HOLDEN has read the ute market slightly differently to Ford with its new VU utility. The sleek workhorse leans heavily towards the lifestyle end of the spectrum. At top of the range SS level it almost encroaches on street machine territory with its clean, minimalist lines that can be further set off by a super-slick, body-colour hinged cargo cover. But the most eloquent statement of Holden's position on the ute is the independent rear suspension. The same system as used in other Commodores, the semi-trailing link rear-end has been tweaked a little to cope with the varying loads it might be asked to carry, but it still rides and handles in an un-ute sort of a way. Then there's the option of a Chev 5.7-litre V8. As a V6 it's more staid, but there's no question if you want to pose, this is the ute to do it in.