The 2017 Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo is a pick-up truck that breaks the mold with its 6.2-litre V8 engine and six-speed manual gearbox. This supercharged V8 produces an impressive 671Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph. With this impressive power, the Maloo is the fastest commercial vehicle in the world and is powered by the same engine that is used in the Chevy Camaro ZL1, with 544hp and 495lb ft of torque. Driving the Maloo is an experience like no other, with its sheer power and performance making it a vehicle that stands out from the crowd.
The Vauxhall VXR8 Maloo is an anomaly in the UK, and in many other places, but it's a vehicle we're glad exists. Featuring a powerful 6.2-litre V8 engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, it can reach 62mph in just 4.6 seconds and offers a decent 18.5mpg economy. Despite its performance, it comes with the same three-year, 60,000-mile warranty as a standard diesel Astra.
The Holden ute has been a popular pick-up truck in Australia since the 1950s, and it comes with a range of different engines. The most impressive of these is the 537bhp Maloo LSA, which is sold in the UK as the VXR8 Maloo. It is powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 671Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph. This makes it the fastest commercial vehicle on the planet, and it's easy to see why after just a few miles of driving.
When you start up the Maloo pick-up, you won't hear the typical diesel sound you'd expect; instead, you'll be met with a luxurious V8 burble, similar to that of an AMG Mercedes. Our car was fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, though an automatic is available as an optional extra for £1,700.
The Maloo's throttle response is immediate, and it's rear-wheel drive only. This can make it quite a handful in wet or slippery conditions, as there's no weight over the back axle, making it very agile. If you're too hasty in exiting a corner, you may find the tail pushing wide, with the traction control light flickering as the system tries to keep the power in check.
The VXR8 is an impressive vehicle, with a powerful exhaust note that can be heard throughout its entire rev range. Its immense torque allows it to pick up speed from low revs, meaning you don't have to switch gears unnecessarily. When the engine reaches 4,500rpm, the VXR8 really comes alive, producing a sound that few cars and no pick-ups can match. Holding onto the gears is a riot, and the car sings to the red line.
The Vauxhall boasts an impressive fuel efficiency rate of 18.5mpg, but in actuality, driving a vehicle with such a large engine will result in a much lower rate of fuel efficiency. During this year's MPG Marathon, the highest achievable rate was 27.5mpg, and it is highly unlikely that drivers will be able to get more than 200 miles from a single tank of gas. This means that the joy of driving a large engine must be balanced against the reality of its fuel consumption.
In addition, the 500kg payload limit means that it cannot compete with the Mitsubishi L200 in terms of carrying capacity, and its off-road capabilities are close to non-existent. The intricate load cover is intended to improve aerodynamics, but it actually does more harm than good – severely limiting the driver's rear visibility.