Fine, I'll admit it - there was no logical reason to test drive the new Chevrolet Lumina Ute SSV. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't road test a 'new' car that's nothing more than a barely distinguishable facelift, a new dashboard and a badge that's changed from SS to SSV.
But then how was I meant to resist the calling of this rumbling six-litre V8-powered Aussie? I hope you forgive me.
Then again, that new dashboard might just widen this car's appeal somewhat - if it imparts a more upmarket feel, I thought.
The previous one looked boring and it seemed to be made out of recycled municipal garbage bins. The new one looked so promising in the pictures and sadly, despite its sportier and more modern appearance, it is still probably the reason that big black refuse container of yours got swiped from the pavement.
“Why am I even entertaining such petty thoughts?” I then pondered as I prepared to start up the engine. What other car for not much more than R400 000 can provide such thrills? I then turned the key to an anti-climax of virtual silence.
Hold on a minute, my last Ute experience was with the heavily modified LupiniPower 'SuperUte' - this one's start up sound was like an angry lion woken from slumber. Come on GM. If you're going to go overboard with the silencers then why fit a V8? If that's your idea, just fit a silent low-revving turbocharged V6 and drown in boredom with the rest of your rivals.
Then things started looking up for me once I hit the road and started playing with the 'manual' control of the six-speed automatic gearbox. Holding it in gear for a while longer than I should have and gearing down at inappropriate times, I was finally able to indulge in the gloriously addictive growl of that V8. It became like a drug.
Although I've always preferred the Luminas in manual form, I have new respect for this smooth-shifting autobox that also works amicably in manual shift form - the only thing I feel it's missing is a pair of paddles on the steering wheel.
On the performance front, the Lumina is not the most potent V8 on the block. With 270kW and 530Nm on command it's more strong than explosive, yet it still provides bang for the buck by the bucketload and mountains of torque from practically anywhere in the rev range. Drive it at the legal limit on the highway and it's practically idling just above the 2000rpm mark.
It must also be said that its chassis is not the most sophisticated around but it's certainly better balanced and more composed than the extremely tail-happy pre-2008 model. What's more, the chassis set up seeks to provide the happiest balance between ride and handling and as a result the ride, while notably firm, actually borders on comfortable.
Top of my niggles list though, is the lack of feel and feedback in the steering, and the I'd prefer a smaller and thicker steering wheel as well.
Other than that, the comfort factor has been well looked after, the spec sheet including dual zone climate control, four-way electronic adjustment for the driver's seat and a new touch-screen infotainment system with a USB input and Bluetooth functionality as well as steering wheel controls.
The on-board computer is not a source of happiness however, with the consumption reading on my test unit having hovered just below the 15 l/100km mark in town. This car's going to devour big chunks from your fuel budget, but I think you just need to do the sums correctly.
You see, the Chevrolet Ute is a performance bargain of note, at R413 700 (for either gearbox) and that's still before you claim the tax back if you have a business.
It may look like a bakkie (and the tax man will concur) but it's actually a sports car with a really big open boot and to get a rear-wheel drive V8 two-door that'll have you grinning from ear to ear at this price is really a sweet deal in any petrol head's book.
So here's the deal - don't consider this beast unless you were looking for a performance car in the R450-500K ball park. Then buy the Ute and keep the money you saved in a separate bank account for fuel.