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The name of this big beast is a statement in itself ..... Crewman SS. It's a 5 seater with panache and the ability to carry or tow a substantial load with SS style, comfort and appeal. And does it honour this concept? Yes, absolutely ..... it will take a crew in the accustomed style of an SS. The Crewman has a longer wheelbase than its Commodore sedan and utility stablemates. In fact the wheelbase is 261mm longer than the utes, wagons and Statesman/Caprice models. It rides on the same 3200 mm wheelbase as the One-Tonner. On the road one thing is quickly noticeable. This vehicle isn't like a truck. It is the gentle giant of the light commercial vehicle market. It's big, there is no doubt about that, but deep down, to an experienced driver it's a softie! Even in SS trim, it's gentle rather than brutish. Sure it rides a little firm, but the suspension isn't as firm as you might expect in a sports truck. The suspension set up provides predictable handling with a ride quality slightly softer than other Commodore derivatives which wear the signature tag "SS". This noticably softer ride may be due to the aforementioned longer wheelbase. Riding on 17”x8” alloy rims shod with 225x55 tyres, traction and road grip is superb on either wet or dry surfaces. Driver appeal is huge, like the Crewman itself. The SS qualities and performance are amply evident with this ute. Then there is not to mention the head turning looks that the Crewman SS possesses, which is just like that of the SS sedan. Be assured you are more than noticeable when you cruise past the alfresco dining areas of your town in the Crewman SS. A lot of driver satisfaction is gained from the “pose” value of this stylish machine. In fact, whilst stationary at a set of traffic lights another driver turning across the front of the Crewman SS was so intent on checking out this neat machine he almost hit the kerb. This brought a smile to the tester as the "rubber necker" wore an “I want one” expression. 
Holden Crewman SS Location: Mooney Mooney NSW Click the image for a larger view |
Holden Crewman SS Location: Brooklyn NSW Click the image for a larger view Driver and passenger comfort levels are high. Although the rear seat is not quite suitable for tall crew members. So the back seat is best for smaller members of the family. This was the only downside that the Next Car team could find with this superb unit over the 7 day and 716 kilometre test period. The vehicle was driven every day whilst we looked for (but were unable to find) other faults. Although, it is very obvious that you would not buy this type of vehicle if fuel consumption was a primary consideration. The Crewman SS with its 5.7 GEN111 V8 power plant (235 kw) matched to a 6 speed manual box with well-spaced ratios and short shift pattern was an absolute pleasure to drive, even in the heavy morning traffic of Sydney. Top gear isn't good for sustained high speed driving when going up long hills on a freeway. For example, several hills on the F3 north of Sydney slowed the Crewman SS forcing a quick change down a cog or two to maintain the 110 km/h limit. Any mature driver, without the need for speed, would feel more than comfortable behind the wheel of this excellent package. There are lots of the mandatory creature comforts present here ..... the 4 cup holders, 6 disc in-dash CD player, steering wheel height and adjust mechanism, power steering, cruise control, power windows, leather wrap steering wheel, power antenna, air conditioning and power functions on the drivers seat all contribute to the sheer driving pleasure that dictates the 'must have a Crewman SS' viewpoint. No doubt the Crewman SS provokes certain perceptions. But the certainties of this Aussie ute position the Crewman SS as a classy commercial vehicle of a specialised nature. It's one for those who need a sporty appearance and a ute in one package but with a back seat with limited space for a family (or 2 adults) but more importantly, a desire for a rewarding driving experience with an ability to carry a load of admiration. Ken Walker | |
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