Monaro CV8Reborn in 2001,
Holden’s hero car came back to the marketplace creating the sort
of buzz that is a manufacturer’s dream. A combination of stylish
good looks and strong performance kept buyers motivated, but a
change was
 needed
to maintain the Monaro’s status over increasing opposition. Some
criticised its shape as too refined for an Aussie performance
icon. To appease its detractors Holden have given the VZ version
a harder, meaner character with a more aggressive nose treatment
and prominent dual exhaust outlets, while some not so subtle
bonnet scoops – primarily designed for the US market, have met
with a mixed reaction. Under the new skin a host of
mechanical upgrades make the Monaro the most powerful production
Holden ever. Matching the improved performance is an enhanced
braking system which is the largest offered by the manufacturer.
Standard features
As expected the Monaro comes equipped
with a host of standard equipment which includes; dual zone climate control,
cruise control, trip computer, power windows, leather trim, eight-way adjustable
power front sports seats (driver’s with 3 position memory), Blaupunkt 10 speaker
sound system with six-disc in-dash CD player, rear parking sensors, 18” alloy
wheels, FE2 sports suspension, alloy pedal covers and leather sports steering
wheel.
Space & practicality
Inside, the Monaro’s
lower roofline gives the cabin a more purposeful feel. In front
there is plenty of leg and head room but in the rear space can
get tight. Fortunately the Monaro only seats four and while the
individual rear buckets reinforce the car’s sporting intent,
head and leg room can be at a premium. There is adequate storage
space in the cabin but one major drawback is the limited boot
space, reduced from the previous models 370 litres to a mere 245
litres. The lost area is now taken up by the fuel tank - a
result of meeting  U.S.
regulations where the car is sold as a Pontiac GTO. This
compromise means the boot floor is wide and short, and without
the possibility of a split-fold seat or “ski-hatch” its
practicality is severely affected.
Comfort
Offering a generous amount of adjustment the
power front seats have good support under most conditions. Longer trips can find
the cushion and backrest feeling a bit flat but the worst niggle is the lumbar
adjustment. There is so little space between the adjuster and door that it is
easier to use with the door open – not an ideal situation.
Two individual sports seats look after the rear passengers. While space can
be limited – depending on how much room those in front want, the heavily
bolstered buckets offer good comfort. Gaining access to them is difficult, and
some gymnastics are required, the slow moving power front seats leaving little
space to enter or exit gracefully.
Ergonomics
Additional gauges above the centre console for
oil pressure and battery charge mark the only major change to the dash layout.
Instrumentation is now colour coded to the exterior and our test cars yellow
gauges made for a vivid dash display.
Switchgear is the same as any high-end Holden, the centre dash populated by
push button controls for climate control and audio functions. All of the
switches have a similar look and feel so it can take some time to become
familiar with them. Additional audio controls mounted on the tilt-reach
adjustable steering wheel simplify matters.
Forward vision is good, but the shallow, steeply raked rear screen gives a
limited view when parking. The standard parking sensors are a welcome feature in
tight situations.
Safety
Although the VZ Monaro has not been tested under
the ANCAP program the outgoing model’s four star rating is a good
indicator of the cars integrity. Safety equipment includes four-wheel vented
discs with ABS - now with BA (Brake Assist) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce
Distribution), traction control – with less intrusive operation, dual front
airbags, side airbags, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, force limiters and
webbing clamps, front seat active head restraints, seatbacks and
anti-submarining ramps.
Build quality & finish
Fit and finish on the test car
proved very good without any rattles or squeaks. Like its siblings the Monaro’s
interior has a durable look and feel. While the Devil Yellow paint finish
appeared smooth and evenly applied, the plastic fuel filler flap and bonnet
“nostrils” were noticeably lighter in colour to the rest of the bodywork.
Security
A rolling code remote key controls most security
functions. At this stage the Monaro’s rating has not been assessed, but standard
features include remote drivers door only unlock - with interior illumination,
engine immobiliser, alarm system and night time exterior lights on function.
Fuel
Holden recommend a diet of PULP for its
revised V8, although running on standard unleaded is fine -
simply reducing outright performance. Around town it’s fairly
obvious there are 5.7 litres to feed, the 18.3l/100km city
average making you a regular visitor to the bowsers. Out on the
highway things improve appreciably with a steady right foot
returning 11.5l/100km.
Performance
Boasting a healthy 15kW increase over the
previous model the Monaro’s performance is readily accessible and impressive.
The extra power comes courtesy of a full dual-length exhaust system, revised
camshaft and a new engine management system which takes full advantage of
premium octane fuel. Drive-by-wire throttle control also brings improved feel.
With 500Nm of torque on hand the Monaro’s response to the throttle is
immediate with impressive acceleration in all gears. Steep hills aren’t in this
car’s vocabulary and overtaking is accomplished without any fuss. The engine can
sound coarse as the revs rise, but the V8 soundtrack being played through the
less restrictive exhaust and under the bonnet is better than any CD player.
Standard for all automatic Monaros is the heavy duty 4L65 transmission. Able
to handle the engine’s increased torque the four-speed transmission’s shift
quality couldn’t be described as silky smooth. Gearchanges are noticeable on
light throttle openings becoming harsher with firmer acceleration. The Monaro
also lacks the sequential shift mode offered by its rivals.
Ride
Given its sporting intent the ride quality is very
good. Wearing low profile 40 series tyres the car never displays any harshness,
even over fairly rough suburban bitumen and takes patchy secondary roads in its
stride.
Handling & steering
Adaptable handling is another plus.
Weighing in at just under 1700kg you would never expect a nimble car, but what
you do get is a capable car. Generating high levels of grip the premium tyre
package sends good feedback to the driver. There is enough compliance in the
well damped suspension to let the
big coupe take a set into a corner, changing the cars attitude via the wheel or
accelerator. The steering weight increases as cornering speeds rise, and while
it provides good feel it doesn’t have a pin sharp character.
Braking
Now fitted with the largest brakes of any Holden
the Monaro’s system is excellent. The firm pedal requires some leg muscle even
at suburban speeds, but the package is more than a match for the car’s
performance levels proving especially good in our emergency braking tests.
Smoothness & quietness
It can be a juggling act to
provide a comfortable driving environment with muscle car character, but the
Monaro offers a good mix. Even if there is always a sense of menace lurking in
the background - thanks to the V8’s soundtrack, this is a car that is just as
relaxing to drive between suburbs as cities.
Summary
Holden have given the new Monaro a shot of adrenalin which has
added more character to their hero car. While its fuel
consumption and limited boot space will worry some buyers the
fact remains this is one high performance car which is easy to
live with.
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