im thinking of buying a new VE ssv of sv6 and would appreciate some feedback on them. id like to know what anyones thoughts on driving performance, handling, etc are. is the sidi & active fuel management technology a perk or a pitfall?
Not exactly answering your question about handling and performance, however, seeing as the topic is 'VE feedback' I'll detail my reasons for buying the Sportswagon for the benefit of those researching as I did to get as many opinions as possible.
Firstly I need a vehicle that is comfortable for my size (6'6") and also be comfortable for passengers as we live in the country and do minimal city type driving. I also wanted something that I could tow a caravan with and wasn't interested in another 4X4 as I have yet to find one where large occupants had the leg room both front and rear. My obsession with room or legroom in particular is due to having a lower back problems just for the record. I'm not a one eyed supporter of any brand but buy what I believe is best for my purpose and having checked out the Ford its my opinion the VE has more room and a better seating position.
I was initially keen on the Sidi SV6 which has more than enough get up and go for an old bugger like me, but what I'd read was indicating that for highway travel the 6ltr was at least as fuel efficient as both a VT 6 and VS6 we own although with memories of the fuel efficiency of 70s land 80s model V8s I'd either owned or driven, I still had doubts..
So the SS Sportswagon it was and I can truthfully say that I'm glad I did. Not because it may or may not be a little quicker over the quarter mile or to 100k's but for the room I need plus the effortless power and even fuel economy that was only the realm of 4 cylinders years ago. City driving I can't say cause its done little but at 7000 k's on the clock we headed off via Canberra, Gosford to the Sunshine Coast with two of us large people on board, two suitcases and other garbage in the back for an average of 9.4 l/100 on arrival up there. We made a trip on an almost perfect day back down to the Gold Coast (all Freeway via Toll) by which time it had clocked up just over 10000 k's and averaged 8.4 l/100. Unbelievable, and not being the type to believe these electronic readouts I re-checked it via the fuel pump. Coming home we had two extra bodies on board, three of which are over 6 feet with 4 suitcases 2 laptops, cameras and more garbage and averaged 9.7 l/100. This was via the Pacific Highway.
So for us and our requirements so far its brilliant although I'm yet to pick up the van to test its towing pros and cons. Another thing that led me to the 6 ltr being that the fuel efficiency towing would more than likely be little difference from the 6 to the 8 due to power to weight ratio. Something that I'll soon test.
Yes, there are cars that will go a little quicker to 100 k's or over the quarter, if thats what you're after, but I bet you can't fit 4 large people, 4 suitcases and other garbage in a WRX and still go as fast let alone tow a caravan. Also, after over 12000 k's there's been no gliches, rattles, or strange happenings to report although I hope I haven't mozzed myself there!!
I hope Holden and Ford don't stop making their large family cars cause I'll definately be buying another one.
