Review: HSV VS Grange (1996-99)

HSV VS.II Grange (1996-98)

Overview

Released in October 1996, the HSV VS Series II (VS.II) Grange was a luxury, long wheelbase sedan. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the HSV VS Grange was available in 185i and 215i variants, powered by 5.0- and stroked 5.7-litre V8 engines respectively. The VS Grange was the first Grange produced by HSV, having previously produced Statesman and Caprice models under its own brand.

5.0- and 5.7-litre V8 engines

The cast-iron 5.0-litre V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder, GM-Delco engine management system, Bosch electronic ignition, a cold air intake and a compression ratio of 8.4:1. The 5.0-litre V8 engine was solely available with a four-speed 4L60-E automatic transmission.

Shared with the VS Senator 215i and VS GTS , the stroked 5.7-litre V8 engine had an 11 mm longer Harrop crankshaft, flat-top pistons to lower the compression ratio (for compatibility with regular unleaded petrol), new valves, valve springs and a new flywheel. This engine was solely available with a four-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission.

Dimensions and suspension

Based on the Holden VS Caprice , the VS Grange was 4989 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1463 mm tall and had a 2826 mm long wheelbase.

The VS Grange had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms. Unlike the Holden VS Statesman and Caprice , however, the HSV Grange was fitted with a larger front anti-roll bars, revised front suspension top mountings, unique dampers and springs rates and an electronically controlled ‘level ride’ rear suspension system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the VS.II Grange included dual front airbags and ABS.

Brakes

The HSV VS Grange 185i variants had 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 280 mm by 20 mm solid rear discs. The Grange 215i variants, however, had 328 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs and vented rear disc brakes (the latter were optional for the 185i).

Features

Standard features for the HSV VS.II Grange included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 ZR17 tyres, a ten speaker sound system with a ten-disc CD stacker, climate control air conditioning, a power adjustable driver’s seat (with memory settings), leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a trip computer, power sunroof, woodgrain interior trim, an alarm and immobiliser.

The 215i variants were also fitted with a Hydratrak limited slip differential.

HSV VS.III Grange (1998-99)

Overview

Released in June 1998, the VS Series III (VS.III) was a minor update for the Grange, though features were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VS Grange
• Wikipedia.org: Holden Caprice – VS
• Wikipedia.org: HSV – VR/VS