2016 HSV Senator Reviews

Something like "$85,000 is well below the going rate for a senator's signature, isn't it?" is too easy, inaccurate (in sentiment as well as market rate, we hope). The fully-loaded Senator sits $5000 below the more-tastily named Grange long-wheelbase flagship and is less overt than the slightly more-powerful (and $1000 more expensive) GTS, but still oozes musclebound presence.VALUEThe HSV Senator Signature asks for $83,990, which in the world of prestige motoring buys you an Audi A4, C-Class Benz or 3-Series Beemer - all cars that have nowhere near the rear seat room or the brain-bending performance of the V8 musclecar.The Senator has more features than a Canberra DVD store - projector headlights and driving lights (xenons saved for the Grange), daytime LED running lights and rear tailights, leather trim, a leather-wrapped HSV sports steering wheel with height and reach adjust.The helm also has controls for the Enhanced Driver Interface and the HSV derivation of the iQ infotainment system. There's also a trip computer (with some numbers you may not want to see), Bluetooth phone link, satnav, dual-zone climate control, alloy pedals, a trio of centre-mounted gauges, the (optional at $1990) blind spot warning system, a rear overhead DVD player, HSV "performance" electrically-adjustable leather seats and an (optional $1990) sunroof.TECHNOLOGYHSV went down the path of boosting brain-power instead of horsepower for the E3 upgrade - after all, anything over 300kW and 500Nm is an "elegant sufficiency" of outputs for most road performances.The brand uses the touchscreen for more than satnav, phone and sound system functions - the Enhanced Driver Interface offers the Senator Signature driver access to a whole world of techno-babble - G-force readings, power and torque gauges and mapping and timing functions for racetracks in the system. It can also be downloaded for social media bragging rights via a USB port in the glovebox, although that feature would seem more likely to be a boy-racer's bag than that which would appeal to someone buying an $80,000 car, even one like this.Also in the same basket is the three-stage stability control, which has a competition mode for a little mis-behaving before the electronics step in. The Senator gets a more comfortable "Premium" tune of the Magnetic Ride Control, which takes the sting from the big sedan's ride (which is OK given that it's riding on the optional 20in rims) to some extent, but its on the noisy side when being asked to work hard on rutted roads.There's also the option - for $2290 - of the bi-modal exhaust - which allows the V8 to burble at the lights but speak with a more civilised tone when cruising - it's nice not to have any drone that can intrude on performance exhausts, but open up the taps and it brays with conviction.The Senator has a blind spot warning system, which flashes little red lights at the bottom of the A-pillars when a car is lurking - probably getting an eyeful of the car's powerful haunches - in the large-ish blindspot behind the C-pillar.DESIGNSubtle isn't the first adjective ascribed to any HSV product but the business suit versions sans massive rear spoiler look less "fully sick" and more corporate - in a V8 Supercar exec sort of way.HSV calls it the luxury body design with "Shockwave" exhaust outlets and the lower-key rear lip spoiler, but when it rumbles up into the rearvision mirror with its LED day time running lights gleaming too brightly for most, you'll certainly notice it.SAFETYThe Senator gets the full complement of safety features - dual front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, full-length side curtain airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. The brakes are big and deal with the portly kerb-weight well - thanks no doubt to being ventilated and grooved, with four-piston calipers front and rear.The front seat belts also have with load limiters and pyrotechnic pre-tensioners. The safety features list also includes tyre pressure monitoring, rain sensing wipers and automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rear camera.It was in this area where the Senator let itself down a little - the centre display threw up an Auto Brake fault and then a Stability Control fault, which was rectified with a new brake switch component; the rear camera and satnav displays also decided to go AWOL, requiring the car to be turned off, locked, unlocked and re-started - an automotive re-boot?DRIVINGLiving up to your looks is a good thing when you look like this car - aggressive but without looking like a steroid-infused security man, perhaps more akin to that bloke's boss.The burble gives way to a mechanical bellow that's accompanied by considerable forward thrust, interrupted by auto changes that could perhaps be a little smarter and slicker.There's nothing wrong with the way it corners, defying its considerable kerb weight to track faithfully, although the tricky dampers can get a bit of a rattle up when dealing with some sharper bumps, but in the main it deals well with road imperfections, especially given its the low profile rubber wrapped around the optional 20in wheels fitted to the test car.As a roadtrip car it eats curvy country-road distances - only extreme throttle provocation makes the back wheels twitch.The Bluetooth system works well in some scenarios, although if you've plugged an iPhone into the system and then have the musicplayer going in conjunction with a phone call, the music track be heard as well - make sure you're not listening to The 12th Man first.One thing that was absent on the features list that should be there when shelling out this amount of money - there's no automatic-dimming rearvision mirror, which is something that should be in an $85,000 vehicle.VERDICTPut the badge snobbery aside and there's not much near this for the money that can carry as many passengers and luggage for a road trip - and outpunch serious sportscars if and when required. Unless you look at the FPV or Chrysler opposition, you have to triple the pricetag and buy German to get the same performance.HSV Senator E3Price: $83,990Warranty: 3 years, 100,000kmResale: 80%Service Interval: 12 months/15,000kmEconomy: 13.7 l/100km, on test 15.7; 324g/km CO2, tank 73 litresSafety: Equipment six airbags, stability control, ABS.Crash rating: 5 starEngine: 317kW/550Nm 6.2-litre OHV 90-deg V8Transmission: six speed auto, rear-wheel drive with LSDBody: 5-door, 5 seatsDimensions: 4943mm (L); 1899mm (W); 1467mm (H); 2915mm (WB)Weight: 1792kgTyre size: 19in alloy wheels, optional 20in for $2500Spare tyre: inflator/repair kit 

THE homegrown V8 power war has been ceded to FPV.  Instead of increasing power for the new HSV E Series 3, the performance car company has chosen to fit a range of hi-tech electronic gadgetry to its E3 models, offer dual gas/petrol power, increase the price by up to $1000 and give it a facelift.So the HSV range stays with the 317kW/550Nm 6.2-litre V8 (GTS and Grange are 325kW), while FPV will this week release its new range with a 335kW/570Nm five-litre Coyote V8.  HSV boss Phil Harding says that while there is no increase in power and torque, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are marginally down."We didn't have increased power and torque on our list of actions for this model year update," Harding says.  Engineering general manager Joel Stoddart admits the 6.2-litre V8 engine is "getting close to its maximum potential".  There is no talk yet of moving to the coming compact global GM V8.PRICING AND DRIVETRAINPrices have increased by $1000 on all but the Senator which is up $560. HSV justifies the price rise on the increased technology and inclusion of standard satnav and reversing camera.The E3 range also includes a 20th anniversary Maloo ute model which is limited to 100 vehicles. It costs $67,600 in manual which is $3000 more than the standard model and $69,600 for the auto.TECHNOLOGYHSV boss Phil Harding says the E3 is "more than just a facelift", pointing out three "firsts" for an Australian manufacturer.  They are an automatic liquid propane injection (LPi) system, side blind zone alert system (SBZA) and an enhanced driver interface (EDI) which is like a computer game for the performance car."There are more ideas generated internally than we can afford to make business decisions on," Harding says.  "We're never short of ideas on sales, product, marketing and manufacturing to make our business more efficient and exciting."HSV is proud of its LPi system that automatically and seamlessly switches between gas and petrol, even though they only expect about 5 per cent take-up. It is offered as a $5990 option ($6390 on Maloo) on all but the ClubSport R8 Tourer.Stoddart says it has the same performance as in petrol-only mode, although it does switch seamlessly back to petrol when the car operates above 4000rpm.The EDI is an elaborate graphic system displayed on Holden's new touch screen that provides a wealth of information from G forces to "race" information such as brake and throttle percentages and a stopwatch.The information system was developed in conjunction with race technology company MoTec and details can be downloaded on a USB stick and analysed on a laptop just as a race engineer would in Formula One or V8 Supercars.The Windows-based software can also work with the GPS satnav system to record lap times on major Australian racetracks which are loaded into the vehicle, or plot new tracks.SAFETY The $1990 optional blind spot warning system is similar to the one developed by Volvo. When selected it shows a blue light on the side of the dashboard which turns red when the ultrasonic sensors detect a vehicle in the blind spot. If the driver indicates and moves into that occupied spot, it flashes.There is no audible alarm. The system can be turned off and it defaults to how it was left when the car was last used.To overcome continued adverse comments about the dangerous lack of rear vision caused by the rear spoiler, all HSVs now come with a reverse camera with rear parking assist sensors and a lower spoiler.STYLINGInside are new trims colours and materials, more leather, restyled instruments and gauges, and a HSV welcome and build number displayed when the touch screen is switched on.Outside, there is more chrome, a "superflow" rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips integrated into the rear bodywork like in the Honda Civic Type R, a new fascia and, for the first time, the Grange gets an engine power designation badge on the boot to mark the increase in power to match the GTS.DRIVINGWith no mechanical changes to the new models, driving dynamics are the same. But even though HSV engineers say there are no changes, the clutch felt a little lighter in the manual models.HSV's clever LPi system is seamless. The EDI will display when it is in petrol or gas mode, but you wouldn't feel any difference. Ride is firm but fair on the road, although the rear can be noisy over sharp hits.  Magnetic ride which is standard on the Grange, Senator and GTS has a "luxury" damper setting which takes the sting out of the bumps.The cars felt more at home in a short session at Broadford motorcycle race track north of Melbourne. Here the magnetic ride was switched to "performance"and the cars flowed through the tricky set of corners.Switch the traction control to "competitive" mode and you can play hero, allowing the back to drift out, but not far enough to cause alarm. Traction control can also be turned off totally.The extra width in the front tyres of the Grange give it more directional stability and turn-in, allowing quick change of direction on the Broadford esses.VERDICTThe addition of the EDI and data logging is a gimmick that some will find enticing, while the satnav is past its due date and should justify some of the price rise.  But it is unlikely that the data gimmick will be a key selling point for buyers of Senator and Grange.HSV E3Prices:ClubSport R8 $67,600 (manual) $69,600 (auto)ClubSport R8 Tourer $68,600 (m) $70,600 (a)Grange $88,900 (a)GTS $82,900 (m) $84,900 (a)Maloo R8 $64,600 (m) $66,600 (a)20 years of Maloo R8 $67,600 (m) $69,600 (a)Senator Signature $83,990 (m/a)Engine: 6.2-litre V8Power: 317kW (325kW GTS, Grange) @ 6000rpmTorque: 550Nm @ 4600rpmTransmissions: 6-speed manual and auto (Grange auto only)Options:SBZA $1990 (standard on Grange and Maloo 20th); LPi $5990 (ute $6390); Turismo Rosso leather $1490 (GTS and Senator)

The production run of the E-Series Senator Signature will be just 30 manual and 59 automatic cars. They will be powered by HSV’s LS3 317kW V8 engine, with HSV performance suspension and 19” billet silver Senator wheels with silver brake callipers incorporating the black HSV logo, while the Senator logo features on the front and rear headrests.The Senator comes with leather onyx seats as standard and is available in Heron, Sting, Phantom, Nitrate, Karma, Voodoo and Evoke.It will be priced from $69,990. The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show... 

All eight cylinders are firing hard at Holden Special Vehicles and the punch will only get strong with the arrival of V-Series cars with an LS3 V8 under the bonnet.

That's despite sitting slap-bang in the middle of the nation's knife-edge economy, diminishing disposable income, plummeting large car sales and soaring petrol prices.Last year it sold 5222 cars, up 42 per cent on the previous year — and a long way north of the 421 sales it made 20 years ago, in its first year of trading.HSV managing director Scott Grant says his company was bucking the big-car sales spiral.“Our customer order book is very strong,” he said. “There's a two-and-a-half month waiting list for some of our models.“WA, for example, is extremely strong because of trades and mining booms. We could sell another 100 Maloos a month in WA.“We can sustain a volume of 4000 to4500 units a year for the next three to five years. That's a great position to be in.”The average age of an HSV buyer is 38. But within that figure is specific groupings. Grange owners average in the low 40s and Astra (yes, there's still the VXR) buyers are in the low 30s.HSV's buyer profile is changing from buyers who primarily desired the big-bore engines to more professional customers getting out of European sports sedans: “About 20 per cent of our sales are `conquests' to buyers trading in Audis and BMWs.”Grant makes HSV's position a clear distinction from Holden.“We are a stand-alone unit. We are for customers who want a premium product and that's not discounting Holden, it's just to show that we have very different customers. The VE is an outstanding platform.”And to appease its customers, there's a new model with a numerically bigger boot badge.HSV last week launched a significant running change to its range, slotting in the Chevrolet Corvette's hot 317kW 6.2-litre LS3 V8 to justify the distinctive “317” boot badges.The engine goes into the E-Series models — ClubSport R8, GTS, Senator Signature and Maloo R8 — and the stretched WM Grange. Technically, the LS3 gets a bigger 103.25mm bore — yet retains the outgoing engine's 92mm stroke — for 317kW at 6000rpm and 550Nm of torque at 4600rpm.Valve lift is higher, exhaust ports are wider, and intake valves jump to 55mm diameter from the LS2's 50.8mm. There are new cylinder heads and, probably more significant, a stronger engine block that puts more meat around the bores.Gearboxes have also been revised, with the six-speed Cadillac auto getting partial lock-up in the top three cogs and a quicker sequential change.Play with the auto box and you'll discover neat features, such as subtle engine run-on when down-changing to keep it on the boil when cornering.The auto gets a standard oil cooler that improves fuel economy by allowing the box to change up at lower revs.HSV engineering manager Joel Stoddart says the LS3 changes up at lower revs than the LS2. “That improves economy and comfort when driving gently,” he says. “Overall the new engine offers better driveability thanks to improved torque and power.”The MRC adjustable suspension remains on selected models without change, though there is a ride and visual enhancement in the form of new 20-inch Pentagon alloy wheels.These are standard with the performance pack on the Maloo R8 and GTS, and a $2500 option on the rest of the fleet.HSV adds new colours to the 2008 palette, including Sting (red), which teases buyers into making a statement and the more restrained Karma (grey).Buyers wanting to turn their car up to “loud” can go red paint with 20-inch Pentagon alloys and red-painted brake calipers.“These buyers want to show off their car,” says HSV sales and marketing manager Darren Bowler.“To them, it's the number on the boot; a case of “mine is bigger than yours'. That's part of the reason why there's a bigger number each model.“The VS was 195kW; now we have 317kW. Buyers want badges.”However, not all get them. Grange and Senator owners will smugly make do with having all the numbers but no flagrant display. Even the brake calipers are silver.At the top of the tacho, around 6500rpm, the latest LS3 engine sounds like a muted V8 Supercar. The exhaust note is a guttural roar yet it's delivered with a clean and fuss-free spin, like the engine has found its sweet spot.HSV doesn't make a song and dance about the new sound on the street. But it makes delightful background music to what's happening under the right foot.Where the LS2 could sometimes bog down at low speeds, the LS3 is confident. It's an easier engine to drive and that's helped by a smoother clutch action and slightly better shift changes on the six-speed manual. I say slightly because it still needs a firm hand, and demands you follow every angle of the shift pattern's bends.But the package feels immensely strong. You can be an absolute bastard to the box and the engine and it'll just cop it without complaint.The auto loses no points in acceleration — the same 100km/h sprint time of 4.96 seconds as the manual — but gains heaps in driver ease. The sequential change is crisp and quick and the availability of six cogs puts any four-speed light years behind.Tickle the accelerator and there's that 550Nm of torque raising its head. It makes driving the manual an easier experience but its immediacy is more pronounced with the automatic transmission. Steering is firm yet nicely weighted — more appreciated at cruising speeds — and is razor-sharp for fast corners and impromptu lane changes.The MPC adjustable suspension — standard on the GTS, Senator and Grange — is a two-stage affair giving a firm, sporty ride for fast corners and track work, and a surprisingly compliant and quiet ride for suburbia.It makes a substantial difference to the turn-in for the big cars and doesn't hurt the kidneys unless the bitumen is especially irregular.Seat comfort and cabin room are first class, naturally borrowing from its VE Commodore donor.It makes the most of the grunt but, surprisingly, keeps its rear wheels incontact with the bitumen — most ofthe time — because of its weighty rear fibreglass deck cover and sticky big wheels.The Maloo even feels perkier than the sedans, though that's more attributable to the mileage on the odo.

So it is comfy and cushy, but still very quick. And it has a 6.0-litre V8, which means instant respect at the lights.Our test car came in black, with a digital dashboard readout that told us it was Skaife 001, and all the luxury and go-fast gear you would want in an ultimate Holden Calais with tweaking by Skaife. But our fun run in the car, officially a Senator Signature, shows Holden needs the VE Commodore and Statesman as soon as possible.The Skaife car is good and the drive enjoyable, but the update work has stretched the rubber band all the way to breaking point on the last of the current-series Commodores.You can see it in the dash and feel it in the driveline shunt, and are reminded of the old-style basics when you plant your foot.The car is still swift but the auto is ancient and there are a few niggling noises from the suspension that won't be there when there is a VE Skaife car.The Skaife car comes in a year when HSV is doing everything it can to make mileage and sales, before the arrival of the VE Commodore family. It has big plans for everything from the ClubSport to the GTO coupe.The Senator Signature is a 50-car run and all of them are high-gloss black with a $75,590 bottom line, compared with a regular HSV Senator at $72,390, the current GTO at $78,990 and a long-wheelbase Grange at $89,990.This is a contradictory car. It is old and showing that age, but it is still a car that's enjoyable to drive. The question is will people want to pay $75,590 when the VE is coming up fast? But is also understandable why the 50 people who do buy it, will enjoy this car.The black Senator can be rewarding as well as challenging to drive.You can dribble around town enjoying the leather seats, punchy sound system and the throb of the LS2 V8 engine.But when you want to go, and there are times when nothing else is good enough, the Skaife car really honks.It's not a full-on Bathurst bruiser, but it is impossible to argue with 297kW.It is one of the world's great engines and, even with everyone worrying about petrol prices, we are lucky to have it. But it shows the ancient history of the four-speed auto.There is no manual driving mode, no touch-change paddles, the ratios are too far apart and it struggles to cope with the car's massive torque. If you really put your foot down the Skaife car slams through the gears, hitting hard enough to spin the rear wheels briefly before the traction control goes to work, and it really thumps the driveline. It is not very nice, even if it is effective.The brakes are effective thanks to the huge grip from the 19-inch rubbers. The Senator gets the premium brake pack and its great.The Xenon headlamps are also terrific, even better than the benchmark system in the basic Commodore, and overcome the lack of light that has been criticised in other upmarket Holdens with the slimline lamp package. There is terrific turn-in for any corner and great feel through the steering.The cornering attitude is up to the driver and use of the engine, though it is comforting to know the car has traction control, particularly on a damp road.The suspension picks up any pockmarks and there is tramlining at cruising speed, which is partly down to the 19-inch wheels and partly down to the age of the basic suspension design. The upshot is that it is good, but not Euro refined.The car's seats look good and have great support, but they are set too high. Even Skaife admits it, but he is a bloke who would prefer to be sitting on the floor in every car.It comes down to the space needed for the motors that provide electric assistance.The Senator is heavy on fuel but is easy to park, has all the luxury gear you really need, including cruise control and a trip computer. It also features a giant digital speedometer, now fitted to every Commodore.The car is great value against its European rivals and more enjoyable and gutsy than the GT models from Ford Performance Vehicles.

Holden has a 6.0-litre V8 and so does its go- fast department HSV, but they're not the same engine.HSV's 297kW Gen IV LS2 unit has been adapted from the American C6 Corvette and as such has been designed from the outset for high performance.Even more confusing perhaps is the fact that HSV's all-wheel drive models are still powered by the old 270kW 5.7-litre Gen III LS1 engine, that dovetails with the all-wheel drive system.In comparison, Holden's very good 6.0-litre Gen 4 L76 engine found in the SS Commodore puts out 260kW of power.Not much in it you might say, but the proof is definitely in the pudding.Our test vehicle was the upmarket Senator, priced from $72,390, fitted with the optional four-speed automatic transmission – a no-cost option.It's been a while between drinks, but the new Senator is significantly more powerful and much smoother to drive than we remember.In fact, it's the first HSV vehicle in a long time that we have "really" enjoyed driving.Our test car looked fabulous in light metallic Odyssey blue with good use of grey shades inside, with suede leather trim.The 6.0-litre engine sounds fantastic and the power hits hard, much harder than the previous engine.In HSV form the LS2 delivers 297kW of power at 6000rpm and 530Nm of torque at 4400rpm, an increase of 12kW and 20Nm respectively from the LS1 engine.Incredibly too, the auto is a tenth of a second faster from 0 to 100km/h than the manual, at 5.1 seconds compared to 5.2 seconds.It's a bit of an antique in technical terms, but we still like the way it kicks in when you ask the question.In response to customer feedback, HSV has calibrated the auto for what it describes as "a quick, firm, precise shift feel".There's no Power mode anynore and we agree with HSV that it's actually superfluous.We can't help but wonder what these cars are going to be like when Holden finally gets its hands on a five-speed or six-speed auto to match Ford's excellent ZF tranny?Almost as impressive as the punch from the larger engine is the ride quality which is remarkably smooth and comfortable on Sydney's sub-standard roads.At a time when manufactuers are looking to more fuel efficient sources of power, much has been made of Holden's move to an even larger capacity V8.But you wouldn't swap it for quids and, we've got to say, fuel economy is impressive for an engine this size, coming in at around 14.0L/100km.Premium unleaded is recommended for best performance, but the engine will also run happily on the ordinary stuff.The reduction in engine weight with the all alloy unit has also aided weight distribution and chassis balance.Traction Control action is fitted as standard and has been further refined, leaving little reason to switch it off during normal driving, especially since it permits the wheels to spin and the car to give a little twitch changing from first to second under hard acceleration.The HSV Performance Braking package has been upgraded with Corvette twin-piston front callipers.They are more rigid in construction and deliver a higher clamping force and increased brake pedal feel.Standard equipment includes 19in 10-spoke chromed alloys, with 245/35 Pirelli P Zero premium rubber, Luxury 3 suspension includ- ing rear self-levelling, rear park assist and sports seats with eight-way power adjustment. 

A SMALL group of cars are Aussie icons. They set the heartbeat for local motoring.The born-again Falcon GT clears the bar with a handy margin and so does the HSV Senator. Both pump up the local action and raise the pulse for people who want the best of the best with a local badge.The fast new Ford scored a perfect five-star rating when we tested it earlier this year, so now we've balanced the scales with a long, hard look at the Senator Signature.It's a late look because Holden has just updated the VY Commodore with Series II models, but it will be a while before the HSV cars get their new tweaks, so we decided it was time for some hot Holden action.The Signature got the nod because of its icon status, confirmed by its mechanical package and luxury gear that lifts its price above $80,000.It's also the car of choice for Holden motorsport hero Mark "The Boss" Skaife.The Senator Signature costs a lot for a home-grown car, even a muscle car from HSV, and we wanted to know if it did the job. The short answer: yes.It has a 260kW engine that grunts and goes, specially set suspension that combines grip with comfort, and the sort of luxury and little surprises you'd expect more in the Audi-BMW-Benz price range.Even the people at HSV have a bit of trouble citing the differences between the $74,650 Senator and the $80,140 Senator Signature.But they confirm the dearer car with the extra name has better seats, premium brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres.The ventilated and cross-drilled brakes alone should be worth the extra to serious drivers.But it's the Signature badge that will do just as much convincing for people who want to go all the way.The Signature isn't the quickest or the costliest car in the HSV range, but it is the sort of car that a lot of locals would rate against the mid-level European luxury contenders.It has size as well as a proven brand name, but it's the depth of the action that makes the real case.The Senator comes with an engine that got a 5kW kick in the change to the VY and could easily get another tickle for VYII.It has everything from electric leather seats and monster alloy wheels to cruise control, automatic airconditioning and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-stack CD.But we were most impressed by the little things. The Senator has a pair of extra instruments stacked on top of the dash in a neat little housing, the steering wheel is a bit different from other hot Holdens, the dashboard dials have been given a special HSV look with white faces and different graphics, and the pedals have drilled alloy plates.The Senator has to get by with the same four-speed auto that holds back the whole Holden range. Most premium performance cars are moving to five-speed autos and Mercedes has just developed a seven-speeder for its S-Class. But otherwise you get all the fruit.On the road:IF YOU want to cut to the star rating, the Senator Signature gets four.It's very, very good and terrific value, even with an $80K bottom line, though it's not as balanced or complete as the GT.The fast Falcon gets a bull's-eye for every one of Ford's targets while the Senator just misses the mark in several areas.It's not by much, but a car has to be best-in-show to get the five stars we've given to the GT and Honda's latest Euro Accord this year.But there are lot of good things to say about the Signature star. We really like the way it drives and the comfort.The dials in the centre of the dash are a great touch, even for people who don't need to know about volts and oil pressure.The seats, too, are great. It took a while to get them set right, with sliding upper-body support similar to a Qantas business-class chair, but they are terrifically supportive.The sound system is fantastic, the final finishing work is very good, and we liked everything from the airconditioning to the alloy wheels.The body bits on the Signature are also matched well to its price, pushing the point without shouting. It's muscular, but not boy-racer silly.Turn the key and you remember what HSV is all about. The Senator has a meaty exhaust note and takes only a tickle to get hot and heavy.Our test car was an automatic and was great for city running. It really cracked away from the lights and the kick-down response was instant and brutal, though it needs an extra gear to provide the sort of driving enjoyment possible with a Euro car.The suspension is set surprisingly soft, but the brakes are brilliant. They easily match the power and make the car reassuring to push along quickly, despite its 1700kg.We liked the Senator Signature a lot and can see plenty of reasons to put one in the garage.It's a solid four-star performer that's another reflection of the classy work being down by local carmakers, especially at the muscle car end of the business.

A small group of cars are Aussie icons. They set the heartbeat for local motoring.The born-again Falcon GT clears the bar with a handy margin and so does the HSV Senator. Both pump up the local action and raise the pulse for people who want the best of the best with a local badge.The fast new Ford scored a perfect five-star rating when we tested it earlier this year, so now we've balanced the scales with a long, hard look at the Senator Signature.It's a late look because Holden has just updated the VY Commodore with Series II models, but it will be a while before the HSV cars get their new tweaks, so we decided it was time for some hot Holden action.The Signature got the nod because of its icon status, confirmed by its mechanical package and luxury gear that lifts its price above $80,000.It's also the car of choice for Holden motorsport hero Mark The Boss Skaife.The Senator Signature costs a lot for a home-grown car, even a muscle car from HSV, and we wanted to know if it did the job. The short answer: yes.It has a 260kW engine that grunts and goes, specially set suspension that combines grip with comfort, and the sort of luxury and little surprises you'd expect more in the Audi-BMW-Benz price range.Even the people at HSV have a bit of trouble citing the differences between the $74,650 Senator and the $80,140 Senator Signature.But they confirm the dearer car with the extra name has better seats, premium brakes and 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P-Zero tyres.The ventilated and cross-drilled brakes alone should be worth the extra to serious drivers.But it's the Signature badge that will do just as much convincing for people who want to go all the way.The Signature isn't the quickest or the costliest car in the HSV range, but it is the sort of car that a lot of locals would rate against the mid-level European luxury contenders.It has size as well as a proven brand name, but it's the depth of the action that makes the real case.The Senator comes with an engine that got a 5kW kick in the change to the VY and could easily get another tickle for VYII.It has everything from electric leather seats and monster alloy wheels to cruise control, automatic airconditioning and an eight-speaker sound system with a six-stack CD.But we were most impressed by the little things. The Senator has a pair of extra instruments stacked on top of the dash in a neat little housing, the steering wheel is a bit different from other hot Holdens, the dashboard dials have been given a special HSV look with white faces and different graphics, and the pedals have drilled alloy plates.The Senator has to get by with the same four-speed auto that holds back the whole Holden range. Most premium performance cars are moving to five-speed autos and Mercedes has just developed a seven-speeder for its S-Class. But otherwise you get all the fruit.On the roadIf you want to cut to the star rating, the Senator Signature gets four.It's very, very good and terrific value, even with an $80K bottom line, though it's not as balanced or complete as the GT.The fast Falcon gets a bull's-eye for every one of Ford's targets while the Senator just misses the mark in several areas.It's not by much, but a car has to be best-in-show to get the five stars we've given to the GT and Honda's latest Euro Accord this year.But there are lot of good things to say about the Signature star. We really like the way it drives and the comfort.The dials in the centre of the dash are a great touch, even for people who don't need to know about volts and oil pressure.The seats, too, are great. It took a while to get them set right, with sliding upper-body support similar to a Qantas business-class chair, but they are terrifically supportive.The sound system is fantastic, the final finishing work is very good, and we liked everything from the airconditioning to the alloy wheels.The body bits on the Signature are also matched well to its price, pushing the point without shouting. It's muscular, but not boy-racer silly.Turn the key and you remember what HSV is all about. The Senator has a meaty exhaust note and takes only a tickle to get hot and heavy.Our test car was an automatic and was great for city running. It really cracked away from the lights and the kick-down response was instant and brutal, though it needs an extra gear to provide the sort of driving enjoyment possible with a Euro car.The suspension is set surprisingly soft, but the brakes are brilliant. They easily match the power and make the car reassuring to push along quickly, despite its 1700kg.We liked the Senator Signature a lot and can see plenty of reasons to put one in the garage.It's a solid four-star performer that's another reflection of the classy work being down by local carmakers, especially at the muscle car end of the business.