Holden HSV Coupe 4

while not officially destined for the UK, the HSV Coup� 4 is an exciting package, let down only by a poor automatic gearbox and savage fuel consumption. If future GM cars benefit from this technology - as Vauxhall claims - a manual version would be well worth the wait.

If you thought the Vauxhall Monaro was shocking, get an eyeful of this. The HSV Coup� 4 is the latest car from sister company Holden, and beneath those pumped-up looks is a new four-wheel-drive chassis and automatic transmission. What's more, if you hassle your local dealer enough, you might even be able to buy one here.

Officially, the silver Australian car previews technology that could grace future Saabs and Vauxhalls, but the Luton firm spun a similar line when it showed the car that became the Monaro, also built by Holden. While it looks similar to that machine, the two major changes drastically alter this model's character - and not necessarily for the better.

The gearbox has four ratios - two down on the manual-only UK Monaro - and longer gearing takes the edge off the newcomer's pace. With 362bhp on tap, that isn't a major problem, but the self-shifter is neither the smoothest nor the most decisive around.

While performance is still brisk, the box too often takes too long to kick down. Still, there's all the acceleration and noise you would expect from the Aussie bruiser when it does.

Accessible
On slippery surfaces, the Holden's standard four-wheel drive makes sense - this is a car for drivers who want to enjoy their motoring without heart-in-the-mouth moments in icy conditions.

With power going to all the wheels, more of the performance is accessible more of the time. That the HSV resembles the school bully in the playground when parked alongside more mundane vehicles only adds to its image.

A new bumper dominates the front, but it's the side sills and wheelarch extensions that give the car its aggressive stance. A Monaro VXR rear spoiler and 19-inch alloys complete the look.

Inside, the cabin is virtually unchanged from that of the Vauxhall Monaro. Neat slivers of carbon fibre trim straddle the centre console - which houses the six-disc in-dash CD changer and buttons for the digital climate control.

There's a trip computer and cruise control, but it's best not to examine the economy figures, as the 5.6-litre V8 is as thirsty as you'd expect when mated to a heavy auto box and 4WD. Combined consumption will be in the teens - how high depends on how you drive.

In reality, the Holden is a fantastic long-distance cruiser, and at 70mph is pulling just over 2,000rpm, with most of the power still up its sleeve. With a smooth ride and good handling for a car of such proportions, it makes you jealous of Australian buyers.

Vauxhall may have ruled out an official UK model, but we suggest interested parties picket their local dealer. Just the chance to have the new car's menacing bodykit would be a start!