Not everyone wants a V8 ute .... or do they?

That question came to mind after driving some 609 kms around Sydney and Newcastle, NSW, in an SS ute. The pose value of a sporty looking ute has to be experienced to be believed. It was apparent everywhere we went that the bright yellow coloured SS ute was being noticed by those who notice these types of 'things'. We have observed this phenomenon previously, when we've been behind the wheel of a Ford Falcon XR8 ute.

Although high fuel prices may reduce the sales volume of these highly prized utes, it is more than apparent that many people still see the Aussie-made V8 ute as being 'the' vehicle of choice. It must be the pose value. The Holden Commodore SS utility attracts attention, actively accelerating admiration, although few of those day-dreamers will get to take one home. Highly taxed petrol will see to that!

Our test vehicle, on this occasion, was the VZ series Holden Commodore SS utility. This model is now heading to it's run-out phase. Although, strangely enough, there is no mention of a successor just yet.

The test car featured the imported 6-litre V8, which was matched to the standard 6-speed manual transmission. The V8, known as generation IV in GM terminology, produces 260 kW of power at 5,600 rpm. The torque reading is an amazing 510 Nm at 4,400 rpm. With this amount of grunt ready to work for you when you apply just a little bit of pressure on the accelerator, you have to feel good about the prospects of moving with a high degree of satisfaction.

When the revs are over 2,500 per minute that delightful V8 burble makes itself known in the traditional manner. It's that burble that justifies the SS, just as it does in the Ford, too.

The audible tone sets the tone, the interior comfort sets the satisfaction and the driving dynamics sets the pleasure of driving this gentle giant, which is an easy drive for the experienced driver. As always though, inexperienced drivers and show-offs should not have access to this type of vehicle. The notchy gearbox may not suit everyone, but it suited me. If you must have a manual, then a manual which has a tough feel about it, is the way to go.

The steering wheel, which is reasonably thick, feels good to the hands as you 'get a grip'. The wheel adjusts, both, up and down and in and out, enabling the driver the opportunity to get a good driving position, regardless of their physique. The seating is good, too. There is electric adjustment for the seat height, but the slide is manual. So, too, is the lumbar support and the backrest. The test car featured the optional leather trim and it added to the ambience of the SS ute. The interior was particularly comfortable and quite satisfying.

The current price (RRP) for the Commodore SS utility is $41,990. This price applies for both the manual or automatic transmission versions. Options available for the SS ute are: metallic paint ($315) and leather trim ($1,190). Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, driver and passenger airbags, sports tailpipe tip, tonneau cover, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, power antenna, alloy look pedals, leather wrap steering wheel, gear shift knob and handbrake handle together with a Blaupunkt AM/FM audio system which features a 6 disc in-dash CD stacker and 4 speakers.

Let's look at an important question .... which is better, the Holden Commodore SS ute or the Ford Falcon XR8 ute? In my view, they both go well and they both offer driving satisfaction. The Falcon XR8 ute looks better to my eyes, but the Commodore SS ute has better visibility for the driver and it has a driver's footrest (important for long distance driving, very important for spirited driving).

From our experience, fewer 'things' (another word for cheap plastic interior fittings) fall off a Holden than a Ford, but recent experiences with Ford suggests 'things' are improving.

But it is difficult to look past the visibility issue (pardon the pun), so although I greatly appreciate the Falcon XR8 ute, the Commodore SS ute gets my nod of approval. It is just a great drive, providing you can afford the running costs of a 6-litre V8 in this era of highly taxed petrol.

But it is easy to appreciate both, because the appeal of the aussie V8 utes is more than pose value. They offer excellent driving qualities and a satisfying interior ambience.

Now, let's pose another question. Should a ute be added to Holden's VE series? Car companies have made plenty of mistakes in the past, but would any company making a product as highly desirable as an aussie made V8 ute be silly enough to drop it from their product range? We can't answer that question, because we have seen Holden make mistakes in the past. However, we do know that Holden are planning to increase production at their Elizabeth (SA) plant later this year, having reduced production not so long ago. So, either more cars will be exported or more cars will be sold locally. These are the only possibilities. Conjecture suggests the VE line-up will be expanded before the year is over. Therefore, our response to the question is an easy one to imagine ...... a VE ute, bring it on! For General Motors, it would be like finding the proverbial pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!