Holden/Car Advice drive day

[mjrandom]

You mean like VE to VF? I had a couple of interesting moments when I first bought the GTS after getting the mail. Neighbour thought I was brake checking him on the common driveway. He was on his bicycle.

[Smitty]

I wonder how many passengers will pull the park brake thinking they're operating the windows.

I did this a few times when I got the VF, as did my missus

just had to get used to the fact there is now nothing usable on the console

[CLUBRED]

At least the VF has the button on the driver's side though.

[Smitty]

At least the VF has the button on the driver's side though.

correct... I did notice that on ZB, it is on the passenger side
but given the console is so narrow it is within the driver's easy reach

which is unlike the wagon rear wiper. I asked the Holden sales
and engineering guys at the launch, why the wagon wiper
is installed the wrong way. I got some blank looks ... and no answer

Unlike EVERY Commodore wagon since VB where the rear wiper wipes the DRIVER side first
(rather sensible safety wise imo), but on the ZB? nope ! we clear the passenger side first (Why?)
no-one knows ....

[mjrandom]

A LHD hangover? My M is our only euro and the LHD stalks are no big deal but still a pita. So easy to fix. I have washed the windscreen angrily in a couple of cars now until I switch my brain to which is which. 😂

[mac06]

This requires a change of mindset when compared to what we have been used to in the VF, but interesting comment made in Caradvice as below-

If local manufacturing were to have remained viable for the Australian car industry, the car you're looking at here is the exact vehicle that would have been built in Adelaide for the Australian market. Holden was told by GM in 2011 that it would have input into the new platform, but that input would need to take into consideration the European, US and Chinese markets.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/621913/2...dore-review-2/

In essence the ZB was what we would have got if local manufacturing had continued.

[CLUBRED]

Pretty sure I read our "ZB" (or VJ) would have been a slightly longer variation..

[mac06]

Yeah GoAuto mentions a longer-wheelbase and reskinned version, but it looks like the FWD/AWD and engine lineup would have been the same.

[mjrandom]

That wagon shot... black out the chrome, decent tint, nice wheels. Night shot with no lights. Stand back 2km. Probably look ok.

[Smitty]

That wagon shot... black out the chrome, decent tint, nice wheels. Night shot with no lights. Stand back 2km. Probably look ok.

haha... my thoughts 'zactly

[C4B]

It saddens me no end to think that as someone who has owned many Holdens / HSV's over the years that I am now about as likely to purchase a Holden as a Great Wall. I practically worshipped the brand back in the early 2000's.

Yes I still own a HSV, but it's light years away from what Holden produce these days (thankfully).

[Ausmartin1]

Seems the ZB consensus from auto reviewers is that the VRX lacks punch from the engine and the transmission is confused - do not tell me they have slipped back to the olden days of the Nissan 6cyl and it's crazed auto?

One thing I laugh at that they say the car looks better in real life, After spending time with one I tend to disagree it is much worse in reality - do not like the bonnet crease and the crease on the door handles plus the spoiler is short length wise like a bad add on from the 80's. I expected a lot better, but I am not surprised the sheet metal does not flow like other brands.

Also feel like being / sitting in a medium sized car - especially compared to past commodores (Maybe it is just me but it feels much smaller).

Here is car advice 8th March comparing ZB to Stinger.

[Aus8]

Agree with your comments Martin. Seen some at the dealer in flesh and they do look small. VXR performance isn’t great either as much as the tyres and brakes are good it’s only a 14 second car. Full of lots of tech which is great but ultimately I won’t be buying one or any Holden. They have no class leaders at all really poor range. Sad days.