Review: HSV VG Maloo (1990-91)

Overview

Released in October 1990, the HSV VG Maloo was a rear-wheel drive, performance utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Notting Hill, Victoria, the Maloo was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Only 132 VG Maloo vehicles were produced.

V8 engine

Shared with the Holden VN Commodore , the 5.0-litre V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. For the VG Maloo, however, the engine was fitted with an HSV-specific cold air intake (adapted from the SV5000), dual exhaust system (including an additional intermediate muffler and fabricated heat shielding) and electronic control unit.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the Holden VG Ute , the VG Maloo was 4903 mm long, 1812 mm wide, 1512 mm tall and had a 2822 mm long wheelbase; payload was 592 kg.

The Maloo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link live rear axle with coil springs – while the front suspension settings were based on the VN SV5000 , the specially-developed rear end had springs similar to those used in the Holden Holden VL Commodore wagon.

Brakes

The VG Maloo had 327 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and 278 mm by 20 mm vented rear discs.

Features: VG Maloo

Standard features for the VG Maloo included 16- by 8-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tyres, a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, contoured front sports seats, a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel and a soft tonneau cover. The VG Maloo was also fitted with a bodykit which included elements from the SV3800 and SV89.

As standard, the VG Maloo was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VG Maloo
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VN Commodore – HSV
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VN/VG/VQ