KEY POINTS:
Holden's "Who needs a Monaro?" attitude towards the new VE ute seems a bit contrived on the surface. The company characterises its new load-lugger as a two-door sports car, albeit one with a tray on the back.
Those kinds of claims should cause us to scoff into our
cans of VB - except the new ute is sensationally good to drive. It's fast in V8 form, yet also composed and presents a complete dynamic package.
The dynamic prowess of the ute, which rides on an extended wheelbase compared with the Commodore sedan, is a tribute to Holden's chassis engineers and the highly rigid construction of the VE platform.
The new HSV Maloo picks up the 6.0-litre V8 from the HSV E-series sedans, with 307kW/550Nm.
It comes with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions - the latter with new features, such as gear-selector-activated sports mode (the current sedans have a pushbutton system) and a subtle throttle "blip" when downchanging in sequential manual-hold mode.
The Maloo sells for $70,990 in its manual form and $71,990 as an automatic, which is a premium of $16,500 over Holden's top-spec SS-V ute.
One of the biggest challenges for HSV was to make the Maloo clearly distinguishable from a regular VE ute at a distance.
While there are plenty of leery styling details on the car, including a side skirt that pays homage to the original Group A Walkinshaw model of 20 years ago, the big change is a unique tailgate for the Maloo.
It's made from sheet moulded compound and incorporates a number of horizontal lines that make it look less like a tailgate and more like the rear end of a coupe. The new tailgate incorporates an electronic latch that's linked to the hard tonneau cove, and parking radar is standard.
The fast angle of the "sail plane" behind the cabin is also intended to give a coupe-like effect. Pretty it ain't, but boy, is it purposeful. And you would never mistake the Maloo for a regular SS ute.
The powertrain may be similar to the E-series sedan, but the suspension is very different.
Spring rates have been increased by 40 per cent front and 50 per cent rear, while a unique stability control calibration was also designed for the Maloo. Standard rims are 19-inch, but Kiwi buyers can option-up a package of 20-inchers and leather upholstery for $4500.
What the Maloo doesn't have is the option of the high-tech Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension system from the E-series sedan.
How come? HSV says it's to contain costs and keep things simple for what's a niche model, but you can bet MRC is on the cards for a future facelift.
It drives like it looks - a musclebound V8 two-door with an intimate relationship to the road.
Despite the considerable power and vast exterior dimensions of the Maloo, clacker-tightening moments on narrow roads are few and far between.
It's partly down to the grip of the massive tyres it rides on, but it's also a tribute to the accurate steering and dynamic polish of the chassis that this super-ute is a genuine pleasure to drive hard on demanding roads.
HSV's advertising still uses the familiar "I Just Want One" tagline.
I used to sneer at that, finding most of the brand's efforts fast and loud, and just a little too truck-like for my tastes.
But an HSV actually based on a truck is the one that I regard as most impressive for its sporty and involving nature. The Maloo is loud and lithe, and, of course, it boasts that great big boot.
- Detours, HoS