• The Car

• Seat Plan & Seats

• Dash & Controls

• Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

• What's Changed

• Features

• Our Opinion

• Other Opinions

• Mechanical

• Safety

• Data

• Buy with Confidence

• Legal Disclaimer

The Car

The Car

Hyper Yellow replaces the popular "Tiger" hue available in the previous VX model - a little less bold maybe, but backed up by a colour-keyed leather upholstery option that definitely hits the "loud" button. Five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels set off the whole package nicely and distance the sporting Commodore from more prosaic versions.

Seat Plan & Seats

Seat Plan & Seats

Seat Plan

The Holden Commodore's long wheelbase and V-configuration engines help in the provision of generous passenger space. The SS is a true five-passenger sedan with a big boot - although it lacks the split-fold rear seat of Ford's Falcon.

Seats

The SS cabin, with its big and well-shaped sports seats, feels plush and inviting, with plenty of elbow and legroom. The seats rate well for long-distance comfort. The driver gets power adjustment for height and tilt, with adjustable lumbar support on both sides.

Dash & Controls

Dash & Controls

Dash

SS instruments mirror the exterior colour and there is a pearlescent finish to the instrument surround. The basic design is ergonomically sound, with rotary controls for heating and air-conditioning and the master switch for the lights on the dash to the right of the instruments, rather than on a steering column stalk. A six-function mini trip computer is also part of the deal. The passenger gets a glovebox, as well as an airbag in the SS.

Controls

The steering column is adjustable for both height and reach, while the sound system may be operated via controls on the steering wheel. New, much improved steering column stalks operate indicators, high and low beam, wipers and the standard cruise control. SS's pull-up handbrake lever (also leather-covered) is located between the centre console and the driver's seat. Electric windows are operated from a panel on the centre console and the rear view mirrors from the familiar GM pad (also seen on Saabs) on the driver's door. The power window on the driver's side remains operative for a short time after the engine is switched off.

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres & Luggage

Wheels/Tyres

The blatantly sporty wheel/tyre package is central to the SS's on-road appearance. The wheel arches are nicely filled by the big 17x8-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels with 235/45R17 V-rated tyres, all complementing the Holden FE2 sports suspension system. The S Commodore uses smaller 16-inch alloys.

Luggage

The Commodore lacks a split-fold rear seat like the Falcon, but does offer a large ski port to assist with the carrying of lengthy items. The ski port contains two cupholders accessible once it is lowered. The boot itself is large and relatively well-shaped, able to contain a full-size bike, provided the wheels are removed - though, unlike Falcon, Commodore's bootlid hinges still protrude into the luggage area. The centre console compartment is generous and there are storage bins on the front doors, as well as pockets behind the front seats.

What's Changed

What's Changed

Series II VX has the new headlight treatment introduced with the VX. Apart from the new colours, there is little to pick the Series II from the previous version aside from the subtly changed exterior badging. SS can be identified via the specific front and rear bumpers, side skirts and rear spoiler, as well as five-spoke, 17-inch alloy wheels.

Features

Features

Stand Out Features

The SS Commodore stands above its Ford XR8 rival with its all-alloy, 5.7-litre V8, six-speed manual transmission and traction control system. The extra link in the rear suspension improves both ride and handling, as well as rear tyre wear.

Climate Control

Manual air-conditioning is standard on the SS. The system is controlled by three rotary knobs on the dash, just below the centre air vents. Holden locates the heating/air-conditioning panel above, rather than below, the radio. Adjustable rear outlet vents are provided for back seat passengers.

Sound System

A CD player is standard in every Holden. The sound system gets six speakers and a total output of 80 watts, with a power antenna standard on the SS. The steering wheel-mounted sound system remote controls include selection of AM and FM stations, and operation of the CD player. An optional, 160-watt premium sound system is available.

Satellite Navigation

Holden has offered the Philips CARiN satellite navigation system across all Commodore models since March 1999. The system covers all mainland capitals and close to 100,000km of bitumen.

Security

Commodore's security system includes a remote control "Power Key" which operates door deadlocks, dome lamp and central locking for keyless entry through the driver's door only. The indicators are unable to flash confirmation if the door is left ajar when remote locking. The engine is disabled to immobilise the vehicle when the key is removed from the ignition. All remote functions are incorporated into a single, albeit large, key.

Our Opinion

Our Opinion

We Like:

Easy power of 5.7-litre V8, passenger comfort, styling

We Don't Like:

Manual gearshift, auto shift quality, engine note

Subtlety is not exactly a dirty word to those who designed Holden's latest SS Commodore. But it is a quality largely ignored by the team that chose the colour schemes for the new Series II VX. And of the new colours available with the Series II, it's the Hyper Yellow hue that attracts most attention - particularly if it is specified with the optional colour-coded leather upholstery. This lurid, eyeball-searing riot of bright yellow trim is not for the faint-hearted. The provision of sunglasses for all occupants should be mandatory. Replacing the previous and popular gold-tinged Tiger paint, Hyper Yellow is a refreshing splash of colour in the automotive landscape; a little less bold maybe than its feline predecessor, but just the thing for a Holden buyer choosing the factory, rather than the HSV hot Commodore route.

With a number of subtle refinements - some tactile, others affecting the way the car behaves on the road - the latest SS Commodore is a significant improvement over the already impressive VX model that preceded it. If the last SS was accused of being a little nervous when approaching the teetering edge of adhesion, the Series II VX could be described as having taken those limits and extended them to a level that only the unwise or very brave would be prepared to explore.   

The VT Commodore may have been the first of the local family cars to get a standard, independent rear suspension, but the system itself was an already quite old, semi-trailing link Opel design. It instantly improved everything about the previously live-axle Holden (ride, handling), but quickly began to look dated when Ford fronted up with its superior double wishbone design at AU time. An improved version of the semi-trailing link system was utilised by Holden's hot-car partner HSV, but this was limited to the red-hot, 300kW GTS. It included a couple of extra toe-control linkages that all but eliminated the Holden's susceptibility to bump-induced nervousness - a relatively simple fix but one that demanded the time-consuming, hands-on attention that only a limited-build vehicle could justify. That modification has now become a standard factory procedure, made achievable by economies of scale and effective enough, in terms of its transformation of the Commodore, to allow Holden to virtually hang a whole new series - the VX Series II - off it. That, and a couple of new steering column stalks that add to the tactility of the car before it even rolls out onto the street. Couple those things with the already luscious SS package and you have got an even better fast Commodore, with enough sizzle to really annoy HSV while ensuring the Falcon XR8 - even the impressive new 220kW version - remains under continuous siege. The drivetrain is as before with the alloy 5.7-litre V8 winding out a lazy 225kW, driving through a totally unnecessary but entirely excusable six-speed manual transmission (in the automotive world it seems wise to always accept as many ratios as you can) and flaunting it all with the shape that nine out of 10 Australians seem to want.

Yes, the Series II SS is a better drive than the VX. It has a suppleness exceeding that of the previous car, plus a sense of wanting to deliver according to driver requests, whether in a straight line or on a bumpy corner. The steering feels more accurate, if a little lighter than before - although it must be said that the Ford XR8 remains the more tactile of the local supercars. The V8 feels the same as ever - that is, in need of a bit of encouragement to really get going and delivering an exhaust note sounding more like a deranged vacuum cleaner than a car - and the interior space is quite unlike that of other high-performance sedans except the Falcon. Actually the engine's easygoing nature (the redline is 5500rpm), although not as aurally exciting as the Ford, does pay off in many ways because it tends to be more economical - partly helped by the very tall-ratio six-speed gearbox - and only demands regular unleaded fuel where the XR8 protests noticeably if the diet is anything less than premium. And the fuel tank is quite big at 75 litres.

The engine does deliver - a handy companion to have on your side when planning a passing manoeuvre on the open road or when joining fast-flowing traffic on the freeway. The fact that it has a theoretically narrow power band - between 4400rpm where the 460Nm torque maximum is developed, and 5200rpm where the 225kW finally arrive - does not mean there's nothing at all to play with at the lower end. All this power is transmitted through a six-speed manual transmission with a failry baulky gearchange or a four-speed automatic transmission at no extra cost. Despite some subtle engine mapping changes to better suit the engine's calibration to its shift points, the auto remains a weak point in an otherwise well sorted Commodore SS package. Slow to shift and often abrupt, the auto is still specified by a staggering 70 per cent of SS byuers. Even with this tendency to require some revs off the mark, the SS still has the potential to be a slewing, sliding beast on less than perfect surfaces, so Holden gives it a proper traction control system, as well as a limited-slip differential, to put a stop to any such antics (The Series II Commodore S also picks up traction control as standard). The new control link rear suspension changes the static camber setting at the rear from 1.5 degrees negative camber to just 0.5 of a degree, while the toe settings have changed from 0.1 degrees static toe-out to 0.32 degrees toe-in. This means there is less of a tendency for the suspension to squirm around, while the greatly reduced negative camber is said to have a positive effect on increasing the life of the rear tyres. Reworked rear shock absorbers are designed to work better at high speeds on undulating road surfaces, reducing lean and float, yet still retain their ability to absorb smaller amplitude bumps.

Holden also put some work into improving straight-line stability via cooperation with Bridgestone that resulted in new tyre construction. The SS as a result feels more tactile and gives the driver more steering feel than before. This pays off in high-speed work, where the car is more at one with the driver. The tuning of the chassis for a slight tendency to understeer under pressure also adds to this extra sense of security. Braking is by four-wheel discs, controlled by a full, four-channel ABS system and up to the task of hauling down the 1600kg-plus SS - although there is no mention of a brake upgrade as available in the XR8 or HSV Commodores. In light of the greatly improved dynamics, a couple of new steering column stalks may seem unworthy of attention, but they do add to the tactility of the driving experience and remove the confusion that existed with previous Commodores when it came to operating the cruise control. It is still not a Mercedes, but the Commodore is a touch more intuitive, as far as driver controls are concerned, than it was before.

From a creature comfort perspective, the SS buyer does pretty well for what is a reasonable outlay considering its abilities and distinctive style. Cruise control, anti-lock brakes, body kit, leather-rimmed steering wheel, sports seats, mini trip computer and air-conditioning are standard. There is no question Holden made the decision, once the Generation III 5.7-litre V8 came along, that it would no longer compromise with the SS. The Series II VX version takes another step further with greatly improved suspension performance that adds to the car's sense of refinement.

Other Opinions

Other Opinions

Car News: "Any tweaking that makes a 225kW rear drive manual sedan more predictable and safer towards the limit has to be a good move, and the performance and handling package/price combination is excellent news for drivers."

Mechanical

Mechanical

VY Commodore SS is available with six-speed manual transmission or, as a no-cost option, four-speed automatic transmission. Its 5.7-litre Chevrolet engine is about as big as a V8 gets in a family sedan, and delivers an outstanding power-to-weight ratio of 148kW per tonne. Fuel economy suffers, though, and we were unable to match Holden's claimed figures of 8.5 litres per 100km in the city and 13.5lt/100km on the highway, with an average of 11lt/100km.

Plan Views

Commodore SS employs a de rigeur rear-drive sports sedan layout, with a longitudinal, front-mounted V8 driving the rear wheels only.

Engine

Standard issue in the SS is the imported Gen III all-alloy V8. It is a basic pushrod design but uses state-of-the-art electronics such as sequential electronic fuel injection, twin knock control sensors and separate ignition coils for each cylinder. The design also incorporates low-friction technology. It uses oversquare bore-stroke dimensions and has six-bolt main bearings where the base V6 uses a four-bolt design. Capacity is 5.665 litres and compression ratio is a high 10:1. The V8 winds out 225kW of power at 5200rpm and 460Nm of torque at 4400rpm. Recommended fuel is regular 91 octane unleaded - something of an advantage over the XR8, which requires premium unleaded. A stainless steel exhaust prolongs the system's life expectancy.

Suspension

The SS's front suspension is by MacPherson struts with a direct acting stabiliser bar and progressive rate coil springs. The rear end is a beefed up, "FE2" version of the semi-trailing link, coil-spring independent system used on all Commodore and Statesman models, now significantly improved with the adoption of the extra toe-control links. These control toe change under bump and rebound to improve straight-line and cornering precision. The revised rear end also has less dramatic static negative camber, improving traction and assisting in reduction of rear tyre wear.

Electronic System

The SS has four-channel anti-lock braking (ABS) as standard. Traction control (TC) is standard too and works on controlling engine torque, or selectively braking individual rear wheels to help prevent wheelspin. A limited-slip differential (LSD) is also standard and helps traction in slippery conditions.

Transmission

The six-speed manual gearbox is exclusive to V8-engined Commodores and is the standard transmission on the SS. The SS is available with Holden's electronic four-speed automatic transmission, which incorporates power or economy modes. Both manual and auto gearboxes use the same final drive ratio as V6 models (3.46:1 manual and 3.08:1 auto).

Brakes

The SS uses an all-disc system with, in the case of all Commodores using traction control, four-channel anti-lock braking. When the wheel speed sensors and computer detect imminent lock-up, brake cylinder pressure is adjusted at each wheel to prevent wheel lock-up. The system operates through four-wheel discs, ventilated at the front.

Steering

The SS comes with variable ratio, power assisted rack and pinion steering. It also has a leather-trimmed steering wheel which, like all Commodores, is adjustable for height and reach. The turning circle measures 11 metres and the wheel goes from lock to lock in 2.8 turns.

Safety

Safety

The SS uses a front structure designed around "soft pulse" crash energy management principles. The structure behind the front wheels has been designed to manage narrow offset collisions and reinforced side structures protect against side impacts. Seatbelt webbing clamps and buckle pretensioners assist safety belt performance. The driver's airbag has low pressure inflators designed to prevent injury from airbag inflation. A passenger airbag is standard on SS and side airbags are standard if leather upholstery is specified. The Commodore's systems turn off the engine and fuel pump, unlock the doors and switch on the dome lamp when the seatbelt pretensioners are triggered.

Data

Data

Engine:

• 5.665-litre 16-valve front-mounted longitudinal alloy pushrod V8

• Power: 225kW @ 5200rpm

• Torque: 460Nm @ 4400rpm

• Compression ratio: 10.1

• Bore x stroke: 99.0mm x 92.0mm
  

Transmission:

• Four-speed automatic or six-speed manual 
  

Suspension:

• Front: independent by MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar

• Rear: independent by semi-trailing links and additional control link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
  

Steering:

• Power-assisted rack-and-pinion

• Turning circle: 11 metres

• Turns lock to lock: 2.8
  

Dimensions:

• Length: 4891mm

• Width: 1842mm

• Height: 1425mm

• Wheelbase: 2788mm

• Front track: 1569mm

• Rear track: 1587mm

• Kerb weight: 1652kg
  

Standard Equipment:

• Dual airbags

• Anti-lock brakes

• Air-conditioning

• Remote central locking

• Power windows

• Cruise control

• Trip computer

• AM/FM radio/CD

• Part electric driver's seat adjustment

• Tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel

• Alloy wheels

• Traction control

• Limited-slip differential

Buy with Confidence

Buy with Confidence

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Legal Disclaimer

Legal Disclaimer

Buying Guides are intended merely as a guide or review for members when considering what products or services they may be interested in bidding on or purchasing. eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the accuracy of the information or content contained in these Buying Guides. Furthermore, eBay does not make, and nothing in these Buying Guides is intended to constitute, any warranties, guarantees, representations or assurances about the nature or performance of the products or services appearing in the Buying Guides. eBay is not affiliated with nor does it endorse the use of any particular product or service.

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