New Holden SS Ute for 2001

The VX model Holden Commodore has been out for a short while now and it has already proven to be quite successful. The bad news is that prospective buyers of the VX model ute, known as the VU, have had to wait a little longer.

But with the bad comes the good, and Holden has really outdone itself with the new SS Ute.

The VU comes in stock form, S and SS models, but we'll be looking at the range-topping SS here.

The first new ute Holden has released in the last 10 years, the VU comes with a number of enhancements over the ageing VS range.

For starters, the ride is more like that of a sedan. The improved ride is due to independent rear suspension - a first for Holden in its utility range.

Cabin room has been increased too, giving drivers more room and increased comfort - more head, leg and shoulder room is now on offer.

Also, the tray is bigger than ever before, being longer, wider and deeper. The SS model can carry more than 800kg in the tray and can tow up to 1600kg worth of cargo.

The VU ute's braking system has also been revised for 2001. It now takes advantage of a load-sensing brake proportioning valve. This has been calibrated to work with the new independent rear suspension, which ensures optimum braking balance under all loads and conditions.

Taking the same safety aspects from the VX Commodore, the VU ute utilises three levels of crash safety. First, seat belt webbing clamps, then seat belt buckle pre-tensioners and, lastly, airbags.

Optional extras are plentiful too, though they do come at an extra cost. There are four types of alloy wheels, soft and hard tonneau covers and even a chrome sports roll bar. There are plastic and rubber tray liners for longevity, a 'roo' bar (aka. bull bar) cargo tie hooks and more.

Lurking under the sporty bodywork of the new 2001 SS ute is Holden's huge 5.7-litre, fuel injected, gen-III powerplant. Sourced from US-based Chevrolet, the 5665cc V8 has some serious power. The SS ute puts out 225kW @ 5200rpm and an amazing 460Nm @ 4400rpm.

Not only will the new VU SS ute carry almost anything, tow trailers without protest and give drivers the control that only a rear-wheel drive vehicle can, it provides sedan-like handling and comfort levels.

At the end of the day, Holden has created a seriously impressive ute. The VU SS will certainly give Ford's XR8 ute a run for its money.

The Holden VU SS ute is priced at $36,490 RRP for both five and six-speed manual plus the four-speed automatic.