The car Holden Ute
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The price From $32,990 plus on-road costs
Vital statistics 3.6-litre V6 petrol; 210kW/350Nm; 6-speed automatic; RWD; 9.0L/100km and 216g/km CO2
Why we're driving it Holden updated its Commodore range mid-last year, including the utility line-up. Here, we're driving the entry-level Ute for the first time.
Likes The Ute receives a lot of the technology and amenities found on higher-spec models, including front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, electric park brake, self-parking technology and GM's MyLink infotainment system. The lazy V6 engine teams well with the six-speed auto for effortless driving. The steering is well-weighted and the cabin is well-insulated from road and wind noise.
Dislikes The tray, while deep, is hard to access from the outside; there are only a few flimsy tie-down points offered as standard and there is no external lever to open the tailgate (instead, you must use a lever inside the tray). Rear vision isn't terrific because of the awkwardly high tray line and smallish mirrors. Servicing intervals are rated at every nine months (or 15,000km), while most other manufacturers have moved to 12 months.
Would I buy one? Not when the next-tier SV6 is the same price in manual guise (auto $2200 extra), and the V8-powered SS is only marginally higher again.