crisso]

Guys,

Oldish thread I know, but thought I would raise the question - can anyone recommend an aftermarket leather option?

I bought the VZ Clubby full well knowing the interior would probably require modification. I actually find the seats too broad and I move around too much :(

Sydney location, any experiences would be appreciated.

crisso

[Danv8]

[QUOTE=crisso]Guys,

Oldish thread I know, but thought I would raise the question - can anyone recommend an aftermarket leather option?

I bought the VZ Clubby full well knowing the interior would probably require modification. I actually find the seats too broad and I move around too much :(


I am not sure but if they have side airbags? I don't think they can do much with them if the car is fitted with side airbags. I hope I am wrong about this. But hell I drive a VY Calais and an EL Falcon what the heck do I know about seats. ;)

[HSVMAN]

[QUOTE=crisso]Guys,

Oldish thread I know, but thought I would raise the question - can anyone recommend an aftermarket leather option?

I bought the VZ Clubby full well knowing the interior would probably require modification. I actually find the seats too broad and I move around too much :(
I am not sure but if they have side airbags? I don't think they can do much with them if the car is fitted with side airbags. I hope I am wrong about this. But hell I drive a VY Calais and an EL Falcon what the heck do I know about seats. ;)

In NZ you can go to a "airbag certified" auto upholsterer. Not sure with Aussie as they seem a little strict on mods.
Holden NZ issued a memo to dealers stating they must not have non-factory leather installed in cars with side-airbags - however if the customer goes and does it they have no issue :rolleyes:

A point though....... there are many combinations and colours you can have done to customise your interior. Just remember to be practical and think about resale.

To further add to this thread.... the current interior of HSVs is a result of customer request - the voice of avid HSV owners being heard and adhered to. Majority rules :)

[crisso]

[QUOTE=Danv8]
To further add to this thread.... the current interior of HSVs is a result of customer request - the voice of avid HSV owners being heard and adhered to. Majority rules :)

Thanks HSVMAN, I have read about how customer feedback saw HSV make the seats wider, no good for me though :( I will mod it to suit.

crisso

[lxhatch]

Well this 22 year old is not going to shell out $70k for a HSV unless the interior reflects the exterior of the car.

:eek: hmm..how many 22 y/o have got 70k to spend on a car? - half your bloody luck m8. If you can splash that much around you should able to afford to fit some gawdy coloured racing seats in there.

the ave age for hsv buyers will be a decade or 2 older than that - and your tastes do change over time.

not flaming - just making an observation :)
The ppl who have ridden in my HSV have been very impressed with the "class" of the interior.

[Danv8]

not flaming - just making an observation :)
The ppl who have ridden in my HSV have been very impressed with the "class" of the interior.[/QUOTE]

That was one of the reasons why I didn't buy a HSV is that the interior just looked crud. But this is my personal opinion I like the current HSV interiors and I personally find the seats better not as narrow as they use to be. Each to their own. But as I said earlier on this topic better handling, brakes and more grunt without an interior that looks like a paint mixer went mad and sprayed it with garish colours. But again its a personal opinion. :)

[crisso]

Not sure about others, but the reasoning behind my interior mod would not be for show, but for the fact I am not comfy.

[AndrewCowley]

Who the hell ever bought a HSV for the interior anyway? I reckon they've got it right by toning things down.

[Savannah]

My 2 bob worth....

I just love the interior of the later Clubbies. I agree with Cat, Big Wig etc regarding the toned down understated look yet the outside means business. That's exactly what got me excited about it and still does.

I've owned a red VYS & a black VX SS...I never enjoyed the bright red of the VY interior. To me, the Clubby makes these two look cheap and cruddy (though at the time of owning both of them I thought they were pretty hot :D ).

I think if your wanting attention seeking car with balls one sticks with Holden ie Monaro. If you want to feel like your being spoiled a bit it's the HSV's. The finish is way better too.

I've cleaned slobber off all 3 but especially my Clubby. It's all personal, that's why we love our cars so and have choices.

Cheers Savvy.

[VX11SS]

Having had a VX11SS with red leather and now the R* with black, I personally feel that the SS had a better quality of leather and have heard other people say the same. The HSVs leather seems to scratch and tear incredibly easily where as my SS was not marked after 3 years and looked new.
I also disagree with comments on the HSVs being finished better, yes over an 02 SS they have better switches dash etc but compared with a similar year SS or Calais etc I cannot see the better finish.
Dont get me wrong I still would rather have my R8 than a current SS but that is more to do with the brakes suspension etc, yes I know - you can mod the SS up to R8 level but to be hohest I cant be bothered have been there done that and have lost small fortunes in the past.
Cheers Jay
PS my point was as much as I do like the interior of my R8, I dont think it is that much better than an SS with the leather option and personally the reason I never bought an HSV in the past was they where a bit too loud (not the exhaust lol) and I could not stand those sodding seats (Coulsens?) with the HUGE wings around your head :eek:

[Tom333]

Truth be known, clubsport seats aren't that good. More a lounge room seat than a performance seat. One of the first things I'd do is rip them out and fit a pair of Sparco Torinos or Recaro SRs, trimmed in a a quality aftermarket leather. They may have done you a favour.

good luck fitting a side air bag into one of those seats mate. How much is your life worth??

[Caprice270]

Wow I remember reading this thread 3 years ago. The thread starter, VZSS250, was making the point that the VY series II, which was the current range then, had abandoned the legendary Coulson seats and bright leather colours, in favour of black leather seats with less bolstering. What is amazing is that E-series interiors have now returned to looking fantastically loud. I thought it was a good observation by VZSS250 and its interesting that the more conservative interiors of the VYII have now been replaced by the great looking red/black combo that is optional in the current GTS.

[cashie]

What is amazing is that E-series interiors have now returned to looking fantastically loud.

What a blast from the past.....

HSV may have returned to the loud interior but not the coulsons... :cussing:

[mustanger]

What a blast from the past.....

HSV may have returned to the loud interior but not the coulsons... :cussing:

The coulsons were my favourites on my VX but I Just love the seats in the new GTS. They are very supportive and have are not as restrictive as the coulsons. My only gripe with the coulsons is the rear vision which can be hindered but other than that ,they look absolute horn.