- Responsive 5.0-litre V8 engine
- Competent dynamics
- Spacious interior
- Four-speed automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
- Below average interior fit and finish
- High fuel consumption
HSV VS.I Manta (1995-96)
Overview
Released in April 1995, the HSV VS Series I (VS.I) Manta was available as a sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, and finished by HSV in Clayton, Victoria, the rear-wheel drive VS Manta was fitted with a 5.0-litre V8 engine that was mated to either a four-speed 4L60-E automatic or five-speed Borg-Warner T5 manual transmission.
V8 engine
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
Positioned below the VS ClubSport as the entry-level vehicle within the HSV range, the Manta sedan was 4861 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1491 mm tall and had a 2731 mm long wheelbase. Wagon models, however, 42 mm longer (at 4903 mm) and had 91 mm longer wheelbases (2822 mm).
Suspension
Whereas the VS Manta sedan had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, wagon models have a live rear axle with lower trailing arms.
| Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manta | Sedan, wagon |
5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
180 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VS.I Manta included ABS.
Brakes
The VS Manta 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.I Manta included 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 225/50 ZR16 Bridgestone Expedia tyres, a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and remote central locking.
As standard, the Manta was also fitted with a limited slip differential.
HSV VS.II Manta (1996-97)
Overview
Released in July 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) Manta introduced five-speed Getrag 260 manual transmissions and minor changes to standard features (detailed below).
| Body | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manta | Sedan, wagon |
5.0-litre petrol V8 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
180 kW at 4800 rpm | 400 Nm at 3600 rpm |
Features
Standard features for the VS.II Manta were extended to include power windows and mirrors (previously optional) and HSV’s Integrated Security System (ISS) which included an immobiliser; the head unit for the sound system was also upgraded.
Models with automatic transmissions were also fitted with a leather-wrapped park-brake handle and gear shift lever.
Related links
- Holden Special Vehicles: HSV VS Manta
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Commodore – HSV
- Wikipedia.org: HSV – VR/VS
