Australia's Best Cars 2013
Author: unknown
Source: NRMA Open Road Magazine, January/February 2014

Best Large Car Under $60,000 WINNER Holden Commodore VF SV6

Its a big call, but the Holden Commodore VF could well be the best ever made in Australia. Certainly few would disagree that the VF qualifies as an ultimate evolution of the Commodore. Little wonder, then, that the volume-selling SV6 sedan is the winner is this category.

An improvement over previous Commodores in just about every area, the VF earned a class-leading score for ergonomics and finished equal top for warranty/dealer access, safety, the environment, build/finish quality, performance, handling and braking.

Very little has been carried over from the VE, with some 70 per cent of the F being new. It is more than 40kg lighter, thanks to various aluminium panels and components. This is despite the addition of more noise insulation and better interior materials.

The weight loss obviously aids performance, handling, braking and fuel efficiency, as do changes to the car's exterior design and underbody, which improve drag.

A sports body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and Sportec/cloth seat trim underpin the SV6 moniker, but its whats out of sight that adds street cred. Holden's 210kW/350Nm 3.6-litre V6 is a responsive unit, particularly when paired with a six-speed auto that shows improved kick-down response and shift smoothness. And the VF has one has one of the best electric power steering systems - speed sensitive, nicely weighted and in full communication with the driver.

The SV6 boasts the same FE2 suspension as its big brothers, the SS and SS-V. Set firm, it endows the SV6 with handling that belies a car of this size.

The trade-off is in ride quality. Over our typical patchwork-quilt back roads, the SV6 doesn't smooth the bumps and creases as well as the other two finalists in its category. This and thick A-pillars that are hard to see past are the main criticisms.

Inside, the SV6 is a comfy place, particularly for the driver. It is also loaded with the latest entertainment, assistance and safety technology. In the great tradition of the Aussie family car, Holden's Commodore VF is very much complete.

The finalists besides the Holden's VF Commodore included Peugeot 508 Allure HDI and Toyota Aurion T-X.