Driven a VE SS yet? (I did today....)

[rocks-crewman]

....and it is an impressive and imposing looking car, even the Omega looks serious. I took an SS 6 speed auto, dark blue in colour for a decent half hour run. Handled like it was on rails, no sign of any understeer at all. The auto is a big leap up from the old four speeder, but, I still prefer a manual at it is still easy to confuse and was sometimes trying to guess what I was doing (which was giving it heaps). If you like autos, you will love the 6 speed. Exhaust note is an improvement over the last model, with no drone at highway speeds - could be a bit louder though. The donk hammers and one really has to keep an eye on that speedo. Plenty of creature comforts inside, a jack for MP3 players a relief to see. Holden has done a great job, the VE S#%ts all over the BF. Pity fuel is so expensive....
So I also test drove an Astra turbo diesel manual. What a little beasty. Has tonnes of torque and pulls like a train. Had to keep confirming with myself that it was an Astra! Runs out of puff at 4500rpm, but doesn't need to be revved with the slick 6 speed manual and a fat torque curve. Was well equipped and a real sleeper, will give a few dudes a big surprise at the lights.
Hope the price of fuel backs off when my lease runs out in December - VE SSV for me!!

[kayman]

....and it is an impressive and imposing looking car, even the Omega looks serious. I took an SS 6 speed auto, dark blue in colour for a decent half hour run. Handled like it was on rails, no sign of any understeer at all. The auto is a big leap up from the old four speeder, but, I still prefer a manual at it is still easy to confuse and was sometimes trying to guess what I was doing (which was giving it heaps). If you like autos, you will love the 6 speed. Exhaust note is an improvement over the last model, with no drone at highway speeds - could be a bit louder though. The donk hammers and one really has to keep an eye on that speedo. Plenty of creature comforts inside, a jack for MP3 players a relief to see. Holden has done a great job, the VE S#%ts all over the BF. Pity fuel is so expensive....
So I also test drove an Astra turbo diesel manual. What a little beasty. Has tonnes of torque and pulls like a train. Had to keep confirming with myself that it was an Astra! Runs out of puff at 4500rpm, but doesn't need to be revved with the slick 6 speed manual and a fat torque curve. Was well equipped and a real sleeper, will give a few dudes a big surprise at the lights.
Hope the price of fuel backs off when my lease runs out in December - VE SSV for me!!

Well if you're waiting for fuel to drop i wouldnt hold your breath. Just think of the little extra cost of fuel like the price of having some fun. Im betting if you buy the Astra a few months after you buy it youll be dissapointed with your decision and yearning for a VE SS...

Me... well im currently on gas (ecotec), and will be selling and buying a V8...

[PhatAs]

almoast did yesterday. Except that they sold and delivered there only ss or ssv that morning :doh:

[jaykay]

almoast did yesterday. Except that they sold and delivered there only ss or ssv that morning :doh:
Where was that ? Go to City Motors they have heaps of cars. They had a blue SSV, black SS and Ignition SS on Wednesday night at the launch....

[Evil LS1]

....and it is an impressive and imposing looking car, even the Omega looks serious. I took an SS 6 speed auto, dark blue in colour for a decent half hour run. Handled like it was on rails, no sign of any understeer at all. The auto is a big leap up from the old four speeder, but, I still prefer a manual at it is still easy to confuse and was sometimes trying to guess what I was doing (which was giving it heaps). If you like autos, you will love the 6 speed. Exhaust note is an improvement over the last model, with no drone at highway speeds - could be a bit louder though. The donk hammers and one really has to keep an eye on that speedo. Plenty of creature comforts inside, a jack for MP3 players a relief to see. Holden has done a great job, the VE S#%ts all over the BF. Pity fuel is so expensive....
So I also test drove an Astra turbo diesel manual. What a little beasty. Has tonnes of torque and pulls like a train. Had to keep confirming with myself that it was an Astra! Runs out of puff at 4500rpm, but doesn't need to be revved with the slick 6 speed manual and a fat torque curve. Was well equipped and a real sleeper, will give a few dudes a big surprise at the lights.
Hope the price of fuel backs off when my lease runs out in December - VE SSV for me!!

It appears the ford ZF box is much better at learning from your driving style. I think for a NA car the manual is the choice, but on the Fords the ZF is the choice for the turbos.

[lukey73]

I took an Omega and SS for a drive last night. Have to say very impressed with the SS, looked down at the speedo and was doing 100 without realising it.

One thing i dont like in either is the dash lighting, the red in the SS is very hard on the eyes at night, i would hope that someone will bring out a fix for that so you can change the colour to the blue like the calais. I was told that the electronic system as plu and play capibility for future upgrades to the stereo/Sat Nav and most other instrumentation.

[PhatAs]

Where was that ? Go to City Motors they have heaps of cars. They had a blue SSV, black SS and Ignition SS on Wednesday night at the launch....

was at goldy holden. just thought id pop in driving past. gonna go to gardiners tomorrow morning to see what they have.
they had a handfull of omegas, a Sv6 and a Calais v6

[jaykay]

was at goldy holden. just thought id pop in driving past. gonna go to gardiners tomorrow morning to see what they have.
they had a handfull of omegas, a Sv6 and a Calais v6
If you find a SSV or Calais V spec in your travels can you let me know ?

Cheers

[vyssls1]

Yep, took a ve ss for a flog yesterday as well, was quite pleased with the design and the finish of all components in the vehicle, basically a nice package put together through holdens. :woohoo:

on the road test mind u the cars completly stock, i didnt like the transmission shift points at all, and in the calibrations has very soft transmission upshifting at WOT.

Other than with the 2.9's diff ratio, bit of a slug of the line.

[vyssls1]

I think the one to look out for is the VE SS by HBD, comes with 20's and GT stripes. Looks very clean and well presented.

[Smitty]

got 30 mins in a white VE SS last night courtesy of
Booran Cheltenham....6 speed manual

good...just about all of it. stonk, brakes, trans etc :burnout:
also seats, boot size (no hinges )and ...the noise

bad...the RED blow ya eyeballs out dash :evil:
and the thickness of the A pillar
(which will cause crashes it cuts ya vision that bad)

next...???
the V8 Calais..next week

cheers

[Marco]

Went down looking for a drive of a manual SS this morning - no can do because the only manual SS they had was damaged (window regulator broken, so there was some risk of damage to the glass) - disappointing, but they will call as soon as it's fixed so i can take a drive.

Like the looks. It's a taller car than you expect, and has very high sills. As Smitty said, the A pillars are very thick, and there's a blind-spot danger there so it will be interesting to see if it turns out to be a problem in the test drive. My parents are looking to get rid of their Vectra for that very reason so I don't think they will be too keen on the VE.

Interior quality is good, the material quality seemed good (except the standard cloth trim on the SS seats doesn't feel very nice....get leather!) and the seats are extremely comfortable. I reckon there's slightly more rear legroom with the seat all the way back than in the VZ, too.

Only initial quality problem I noticed was that the glovebox wouldn't close first go on both the SS and the SS-V that I sat in.

All in all, looks like a nice car but I didn't get a really detailed look. Like the dash design. Visibility concerns aside, can't wait for a drive.

[Satansfist]

Heh heh, I can imagine all you guys pawing through the new cars opening and closing everything to hand, breathing deep of the new car smell:lol:

You'd think someone would have researched the dash light colour a bit wouldn't you?

[Smitty]

snip....Interior quality is good, the material quality seemed good (except the standard cloth trim on the SS seats doesn't feel very nice....get leather!) and the seats are extremely comfortable. I reckon there's slightly more rear legroom with the seat all the way back than in the VZ, too.
.

mate
thanks for the reminder.....
coz its one thing I forgot to make comment on

the leather is as slippery as....not nice in a quick car
brake hard and you start to slide off the seat
even the Fleet Manager next to me made comment on that

the BLACK cloth holds you much better

cheers

[throttlehappy]

i havent driven one but me and my brother had a look at a few this morning
they had a few omegas and a silver ssv
im undecided as to wether i like the ssv or not, maybe it was just the silver with orange dash :spew:
dont like the omega though thats for sure
my brother didnt like either, his exact words were "look at that (black vz ss) compared to that (ve ssv)

[Carby650]

You can switch most of the lights off in the dash at nigh tso that you only see the speedo which I thought was a nice touch. Whilst I admire their guts with trying something new (ie the dash lights) it does appear that they do cause a few problems on the eyes and brain after driving for a long period. I'm sure Holden will find a way around some of these issues with time.

[F6 Hoon]

Test drove a manual SS on Friday. Sure, it's nice driving a new car, but I cannot see myself getting rid of the F6 just yet. Not impressed.

[Smitty]

had another look at the SS I drove Friday
this time in daylight

cupla things
anyone notice there are no seals/strips around
the windscreen so at the top there is a large groove between the glass edge and the roof???

also noticed on the Calais, the chrome strip at the front of the bonnet..none of the Calais in the yard, had 'em on straight
Most had a gap between the bonnet metal & the chrome infill


cheers

[APCLB]

Was booked in to test drive a SSV today but the a$$hole DP took it home for the week end!!! :mad:

[Aus8]

had another look at the SS I drove Friday
this time in daylight

cupla things
anyone notice there are no seals/strips around
the windscreen so at the top there is a large groove between the glass edge and the roof???

cheers
Ive always noticed that on my BA company car and used to think it was weird.

Aus8

[matt.vzss]

took a black ss auto for a run yesterday, was very happy witht he way the car drove, not to sure about the auto though dont think it is quite a good as the ZF but only time will tell.

have to agree witht he red dash lights i think i would soon get sick of looking at those, bit bright for my liking. other than that i cant wait to place mt order for either a blue or red ss not sure on auto or manual as yet will need to drive a manual before i choose.

[BossV8]

Is the auto in the VE's tiptronic or the same setup as the VZ, but with 6 gears?

[Souljah]

I just checked out a VE SS at my local dealership. Outside the car all i can say i liked was the front end. From the front guards back doesnt do it for me. Inside i like the seats and the steering wheel. The dash to me looked cheap and the gauge cluster looks bland. I havent driven one yet so i can't comment on that side of the argument but looks wise i'd take my VY anyday of the week.

[Marco]

Noticed on another VE SS I looked at today that the seatbelts don't disappear into the B-pillars. Have Commodores always been like this? I don't remember what my parents' VP was like now, but in our TS Astra the seatbelts disappear behind plastic covers on the B-pillar. The VE's just sit out there and you can see where they are attached to the floor.

[02vxss]

the red dash lights in the ss and such help fatigue in night driving...the red is suppose to not put the driver asleep, which with everyone saying how annoying it is, i would say it would do a good job!!! also the ve was based on the older square shape 5-series bmw, which has red dash lights...you can also adjust the brightness of the lights as well...

i've driven an omega and was very impressed, i've driven plenty of holdens but i dont think i've driven one that handled that well in a stock car... i look forward to having a go in a ss shortly...

[ADSXR8]

Test drove a manual SS on Friday. Sure, it's nice driving a new car, but I cannot see myself getting rid of the F6 just yet. Not impressed.

Did you turn up in your F6? I'm afraid if I do, they will tell me to get nicked! Why would you sell Australia's Performance COTY?

BTW, nice choice of colour. Same as mine, but I got the stick shift.

[F6 Hoon]

Did you turn up in your F6? I'm afraid if I do, they will tell me to get nicked! Why would you sell Australia's Performance COTY?

BTW, nice choice of colour. Same as mine, but I got the stick shift.

Drove there in my work ute for that exact reason.

With all the marketing hype on tv and radio at the moment, I thought it was timely to take a look. I'm curious to see how well (or poor) an auto Clubsport/GTS will compare to the F6.

[chesso]

I had a quick drive in an early build manual SS a few months back, very impressed with the feel of the clutch and steering and the stubby shifter was alot better than what I'm used to. Only negatives were the larger blindspots caused by the A-pillar and the handbrake handle is awful.

Also took a WM Caprice (another perk of the job) for a squirt through the hills recently. Great ride and luxurious as, the only problem I had with it was too many buttons and symbols rather than words to describe what thier function was.

These are great cars IMHO, I would be ordering a Black VE SS if only I could bear to sell the Munro.

[shane W Z]

I know i have said this before but this is really bugging me so i will say it again "AM I THE ONLY person in this whole country who has not seen a VE of ANY Sort in real life yet! I mean honestly!!!

[ADSXR8]

I know i have said this before but this is really bugging me so i will say it again "AM I THE ONLY person in this whole country who has not seen a VE of ANY Sort in real life yet! I mean honestly!!!

I think living in Darwin doesn't help your cause. I'm sure they will be their in the next couple weeks.

[brock05]

well i drove an A6 SS-V and an M6 SS today and i would say that the M6 is a much nicer proposition throttle response is much better, so for me that rules out the Calais V i was looking at so it looks like M6 SS-V for me.

[BRISVX]

I had a quick drive in an early build manual SS a few months back, very impressed with the feel of the clutch and steering and the stubby shifter was alot better than what I'm used to. Only negatives were the larger blindspots caused by the A-pillar and the handbrake handle is awful.

Also took a WM Caprice (another perk of the job) for a squirt through the hills recently. Great ride and luxurious as, the only problem I had with it was too many buttons and symbols rather than words to describe what thier function was.

These are great cars IMHO, I would be ordering a Black VE SS if only I could bear to sell the Munro.

Lucky bugger! I'm hanging out to drive a Caprice. Was told on Saturday they won't be available at my local Dealer till end of September.

[Sonic_Brew]

SSV and Caprice look the goods. might try to sneak a drive in one soon

[spellweaver]

Did you turn up in your F6? I'm afraid if I do, they will tell me to get nicked! Why would you sell Australia's Performance COTY?

BTW, nice choice of colour. Same as mine, but I got the stick shift.

Now that Ford have built a half decent looking car "Wheels" may not feel sorry for the brand next time round... Try forum www.sadlittleforFordboyshanginginholdenforumscause theyhavenofollowing.com :spew: ford

[jbarr]

yes they are very nice to drive but like the ssv better

[Nawdy]

Well, we have had our VE SS A6 2 days now, and have managed to clock up around 300 kays in that time. There is quite a lot I could write, but I'll just do a few dot points instead.

* Build quality is quite good (but I'm not an engineer)
* Lots of yellow dots in the engine bay
* Doors close with a solid thud
* Lots of little nifty details included, showing how much thought has gone into the car
* Still trying to come to terms with the instrumentation
* Menu to set up/personalise different electrics/electronics/data is loosely based on using a Windows-based computer
* Seats are very comfortable
* Lots of things within the cabin are still the same as previous models eg boot release button is in the glove box still
* Engine note is awesome
* Throttle response is virtually instant, with only small inputs needed to produce great engine response (IMHO)
* In cruise mode, you can't feel the A6 change gear - you only know it's happened by the change in engine note. If you are getting up it a bit, it puts you back in the seat and you feel the gear change accordingly
* Semi-auto mode is fun
* Steering is communicative, but feels a little dead straight ahead
* Handling is far better than any other Commodore I've driven
* Boot setup is a lot more user friendly
* Lots of people look at the car....

There is a lot more I can include, but that's probably a good list to start with. I got into my VXII SS late this arvo, and it felt very dated and old.... but it's staying! 8)

[SV805]

Well, we have had our VE SS A6 2 days now, and have managed to clock up around 300 kays in that time. There is quite a lot I could write, but I'll just do a few dot points instead.

* Build quality is quite good (but I'm not an engineer)
* Lots of yellow dots in the engine bay
* Doors close with a solid thud
* Lots of little nifty details included, showing how much thought has gone into the car
* Still trying to come to terms with the instrumentation
* Menu to set up/personalise different electrics/electronics/data is loosely based on using a Windows-based computer
* Seats are very comfortable
* Lots of things within the cabin are still the same as previous models eg boot release button is in the glove box still
* Engine note is awesome
* Throttle response is virtually instant, with only small inputs needed to produce great engine response (IMHO)
* In cruise mode, you can't feel the A6 change gear - you only know it's happened by the change in engine note. If you are getting up it a bit, it puts you back in the seat and you feel the gear change accordingly
* Semi-auto mode is fun
* Steering is communicative, but feels a little dead straight ahead
* Handling is far better than any other Commodore I've driven
* Boot setup is a lot more user friendly
* Lots of people look at the car....

There is a lot more I can include, but that's probably a good list to start with. I got into my VXII SS late this arvo, and it felt very dated and old.... but it's staying! 8)


Nawdy, Keep the reviews coming over the next week or two as you find out more about the car that you both like and dislike. Great to get feedback from someone who lives with it. Interested to see if it gets better as the motor frees up some.

[GMH-TWR]

* Lots of yellow dots in the engine bay


All the Pilot build VE's had yellow dots (Yellow texta) all over the engine bay on various parts such as brake lines, hose clamps, plugs etc.....

I thought the Dealerships would have cleaned them off during Pre Deleivery ???

[Smitty]

All the Pilot build VE's had yellow dots (Yellow texta) all over the engine bay on various parts such as brake lines, hose clamps, plugs etc.....



huh...???
my missus' Astra has yellow paint dots on the ABS sensor
brake lines A/c pipes and on all things..that get done up or tightened amd my SS still has yellow and white paint dots everywhere

guess the dealers don't touch 'em

cheers

[Nawdy]

SV805 - shall do, but I won't be driving it much during the week. I ride a motorbike to work, and the other half will be using it to do the usual mum stuff. If you have any questions, fire away.


All the Pilot build VE's had yellow dots (Yellow texta) all over the engine bay on various parts such as brake lines, hose clamps, plugs etc.....

I thought the Dealerships would have cleaned them off during Pre Deleivery ???

This is something I was aware of, and is supposed to happen for the first 3 monhs of a new build I believe, to check for fitment and tightness.

I will ask about removing them shortly.

I did find one problem with the paintwork on the car - the gloss coating wasn't applied on one part of the RHS inner guard, near where it joins the outer guard. It's something I pointed out prior to taking delivery, and I have been assured it will be rectified at the first service under warranty.

[Smitty]

..snip...
I did find one problem with the paintwork on the car - the gloss coating wasn't applied on one part of the RHS inner guard, near where it joins the outer guard. It's something I pointed out prior to taking delivery, and I have been assured it will be rectified at the first service under warranty.



Smitty visualises 1st yr apprentice
approaching car ...with paintbrush and pot of clear paint:confused:


:lol: :lol:

[Dacious]

When I got the Monaro there were multi-colour magic marker pen sigs on every-bloody-thing under the bonnet - sometimes two or three on the same bits! Brake booster, inner guards, hoses, lines, aircon, brackets. Talk about cross-checking. Gone with steam-cleaning and degreaser now. Nothing's come loose or fallen off in 35K, so I guess it worked.