All that guessing ended today when Holden unveiled its VU model ute, which goes on sale in January.

The first completely new Holden ute in ten years, the VU combines passenger car attributes with the flexibility of a smart workhorse. Its good looks demonstrate a clear sports/recreational design theme, highlighted by flowing, rounded lines, a unique flush-fitting tonneau cover and strong front-end styling.

But the biggest news is underneath. In a world-first move, Holden has equipped the VU with independent rear suspension (IRS), claiming sedan-like ride and handling qualities.

As might be expected from such a suspension choice, however, while the VU claims greater cargo carrying capacity than before, it still falls behind the one-tonne payload capacity of its arch-rival Falcon. This is thought unlikely to be a major factor in buyers’ decisions though, as utes have become `lifestyle’ vehicles rather than pure workhorses.

"Australians have always had a particular passion for the Holden ute - and we feel proud that it has become such a lasting symbol of our automotive heritage," said Holden chairman and managing director, Peter Hanenberger.

"Few products can claim the icon status of the Holden ute, and each generation has a story to tell. For its part, the 2001 Holden ute tells a story of changing lifestyle patterns, choice and flexibility. It is like no Holden ute before it.

"As a demonstration of Holden’s commitment to increasing the strength and efficiency of its local manufacturing capability, we have invested close to $80 million on tooling and purpose-built plant facilities, as well as an extensive design and engineering program for the VU.

"We are confident that this latest evolution of a legendary model line will not simply uphold a great tradition but will enhance it," Mr Hanenberger concluded.

The VU range is extended to include a well-equipped SS model with powerful sports styling. All three models - the Ute, S and SS - offer high levels of comfort, convenience and safety.

Cabin space is significantly larger and the heavy duty load compartment is longer, wider and deeper than before, catering for greater cargo volume. Maximum payload capacity on the entry level VU Holden Ute with auto transmission rises to 830kg, an increase of 18 per cent on the equivalent VS model. Fuel tank capacity has expanded from 63 to 70 litres and a dual fuel petrol/LPG option is available on V6 models equipped with automatic transmission.

Holden’s 152kW, 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 engine is standard on the Ute and S Ute models, while the SS Ute is powered by a 225kW 5.7 litre GEN III V8. This engine is available as an option on the S Ute model.

Sports utility styling
Holden designers placed the emphasis on a fully integrated, sports utility appearance, achieving it with careful attention to detail evident in the unique, tailored tonneau cover that features ‘snap lock’ flush fitment rather than the traditional hook system.

The flush-fitting and practical tonneau cover also assists in noise minimisation. Its three-bow system incorporates an isolation bar and it is specifically designed to combat the cabin ‘boom’ that can be caused by a tonneau cover.

Cabin space is more roomy, providing more leg, shoulder and head room and longer seat travel. VU also shares the plush, soft-feel seat trim fabrics and door inserts of VX Commodore models.

Like its sedan counterpart, the well-appointed SS ute reflects a strong sports performance character, with the inclusion of individual features such as a leather-covered steering wheel and handbrake, colour-coded instrument panel and cluster.

`Driver's car' driving dynamics
Without compromising cargo-carrying ability, reliability or durability, Holden’s engineers have ensured that the IRS-equipped VU ute delivers sedan-smooth ride quality and safer handling via improved steering control and better traction, particularly when cornering on rough surfaces.

With its improved ride and handling attributes, VU is a true driver’s car. Its superior ride and roadholding abilities are assisted by a wide track and long wheelbase, strong body structure, refined body aerodynamics and a suspension system which delivers excellent lateral grip and high directional stability.

The VU braking system features an all-new load sensing brake proportioning valve, specifically designed and calibrated to suit IRS, giving the VU optimum front-to-rear braking balance under all load conditions.

Strength, refinement (and Ssh, it’s quieter)
Sharing the VX Commodore wagon wheelbase to provide maximum load space, the VU’s all-new body structure is substantially stronger and more rigid than before. The benefits of this body construction flow through into greater driving refinement and improved crash performance.

The reinforced and practically proportioned load compartment, which is large enough to cater for standard pallets and building sheets (1,220mm x 2,400mm), features heavy duty, fully galvanised panels.

Holden engineers undertook an intensive, long-term research and development program aimed at making VU the quietest and smoothest Holden ute ever. They achieved a 5dBA noise improvement through structural and powertrain enhancements, aerodynamics and full-scale wind tunnel testing.

Safety gets a look-in too
VU incorporates higher standards of safety technology than any other commercial vehicle. Holden benchmarked passenger car standards and equipped the VU with the advanced occupant protection features offered by the current VX Commodore.

Its computer-optimised front structure is designed for ‘soft pulse’ crash energy management, and additional structure has been added behind the front wheels to manage severe, narrow offset crashes.

A reinforced side structure gives enhanced side impact protection, and the VU safety design also incorporates three levels of crash sensing and protection - ranging from seat belt webbing clamps and seat belt buckle pre-tensioners through to airbags - to help reduce injury risks in collisions of differing severity.

Primary safety characteristics are also enhanced - with IRS providing superior handling and steering response and advances like new headlamp technology that increase spread and penetration on low beam.

Added features in all models
The three utes that make up the VU range are equipped with a comprehensive array of features to complement their sports/recreational lifestyle character.

The entry level Ute includes creature comforts such as a CD player, six-function trip computer, centre console cupholders, storage box, luggage net and rear window demister. A driver’s airbag, seat belt pre-tensioners and load area tie-down hooks also come as standard.

Distinguished by its tailored soft tonneau cover, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome highlights, the S Ute features power windows, steering wheel audio controls and electric driver’s seat height and tilt adjuster.

At the top of the range, the sporty SS model is highlighted by 17-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps and the SS sedan’s sculptured front fascia and side skirts. The strong performance feel extends to the interior, with SS sedan sports seats and unique interior treatments. Air conditioning, passenger airbag, power antenna, anti-lock brakes (ABS), sports suspension and Holden’s advanced 5.7 litre 225kW GEN III V8 are also included as standard.