HSV chops entry prices with born-again ClubSport
BY RON HAMMERTON | 9th Aug 2012
The new ClubSport – part of a mid-year “model-year 12.5” range rev-up to mark HSV’s imminent 25th anniversary – has been introduced at a driveaway price of $64,990, compared with a list price of $67,990 for the previous entry sedan from Holden’s hot shop, the ClubSport R8.
By the time dealer delivery and statutory charges were added to the previous ClubSport R8, the price was closer to $72,000.
As well, HSV has reintroduced the base Maloo ute below the Maloo R8, hitting showrooms at a driveaway price of $58,990, compared with the previous entry price of $64,990 for the Maloo R8 (plus on-road costs).
The moves by HSV come just days before rival Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) holds a media launch in Melbourne for its revised range.
Apart from a couple of special limited editions, the latest ClubSport is the first HSV model to carry that nameplate without the ‘R8’ tag since July 2006, when the VE Commodore was introduced, along with the E Series HSV-enhanced variants.
The new-look ClubSport and Maloo both come armed with the 317kW 6.2 LS3 Gen 4 V8, along with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions.
As well, standard equipment includes 20-inch Pentagon wheels, sport touring suspension, ‘competition mode’ ESC, four-piston brakes, satellite navigation and rear-park assist with reversing camera.
The ClubSport R8 and Maloo R8 have been retained in the range, but elevated with the addition of the more powerful 325kW version of the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 from the Grange.
As well, the R8 variants get the Bi-Modal exhaust, forged alloy wheels (8.5-inch wide front, 9.5-inch rear) and HSV leather upholstery.
Price rises accompany the upgrade for the R8 variants, with ClubSport R8 sedan rising from $67,990 to $71,500 (plus on-roads), the ClubSport R8 Sports Tourer wagon from $68,990 to $72,500, and Maloo R8 going from $64,990 to $68,500.
HSV says the ClubSport R8 customer gets extra gear worth between $6000 and $7000 for an extra $3510.
In other changes to the range, the upmarket Senator Signature also gains the 325kW V8, Bi-Modal exhaust and SV forged alloy wheels, along with a $2000 price rise to $86,990.
The flagship Grange also gets the new wheels, but holds its price at $88,990.
HSV sales general manager Darren Bowler said HSV was confident the return of the ClubSport and Maloo to the range would enhance an already extremely competitive offer from HSV.
| HSV MY12.5 pricing: | |
| Maloo | $58,990 drive-away |
| Maloo R8 | $68,500 plus on-roads |
| ClubSport | $64,990 drive-away |
| ClubSport R8 | $71,500 plus on-roads |
| ClubSport R8 Tourer | $72,500 plus on-roads |
| Senator Signature | $86,990 plus on-roads |
| Grange | $88,990 plus on-roads |
