Cdaa Test-drive In A Hsv ‘y’ Clubsport

[CDAA]

Well, since I drove the famous 4 (SV8, SS, XR6T & XR8), I was left a little confused. I’ve found the XR6T very hard to beat, both on paper and in reality. All cars definitely had their strengths and I’m pleased to say as a Ford bloke that the Barra’s this time around are in a different class of refinement and performance.

The XR8 was the one I really had a thing for however. You see its that pesky voice in my head, lump in my throat, racing of my pulse and drain on my wallet that enlightens my sensors when I’m in this car and makes me feel like I driving something really special.

Time to take things up a level….

I decided, based on my V8 dilemma that it was worth exploring the V8 market even further. It was time I ventured into HSV territory and drive HSV’s very own ‘Y’ series Clubbie. I decided as I test-drove the XR’s first last time followed by the SV8 and SS, I would change the order around and drive the HSV first.

I returned back to Richard who in my opinion was one of the best car sales people I have met. As he did with the black SS I drove a week earlier, Richard went out of his way to satisfy my needs by obtaining a Clubsport with some km’s already on the clock. I had explained to him previously my disappointment with the acceleration and torque of the SS so we addressed this issue as a process of elimination.

What was waiting for me was a Reef green and silver HSV Clubsport ‘Y’ series 6 speed manual with 5000km’s on the clock. Talk about service, he also arranged to have the car washed and vacuumed just before I arrived to drive it.

‘Y’ I had a closer look….

To date I had not seen the new ‘Y’ series close up in the flesh. This was an opportunity to have a real close up inspection of its styling. From a distance walking towards the car from side-on the car presented well, very aggressive and sleek. At this point I must confess that the wheels on the HSV are simply stunning and do so much for this car. This is one area I feel Ford is improving, however are not quite there yet in comparison.

As I got closer things started to take on a different form. I have heard that HSV has invested a packet on body kit moulding technology, however it didn’t show with this example. Fittings, including the front and rear bumpers had an aftermarket finish to them rather than factory with furry edges and a small, however cheesy use of mesh. The styling of the body kit was reasonable from the front and I could learn to love it with time, however the back was much more challenging for me to come to terms with and Richard knew it.

Drive time…..

As the focus slid a little off course Richard quickly got me the keys and suggested we go for a decent drive. This time he allowed me to drive straight out of the dealership. Somehow along the way I must have mislead his confidence in me as a driver.

Immediately I felt confident with this car, even more so than the SS. The seats were well supported and everything felt more integrated in general than the SS. The dash looked good initially, however when using it I found it to present almost toy-like with the use of large chunky numbers and font styles. I’m sure many people would like this, especially the visually impaired. As for me I found the styling design to look sporty, yet dated.

On to performance, may I say straight out that this car was much better than the VY SS I drove. This time there was some low down torque to play with and gobs of grunt as the revs raised. The top end power was sweet and strong. Breathless is not a word I would associate with this engine. The experience was in fact very similar to the BA XR8, however the XR had very low km’s in comparison and consequently felt a little tighter and resistant. Overall as an average driver, I found on outright performance terms it was hard to pick the two apart.

Refinement even in HSV guise was another matter. I was surprised how raw and rugged the Clubbie felt. Drive train backlash and vibration on hard acceleration was overwhelmingly obvious. In some ways I liked it, and in others I found it to be unacceptable for the value. Suspension was direct, precise and hard as all buggery… a little too hard for my liking as a daily driver. On the other hand this car would make a fun weekend racecar.

Summary….

The Clubsport in “Y’ series guise is an interesting animal. A part of me just loved the car and its performance. Another part found it a little cheesy and unsophisticated. The SS was no different, however it was easier to accept as factory product. The HSV brand is the promise of more and though there is no denying you get more usable ‘go’, ‘corner’ and ‘stopping’ power from an HSV product, refinement in delivering these vital features appeared not to be a priority.

I know the XR8 is not a direct competitor of the Clubsport and it’s not appointed quite as well, but as for refinement, performance and drivability I am surprised to acknowledge that it was ‘still’ in another class, and better one at that. Would you buy an XR8 over a Clubsport? It’s a tough question. I probably would personally, however there is much value in the HSV brand, which to the right buyer is definitely worth something.

My last drive will be in a GT, Fords answer to the HSV Clubsport. I plan to be objective, but unless FPV have gone backwards from the XR8, it’s looking pretty good for the Ford this time around.

Cheers,

Colville

[Falchoon]

Another great review!

[Cro]

I think we need to get Motor or Wheels to check this site out...

I'm 100% sure you'll get a job offer mate. Top review! :D

[Guest Phantom]

Who needs to waste money buying Wheels or Motor magazines.

We've got CDAA.

[AMoffat]

I like the seat of the pants stuff, written for the masses, wel done.

I likethe Murcury Silver XR8 in the local dealers as well.

[CDAA]

  Cro said:

I think we need to get Motor or Wheels to check this site out...

I'm 100% sure you'll get a job offer mate. Top review!  :D

Thanks Guys, your comments make it worth the effort. As for MOTOR or WHEELS, I think my grammar and spelling may get to them. I just write it down like a story of my own experience as it’s much more interesting IMO. I also write while the experience is fresh in my mind to keep the content objective as possible. As you know over time..we all have tenancies to convince ourselves when it's something you really want!

I'm pleased you all got something out of it.

[rjs]

Excellent work CDAA, looking forward to some more info.

[Guest DZ.]

  CDAA said:

  Cro said:

I think we need to get Motor or Wheels to check this site out...

I'm 100% sure you'll get a job offer mate. Top review!  :D

Thanks Guys, your comments make it worth the effort. As for MOTOR or WHEELS, I think my grammar and spelling may get to them. I just write it down like a story of my own experience as it’s much more interesting IMO. I also write while the experience is fresh in my mind to keep the content objective as possible. As you know over time..we all have tenancies to convince ourselves when it's something you really want!

I'm pleased you all got something out of it.

When you take the GT for a test drive, see if you can get some happy snaps as well. Motor and Wheels may not be interested but Autospeed do buy articles provided that they come with pictures.

I agree with everyone else here - you're doing pretty good reviews - unbiased and factual. It's the sort of material I think Autospeed would be interested in and might be willing to pay for.