- Responsive 5.0-litre V8 engine
- Competent dynamics
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Impractical as an actual utility
- Limited interior storage
- Below average interior fit and finish
HSV VS.I Maloo (1995-96)
Overview
Released in May 1995, the HSV VS Series I (VS.I) Maloo was a rear-wheel drive, performance utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the VS Maloo was based on the Holden VS Ute and powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.
V8 engine
Unchanged from the VR Maloo , the 5.0-litre V8 engine had a 101.6 mm bore, 77.8 mm stroke, two valves per cylinder, a compression ratio of 8.4:1, GM-Delco engine management system, Bosch electronic ignition and a cold air intake.
Dimensions and suspension
The VS Maloo was 4896 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1510 mm tall and had a 2822 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the VS Maloo had MacPherson strut front suspension and a five-link live rear axle with coil springs.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VS.I Maloo | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
185 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VS.I Maloo included a driver’s airbag.
Brakes
The VS Maloo had 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear discs.
Features
Standard Maloo features included 17-inch alloy wheels, a two speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking and a soft tonneau cover.
HSV VS.II Maloo (1996-98)
Overview
Released in July 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) Maloo introduced additional features and an Integrated Security System (ISS) which included an immobiliser.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VS.II Maloo | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
185 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Features
Standard Maloo features extended to include power windows, power mirrors and the aforementioned immobiliser; models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with a leather park-brake handle and gearshift lever.
1998 Maloo 10th Anniversary edition
In March 1998, limited-run 10th Anniversary edition models were released; these models were distinguished by their unique ‘Anniversary Bronze’ paint finish and ’10th Anniversary’ decals.
HSV VS.III Maloo (1998-00)
Overview
Released in May 1998, the VS Series III (VS.III) was a minor update for the Maloo; standard features, however, were largely unchanged. In 1999, a wiring upgrade was introduced to support the 195 kW engine – previously introduced with the HSV VT ClubSport – which had sequential fuel injection and an increased compression ratio (8.8:1, previously 8.4:1).
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VS.III Maloo | 1998-99 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
185 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| 1999-00 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
195 kW at 5200 rpm | 430 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VS Maloo
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VR/VS
