HSV Clubsport

With the punch of a small thermonuclear device and the eagerness of a friendly labrador, the Clubsport is a whole lot of fun.

• Comfort

  Misses out on the Magnetic Ride Control suspension of the GTS, but the Clubbie is compliant even on 19-inch alloys. What speed hump?

  

• Performance

  It’s actually a poofteenth quicker than the GTS, with a sprint to the legal limit in just under five-seconds. That means it’s the fastest Aussie-built car ever. It’s a howitzer.

  

• Cool

  Sure it’s tough, but cool? No. Sorry, the Clubsport is about as cool as David Koch.

  

• Quality

  The design and layout of the interior is a big improvement over HSVs of yore but, like the GTS, it uses bright colours to distract you from a hit and miss fit and finish.

  

• Handling

  Not quite as sharp as a GTS, but it feels more alive, more playful. It’s actually quite a lovely thing.

  

• Practicality

  With plenty of room for four adults and all of their gear, the Clubsport is properly practical.

  

• Running costs

  There are very few bargains left in the world, but the Clubsport is one of them. It offers supercar-like firepower and costs almost $20K less than the GTS. Bargain.