Holden Ute Thunder 2011 Review

It may be just a marketing exercise designed to sell more Commodore utes but the Thunder limited edition makes an enticing package for boof-head Aussie blokes or sheilas. Holden has cleverly identified the good bits many ute buyers want, packaged them up into the Thunder and offered it up for three grand less than what you'd normally pay.

VALUE

The SS V8 manual we drove goes for a snip under 40 grand drive away but you get plenty for the dosh including those striking grey 19-inch alloys, the lowered sports suspension, excellent satnav with camera warning and traffic info', Bluetooth phone and audio and partial leather sports seats.

The touch screen control is handy as is the audio with music register but you will really appreciate the cruise, wheel controls, auto lights and comprehensive trip computer.

PERFORMANCE

Not lacking here at all with a thumping 6.0-litre, Gen 4, petrol V8 nestling under the ridged bonnet. It's good for 270kW/530Nm output and for the first time runs on E85 as well as 91 up to 98 octane. Obviously, it goes better on 98 but you really don't need it for everyday driving.

There's heaps of kick from get go up to redline at about 6500rpm. You will need to exercise the left hand and clutch foot to get the best from this car as it's over-geared in 5th and 6th - presumably to save fuel and cut noise. A 0-100kmh sprint goes by in about 6.5 seconds and we saw 12.8-litres/100km fuel economy.

SAFETY

Excellent here too with a five star rating - meaning six air bags, stability control and a protective body/chassis.

PRACTICALITIES

All important for what is ostensibly a work truck - ha ha, rego number YOB - 177 - good one. We gave up trying to work out Thunder's payload but surmise it would be around 500kg. That's pretty good for a show truck like this with low profile tyres and low ride height. There's a tray liner and vinyl tonneau cover that's simple to use. The tray is long and wide and easily takes two motorbikes with the tailgate up.

Only two seats in the cabin is limiting but having a bench in there just wouldn't cut it for the show ponies. It has a reasonable turning circle at 11.4 metres and a decent 71-litre tank. We found rear side vision for lane changing a bit worrying due to the wide B pillar.

DRIVING

Quite impressive thanks to that big, burbling engine and the sports suspension. It has plenty of mumbo for all contingencies and the handling is reasonably good - to a point. Ride quality is unexpectedly supple but the steering lacks feel.

Limited slip diff gives traction boost.We'd like a more assertive exhaust note and better lumbar support from the seats. The low front bumper scrapes on some gutters and the alloys would be easy to "kerb".

VERDICT

Yep, we can appreciate why this vehicle is in serious demand because it's a lot like a two seater V8 sports sedan. We found it extremely difficult to find E85 even though we were keen to try it - put E10 in it...

HOLDEN THUNDER UTE

Price: from $39,490
Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km
Service interval: 15,000km or 12-months
Safety equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD, stability control.
Crash rating: 5 star ANCAP
Engine: 270kW/530 Nm. 6.0 litre Generation IV Alloy V8 engine.
Transmission: six speed manual
Body: 2-door ute, 2 seats
Dimensions: 4894mm (L); 1899mm (W); 1476mm (H)
Tyres: 245/40 R19 tyres