2017 HSV ClubSport R8 Tourer LSA new car review

What is it?

The most practical model in the HSV range, a spacious four-door wagon with room for the family... and a supercharged V8 under the bonnet.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

The Tourer is priced from $88,990 plus on-road costs, making it significantly more expensive than a regular Holden SS Sportwagon. 

But you do get plenty of gear for your money, starting with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that offers enormous power. You also get lower and firmer suspension, oversized brakes, a more sporty interior and purposeful-looking bodywork. 

We tested the car in 30th Anniversary form, which is effectively HSV's runout range ahead of Holden's local factory closures in October. This will be fastest-ever locally built wagon, as HSV isn't producing a more focused GTSR version of the big-boned brute.

What's under the bonnet?

The main reason for buying this car: a supercharged version of the 6.2-litre, Chevrolet-sourced V8 found in Holden's high performance range.

It's an impressive engine, effortless when cruising and brutal when you push it hard, sending a faintly ridiculous 410kW and 691Nm to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission - there's no manual option. That's a 10kW and 20Nm bump in performance for the 30th Anniversary model.

The Tourer has reserves of grunt in every gear, offering significantly more wallop than naturally-aspirated Holden models. 

HSV amplified its classic V8 rumble with tweaks to a bi-modal exhaust system that now opens earlier than before, endowing the wagon with a throaty bellow.

This is an engine that meets modern expectations for a V8 muscle car - it goes hard, sounds tough and offers plenty of character. 

While it's a shame Holden's wagons aren't available with the more engaging manual transmission of its sedans and utes, the six-speed auto with a sports mode and shift paddles is a worthy partner to the big motor, responding intuitively to drivers' requirements. 

What's it like to drive?

The Tourer is a big car, but it shrinks around you somewhat, feeling more agile than a near-two-tonne wagon ought to. 

It steers sweetly, there are enormous grip reserves thanks to fat Continental tyres, and the optional six-piston brakes on our test model offered plenty of stopping power.

While the ride is a little taut for a family car, I couldn't say it was uncomfortable or even inappropriate for a car of this type - after all, the idea is that the Tourer pushes the family wagon into new territory. 

It certainly does that, offering an athleticism no wagon short of the Mercedes-AMG C63 or Audi RS6 can match - and they cost at least twice as much as the HSV. 

What's it like inside?

The Tourer has outstanding seats - comfortable, well-bolstered items that are friendly to big-boned drivers (not always the case in performance cars). You get a lovely flat-bottomed wheel with shift paddles, well positioned sports pedals and an automatic gear lever with a manual mode positioned in the ergonomically correct way: pull back to shift up, push away to shift down. 

It's all good news from the driver's seat, and there's plenty of room for passengers to stretch out thanks to the Commodore's place as a full sized car.

Holden's MyLink infotainment system is ok, though Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity would be nice, and it's a shame that the wagon makes do with a basic stereo arrangement rather than benefiting from the Clubsport sedan's Bose setup.

Is it safe?

There's a five-star crash rating and plenty of airbags, but no active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking or lane keeping assistance. You have to do the driving yourself, and that's ok in a car like this. 

Would I buy it?

Yep, I'm a fan of the HSV recipe, even in its least sporty form. Time is running out to get hold of one of these, which promises to be more memorable than most rivals. 

What else should I consider?

There aren't many alternatives to Holden's heavy-hitting wagon.

Audi's S4 Avant does the fast wagon thing with less space for more cash, while its bigger RS6 Avant represents the ultimate high performance wagon... for around three times the price of the HSV. 

Volkswagen's all-wheel-drive, 206kW Passat R-Line is a lovely place to be if you're happy to settle for something less sporty.

2017 HSV Clubsport R8 LSA pricing and specifications

Price: From $88,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8 petrol 'LSA'

Power: 410kW at 6150rpm

Torque: 691Nm at 4100rpm

Transmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 15.3L/100km

• For more information, visit our HSV showroom.