Holden Maloo R8 SV Black Edition review: Black marque

Five things ... we learnt about the HSV Maloo R8 SV Black Edition.

2016 HSV Maloo LS3.

 

1 HSV wound back the price

The Maloo R8 SV Black Edition starts at $62,990 plus on-roads — $7000 less than a year ago. The last time a Maloo was this price was in 2009. The LS3 V8 was benched while HSV ramped up production of the supercharged 6.2-litre “LSA” Maloo. Now the naturally aspirated 340kW LS3 is back for a last blast. Emissions laws end its run on November 1. Only 100 will be built, alongside 350 Clubsport sedans.

2016 HSV Maloo LS3.

2 It gets the cheap seats but they’re still really good

HSV has slashed the price in part by using leather seats from Holden’s Commodore SS. Of course, the seats alone aren’t worth $7000 but they are a costly addition to the regular Maloo. They still have ample bolstering and the HSV logo is embroidered in the head rest.

2016 HSV Maloo LS3.

3 Changing lanes is incredibly frustrating

The combination of the bulky hard lid (which restricts the rear view) and the ridiculously small driver’s side mirror (which is not convex) makes it extremely difficult to change lanes and navigate through traffic. The Maloo has “side blind zone” sensors and a little warning light in each side mirror but they’re not foolproof and it takes a leap of faith at times. It’s easier to see out of a van, with larger mirrors.

4 It sounds like a V8. Finally

HSV has adopted the under-bonnet plumbing from Holden that pumps the LS3’s growl into the cabin. This endows a throaty note upfront and a crisp exhaust bark at the back. Unlike the SS Commodore’s bi-modal exhaust, the Maloo setup can be muted or made louder via a dial in the centre console.

5 It drives like a luxury car

2016 HSV Maloo LS3.

This is a ute? With leather seats, suede on the dash and doors, digital head-up display, lane wander warning and forward crash alert, the Maloo is like a luxury car from the driver’s seat. Riding on 20-inch wheels shod with Continental tyres (originally designed for Mercedes), it’s surprisingly well composed over bumps. With the tyres’ softer sidewalls, the steering can feel a little vague in the straight-ahead position. All is forgiven in tight corners — the grip of the European rubber keeps this ute well tied down.