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10/12/2007
By EWAN KENNEDY
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There's something very Australian about HSV cars. They are big, powerful, easy going, and just love working hard and playing hard.
 At one of the pinnacles of the HSV range sits the Grange. A large luxurious sedan with a hard edge, but one that’s not too hard because in the endless comfort/performance compromise there's a leaning towards the former. Though certainly not to the extent that these are soft cars.
HSV's latest Grange, from the Melbourne based maker of hot machines which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, carries on the traditions so well established by previous Granges. Now based on the new WM series of long-wheelbase models from Holden, this new Grange offers even better value than previously.
Holden has reduced manufacturing costs on the donor vehicle. Which allows HSV to sell its new Grange for only $82,990. A significant reduction on the $89,950 asked for the previous WL-based series model. On-road costs have to be factored in, but you still fork out significantly less than $100,000 and get a lot of car for your money.
The value for money offered by HSV models is astonishingly good when you compare them to German cars that are similar in size, specification, price and performance.
Grange is positively crammed with upmarket items. Including twin DVD screens, one at the back of each front-seat headrest; rear park assist sonar, three-zone climate-controlled air conditioning; leather trim and quality carpet. Satellite navigation was installed in our test Grange and is a $1990 option.
 One of the big features of the Grange, as well as the Holden Statesman and Caprice models on which Grange is based, is a very spacious body with stretch out room in the back seat.
Subtle yet effective styling changes have been made by HSV chief designer Julian Quincey to differentiate it from the other vehicles in the HSV range. The front has a bold look courtesy of special treatment of the grille, bumper and spoiler. And the rear uses a wing that’s integrated neatly into the design of the bootlid. Over-the-top it’s not, yet those who know their cars will instantly recognise the HSV Grange for what it is.
Power comes from the 307 kW, 6.0-litre V8 engine based on the Chevrolet LS2 unit. It has been specifically tuned to suit Australian roads and Aussie drivers’ preferences. There’s plenty of power for the asking and because the engine relies on sheer size rather than add-on turbochargers throttle response is all but instantaneous. The engine likes to have about 2500 rpm on board before it really starts to boogie. Yet is happy to cruise along with just 1500 revs on the tacho.
Fuel consumption is a weak point of this big American engine. Around town the big sedan will often be slurping petrol at the rate of 15 to 18 litres per hundred kilometres, with 20 litres on the cards if you want to get a bit of sportiness in your life. On motorways the consumption drops remarkably and it’s possible to cut it to below 10 litres per hundred without too much attention to economy driving. Country running will typically see fuel being used at about 12 to 14 litres per hundred kilometres.
Grange’s chassis benefits from the MRC (Magnetic Ride Control) system that tunes the suspension dampers moment by moment according to road surfaces and driving style. Thus giving excellent control for good handling without taking too much away from ride comfort.
 The MRC system has been calibrated to suit the more luxurious needs of the Grange compared with the other in the HSV range. There's still a definite sporting feel that the keen driver will enjoy, but the passengers are seldom, if ever, going to complain about the ride quality.
And they will certainly remark on the comfort. This is almost a limousine in the way it rides and the quality of fittings supplied. Though Granges typically sell to the self-made Aussie who uses it as family transport, they also make a lot of sense for people such as real estate agents who need to cosset clients as they are shuttled between prospective properties.
Few would consider taking a Grange to a racetrack at the weekend, as is common practice with the smaller vehicles in the HSV range. However, if your mates do invite you to an HSV function don’t feel left out of the fun, get onto the track and enjoy the sound and feel of that big V8 in action, appreciate just how well the suspension handles extremes and marvel at the stopping power of the big brakes. You won’t be sorry!
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Grange 6.0-litre four-door sedan - $82,990
FEATURES
ABS Brakes: Standard
Air Conditioning: Standard
Automatic Transmission: Standard
CD Player: Standard
Central Locking: Standard
Cruise Control: Standard
Dual Front Airbags: Standard
Front Side Airbags: Standard
Stability Control: Standard
Traction Control: Standard
SPECIFICATIONS (HSV Grange 6.0-litre four-door sedan)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 5.967 litres
Configuration: Longitudinal V8
Head Design: OHV, two valves per cylinder
Compression Ratio: 10.9:1
Bore/Stroke: 101.6 x 99.0 mm
Maximum Power: 307 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 550 Nm @ 4400 rpm
DRIVELINE:
Driven Wheels: Rear
Manual Transmission: Not offered
Automatic Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive Ratio: 3.27:1
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5153 mm
Wheelbase: 3009 mm
Width: 1899 mm
Height: 1475 mm
Turning Circle: 11.4 metres
Kerb Mass: 1829kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 73 litres
Towing Ability: 1600kg with braked trailer
SUSPENSION AND BRAKES:
Front Suspension: Independent, MacPherson struts, a-arms, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc
Rear Brakes: Ventilated disc
FUEL CONSUMPTION:
Fuel Type: Petrol 95RON
Fuel Consumption - Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 14.2 L/100 km
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years/ 100,000 km |
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