Review: Holden VS Ute (1995-00)

Review: Holden VS.I Ute (1995-96)

Overview

Released in April 1995, the Holden VS Series I (VS.I) Ute was a rear-wheel drive, single cab utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VS Ute was available with 3.8-litre V6 engine and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines. 

V6 and V8 Engines

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L36 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Compared to the VR Ute’s L27 engine, the L36 engine had a new cylinder block, shorter connecting rods, lightweight pistons, a redesigned crankshaft, new intake manifold, redesigned cylinder head with larger valves and a higher compression ratio (previously 9.0:1); and,
• Carried over from the VP Ute, the 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 8.4:1.

Transmissions: 4L60E and M39 T5

Both the V6 and V8 engines were available with electronically-controlled four-speed 4L60E automatic and five-speed Borg Warner M39 T5 manual transmissions. For the VS range, the 4L60E transmission was revised for improved throttle response and smoother gear changes.

Dimensions and VR comparison

Compared to the VR Ute , dimensions for the VS Ute were unchanged: 4896 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1510 tall and with a 2822 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the load floor was 2145 mm long by 1520 mm wide, with 1172 mm between the wheel arches. Visually, the VS Ute could be identified by its new Holden logo and wheel trims.

Suspension

The VS Ute had MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle with five links and coil springs.

Safety equipment

The VS Ute was not fitted with safety equipment such as a driver’s airbag or ABS as standard.

Brakes

The VS Ute had 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.7 mm solid rear discs.

Features

Standard features for the VS Ute included 15-inch steel wheels, a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, remote central locking, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.

The Ute S was further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels and a soft tonneau cover.

Review: Holden VS.II Ute (1996-98)

Overview

Released in June 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) Ute introduced refreshed interiors and mechanical upgrades. For the latter,

• The 5.0-litre V8 engines were fitted with a new cold air induction system and free-flowing exhaust;
• For models with V6 engines, the T5 manual transmissions were replaced by the M35 Getrag (also known as ‘Getrag 260’) manual transmission which had a dual mass flywheel and clutch; and,
• For models with V8 engines, the T5 manual transmissions were replaced by the M34 Getrag (also known as ‘Getrag 290’) manual transmissions.

Inside, there were new front seat cushions with rounded edges, new seat and door trim fabrics and visor-mounted vanity mirror and padded door appliqués.

Features

Compared to their VS.I predecessors, standard features for the VS.II Ute were extended to include ‘PowerKey’ remote central locking and power-operated door mirrors; power windows were also available as an option for the S variant.

1998 Holden Ute 50^thAnniversary

In March 1998, a 50th Anniversary edition of the standard Ute was released. Visually, the 50th Anniversary edition could be identified by its 15-inch alloy wheels, Rubens Red paint finish, bodykit and special badging. Inside, there were Calais-style seats with leather bolsters and a leather-covered steering wheel, gearshift lever and handbrake handle. The 50th Anniversary edition also featured air conditioning and power windows.

Review: Holden VS.III Ute (1998-00)

Overview

Released in May 1998, the VS Series III (VS.III) Ute had an expanded range as an SS variant was introduced. The Ute SS was initially introduced as a limited edition model, but continued beyond its initial production of 300 units. From 1999, the SS was fitted with a more powerful 5.0-litre V8 engine.

Visually, the VS.III Ute could be identified by its silver grille surround, while Ute S models had new 15-inch sports alloy wheels. Inside, there were new seat and door trim fabrics and a rear bulkhead storage net.

Features

Compared to its VS.II predecessor, standard features for the Ute were largely unchanged. The Ute S, however, received an improved sound system with separate bass and treble control, automatic program search, Dolby noise reduction and a CD input socket.

Compared to the S, standard features for the SS were extended to include 16-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, air conditioning, front fog lights, power windows and leather-covered steering wheel, handbrake and gearshift; the SS was also fitted with ABS. Visually, the SS could be identified by its front bumper apron, side skirts and polished rear alloy bar.

2000 Olympic Edition Ute

In April 2000, an Olympic Edition of the Ute S was released. Compared to the Ute S, the Olympic Edition was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, low profile tyres, air conditioning, velour seat upholstery with leather bolsters, power windows and a leather-covered steering wheel, transmission lever and handbrake. Visually, the Olympic Edition could be identified by its body-coloured front and side skirts, chrome body side mouldings, chrome inserts (bumper and grille), chrome exhaust extension and ‘Olympic Edition’ badges.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Ute