JUST weeks after Holden introduced its new VE Ute, Holden Special Vehicles has its own Maloo R8 version on the road, priced from $59,990. That’s about $1900 less than the outgoing model, but the more expensive six-speed sequential auto means you now pay an extra $2000 for that whereas it was previously free. Being based on a Holden that is priced from $31K, it is not the most refined vehicle in the world, with questionable handling and a lack of interior finesse, while visibility is terrible. Still, with a great ride and comfortable seats as well as some highly appealing features, the new Maloo R8 – there is no ‘base’ version available, for now at least – represents plenty of bang and visual impact for your buck.
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HSV Z-Series Maloo
Released: October 2004
Ended: December 2006
Family Tree: MalooHOLDEN Special Vehicles introduced the Z-Series Maloo in October 2004. Fitted with a 6.0-litre engine for the first time, it produced 297kW and 530Nm, driving through a choice of six-speed manual gearbox or a no-cost optional four-speed auto. There were two model variants – a regular Maloo and the Maloo R8, which cost almost $7000 more. The last Z-Series Maloo rolled off HSV’s Clayton production line in December 2006.
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