Review: Holden VF Ute (2013-17)

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• Excellent ride/handling balance
• Powerful 6.0-litre L77 V8 and, for VF.II Ute, 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engines
• Accurate steering
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• Quiet, well-insulated cabin

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• More practical commercial alternatives available
• Thick A-pillars impair forward visibility
• Interior plastics scratch easily
• Carbon deposits on intake valves of direct injection V6 engines

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Review: Holden VF.I Ute (2013-15)

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Overview

Released in May 2013, the Holden VF Series I (VF.I) Ute was a single cab, rear-wheel drive utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VF Commodore was available with 3.0- and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines, 3.6-litre V6 LPG engines and 6.0-litre V8 petrol engines. Furthermore, the VF Ute range consisted of standard, SV6, SS, SS V and SS V Redline models.

Engines

Of the engines,

• The 3.6-litre LFX V6 petrol/E85 engine had all-aluminium construction, a forged steel crankshaft, forged powdered metal connecting rods, twin knock control sensors, double overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection (Holden’s Spark Ignition Direct Injection or SIDI), four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake camshaft phasing, electronic throttle control and a compression ratio of 11.3:1; and,
• The 3.6-litre LWR dedicated LPG engine differed in that it had multi-point vapour injection, hardened valves and valve seats, a redesigned cylinder head and manifold, specially-developed injectors, a unique fuel rail, new pistons with pentroof-style domes and a compression ratio of 12.2:1;
• For the Ute SS and SS V, the 6.0-litre L77 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, flat-topped pistons, forged powered metal connecting rods, a billet steel camshaft, two valves per cylinder, external knock sensors and a compression ratio of 10.4:1. For models with automatic transmissions, the engine had displacement on demand hardware (Holden’s Active Fuel Management or AFM) that could shut down four cylinders under light throttle loads in higher gears. Furthermore, L77 AFM engines were detuned to 1) improve refinement when the AFM system engaged and 2) reduce fuel consumption.

While the 6.0-litre L77 V8 engine was initially flex-fuel capable (i.e. capable of running on E85 fuel which consisted of 85 per cent ethanol and 15 per cent petrol), this capability was discontinued in October 2014 as part of the ‘MY15’ update.

Transmissions

The V6 engines were available with six-speed 6L45 automatic and six-speed Aisin D173/AY6 manual transmissions. The V8 engines, however, were available with six-speed Tremec TR6060 manual and six-speed 6L80 automatic transmissions. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Platform and dimensions

The VF Ute was underpinned by the same Zeta architecture as the VE Ute . For the VF Ute, however, ultra-high strength Boron steel was used to reinforce the A-pillars and the header which joined them. Furthermore, the use of aluminium for the bonnet, boot, front steering knuckle and tension arms conserved mass.

Compared to the VE Ute , the VF Ute was 7 mm longer (at 5062 mm), 1 mm narrower (1898 mm) and 3 mm lower (1494 mm), though wheelbase length (3009 mm) was unchanged. 

Suspension

The VF Ute had double-pivot MacPherson strut front suspension with dual lower links (with individual ball joints), a tension link, lateral link and a direct acting stabiliser bar. The rear suspension was a four-link independent system with coil-over shock absorbers, three lateral ball joints per side, three cross ball joints and a decoupled stabiliser bar. 

Electric power steering

Like the VF Commodore , the VF Ute introduced electric power steering (EPS) which reduced fuel consumption and offered different settings for variants within the range. As such, the Evoke had lighter ‘Touring’ steering settings, while the SV6, SS, SS V and SS V Redline had ‘Sports’ settings which provided more feedback and feel; ‘Competition’ settings were available as an option for the SS V Redline.

In October 2014 (‘MY15’), the EPS settings were recalibrated to enhance on-centre steering feel and prevision. As standard, the SS V Redline was fitted with the ‘Sport and Competitive’ calibration.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden VF Ute included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The Ute SV6 and SS were further equipped with Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert functions, while the SS-V Redline will add Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning systems (see Video for demonstration).

Brakes

The VF Ute was available with three braking packages –

• For models with V6 engines: 298 mm by 30 mm vented front brake discs with two-piston aluminium calipers and 302 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers;
• For the SS and SS V: 321 mm by 30 mm vented front brake discs with two-piston aluminium calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers; and,
• For the SS V Redline: 355 mm by 32 mm vented front brake discs with four-piston, two-piece Brembo aluminium calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm vented rear discs with single-piston aluminium calipers.

ANCAP crash testing

Based on ANCAP crash tests of the VF Commodore and VF Sportwagon , the VF Utility received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.06 out of 37. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though chest and lower leg protection for the driver were acceptable. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded. Please note that the VF Commodore and VF Sportwagon both received scores of 35.06 out of 37 due to the fitment of second row seatbelt reminders.

Features: VF Ute

Standard features for the VF Ute included 16-inch steel wheels with 225/60 R16 tyres, a four speaker sound system, an eight-inch touchscreen with Holden’s MyLink, enhanced voice recognition and Siri Eyes Free integration, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, a four-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, a rear view camera, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, remote central locking, remote engine start (for models with automatic transmissions), power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, an electric park brake, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.

The VF Ute was also fitted with an ‘Auto Park Assist’ function which enabled the vehicle to steer into parallel and 90-degree angle parks while the driver operates the accelerator and brake pedals.

Features: Ute SV6, SS, SS V and Redline

The SV6 and SS Utes were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/45 R18 tyres, FE2 sports suspension, projector headlights, daytime LED running lights, suede/Sportec seat trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a soft tonneau cover; models with manual transmissions were also be fitted with a limited slip rear differential. Visually, the SV6 and SS variants will be identifiable by their front and rear sports fascias, side skirts and chrome exhaust tips.

Beyond this, the SS-V Ute added 19-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD/DVD player, leather seats, satellite navigation (with full colour maps, live traffic updates and traffic management control), front fog lights, digital instrument display, a proximity key and push-button start.

The range-topping SS-V Redline Ute was distinguished by its 19-inch forged alloy wheels with 245/40 R19 front and 275/35 R19 rear Bridgestone RE050 tyres, FE3 ultra sport suspension, and a colour head-up display. For the SS-V Redline, the driver could also engage a ‘competition mode’ with launch control and track settings.

From October 2014, the SS V Redline was fitted with split-rim 19-inch black alloy wheels, a ‘Jet Black’ interior scheme was made standard (available with optional titanium highlights) and models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles.

2014 Ute SV6 Storm and SS Storm

In April 2014, the Ute SV6 and SS variants were released in limited-run Storm editions. Compared to their standard counterparts, the SV6 Storm and SS Storm were further equipped with unique 18-inch alloy wheels with darkened ports, satellite navigation, ‘Storm’ dashboard embroidery, red contrast stitching for the dashboard and seats, front fog lights, chrome highlights and ‘Storm’ badges.

2015 Ute SV6 Lightning

The limited-run VF Ute SV6 Lightning was released in March 2015. Based on the Ute SV6, the Lightning edition was distinguished by its:

• 20-inch forged alloy wheels;
• Gloss black front grille surrounds and fender vents;
• A new slimline hard tonneau cover; and,
• For models with automatic transmissions, alloy pedals.

2015 Sandman Ute

Available from July 2015, the Sandman Ute consisted of an optional, $2950 package that was available for SV6 and SS V variants and consisted of:

• 20-inch gloss black wheels;
• Black fender vents;
• Black grille package;
• Black sports bar;
• Sandman decals;
• Sandman dashboard stitching;
• Sandman rear sunshade; and,
• Sandman floor mats.

As an extra-cost option, the Sandman Ute was available with orange sheep skin seat inserts. The Ute Sandman was available in Heron White, Nitrate Silver and Phantom Black paint finishes.

2015 Ute SV6 Storm and SS Storm

In May 2015, the Storm Editions of the Ute SV6 and SS were released. Compared to the standard SV6 and SS variants, the Storm Editions added 18-inch dark finish alloy wheels, satellite navigation, red contrast seat stitching, front fog lights, ‘Storm’ dashboard embroidery and ‘Storm’ exterior badges.

Brochures

• Brochure: Holden VF Ute (March 2013)
• Flyer: Holden VF Storm Ute (April 2014)

Related links

• Holden Media: New Holden VF Ute – More Safety, More Technology, More Value (May 2013)
• Holden Media: Precision, Refinement and Economy: Chassis Evolution Drives Best Ever Commodore (May 2013)
• Holden Media: New Technologies and Sleek Design Make Commodore the Most Economical Yet (May 2013)
• Holden Media: VF SS V Redline Sets new Standard for Holden Performance (July 2013)
• Features: Holden VF Ute (May 2013)
• Technical Specifications: Holden VF Ute (May 2013)
• Product Information: Holden VF Range (May 2013)
• Holden Media: Storm Hits Australia as Holden Introduces New VF Commodore Special Edition (April 2014)

Review: Holden VF.II Ute (2015-17)

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Overview

Produced from September 2015, the Holden VF Series II (VF.II) Ute introduced GM’s 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine (detailed below). Where fitted, the V8 engine was accompanied by a bi-modal exhaust with a Holden-designed ‘Baillie Tip’ and mechanical sound enhancer.

Visually, the VF.II Ute SV6, SS and SS V could be identified by their new front fascias with ducts at the outer edges and alloy wheel designs, while bonnet vents were also introduced for the SS and SS V variants. Both the fascia ducts and bonnet vents were aerodynamically tested at the Monash University wind tunnel.

As part of the VF.II update, the rear suspension for the FE3 suspension tune was revised for greater ride comfort.

LS3 V8 engine

The all-aluminium, ‘Generation IV’ 6.2-litre LS3 pushrod V8 engine had a 103.25 mm bore and 92.0 mm stroke, flat-topped pistons, cast-steel roller rocker arms, roller cam followers, coil pack ignition, two valves per cylinder, hollow-stem intake valves, twin knock control sensors, distributorless ignition and a compression ratio of 10.7:1.

Compared to the L76 and L98 engines, the 6.2-litre LS3 V8 engine had longer bores (103.25 mm compared to 101.6 mm), a stronger block, higher-flow cylinder heads and injectors, hollow-stem intake valves, unique pistons, a more aggressive camshaft with 14.0 mm lift and a revised manifold. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features: VF.II Ute

Compared to their VF.I predecessors, standard features for the VF.II Ute SV6 and SS were extended to include a proximity key for keyless entry and push button start (Holden’s Passive Entry/Passive Start). Furthermore, the VF.II Ute SS V was fitted with a head-up colour display as standard.

The Ute SS V Redline was fitted with rear Brembo brakes as standard (previously front only), while 20-inch forged wheels were available as an extra-cost option.

2016 Holden VF Ute Black

Released in April 2016, the Holden VF.II Ute Black was based on the Ute SV6 or SS. The Ute Black could be identified by its unique 18-inch alloy wheels with black finish on the wheel ports, black grille and ‘Black Edition’ badging. Inside, standard features extended to include satellite navigation, a colour head-up display, red seat stitching and ‘Black Edition’ front floor mats.

2017 Holden VF Ute Magnum Limited Edition

Released in January 2017, the Holden VF Ute Magnum Limited Edition was based on the Holden VF Ute SS-V Redline. Compared to the VF Ute SS-V, however, the VF Ute Magnum Limited Edition had:

• FE3 rear suspension;
• 20-inch split forged alloy wheels with high performance tyres;
• ‘Floating disc’ front and rear cross-drilled rotors (for a 3.25 kg mass reduction) with charcoal-coloured Brembo callipers; and,
• An engine and transmission cooling package to meet ‘GM level 3’ track performance (like the contemporaneous Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CTS).

Visually, the Holden VF Ute Magnum Limited Edition could be identified by its hard tonneau cover and unique ‘Magnum’ rear window graphic, badging and decals. Inside, the VF Ute Magnum Limited Edition featured ‘performance’ front seats with heating function, an embroidered instrument panel individual vehicle numbering and a unique build option code.

Production of the Holden VF Ute Magnum Limited Edition was limited to 240 vehicles.

Holden VF.II Ute: February 2017 changes

In February 2017, the Holden VF.II Ute range was revised as the Ute SS-V discontinued and a manual transmission was no longer available for models with V6 engines. For the Ute SV6 and Ute SS, standard features were extended to include satellite navigation and a head-up display.

Cosmetic changes for the 2017 Holden VF.II Ute range included:

• For the Ute SV6, black finish 18-inch alloy wheels;
• For the Ute SS, 19-inch alloy wheels (previously 18-inch); and,
• For the Ute SS-V Redline, a black grille, fender vents, door mirror scalps, daytime running light surrounds and black sports bar. Inside, the Ute SS-V Redline featured a ‘jade black’ applique on the instrument panel and steering wheel, and new ‘V’ sill plates.

Brochures

• Brochure: Holden VF.II Ute (October 2015)

Related links

• Holden Media: Holden Commodore VFII: The Quickest, Most Powerful, Most Advanced Commodore Ever (September 2015)
• Wikipedia.org: Holden VF Commodore
• Behind the Wheel: 2017 Holden SS Ute Review