Vauxhall

Maloo

It’s big, it’s brash and it’s brilliant. Introducing the 6.2-litre V8 VXR Vauxhall Maloo – the only performance pick-up sold in the UK.

The good

Amazing fun and power

The bad

Steer well clear of your bank manager (and the speed cameras!)

Tech Specs

Price from

£51,500

Combined Fuel up to

21.0mpg

0-62 from

4.9 seconds

max speed up to

155mph

co2 from

320g/km

Test Drive

Vauxhall VXR Maloo

It’s not for the faint-hearted or for anyone who shies away from attention and it’s certainly not for the green brigade with a constant eye on fuel efficiency and carbon emissions.

But the Vauxhall VXR Maloo is a must-have for anyone who wants to put the fun back into driving because this two-seater pick-up comes with a massive 6.2-litre V8 engine that can blast its way from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds on its way to a top speed limited to 155mph.

Okay, its combined fuel economy is 21mpg and it emits a choking 320g/km in carbon emissions but, for once, just sit back and enjoy the ride.

The test model featured Hazard Yellow paintwork which probably made this Ute visible from outer space and just in case you don’t see it coming, there’s the engine’s roar that sounds like a low-flying jet passing overhead.

But there would be no point boasting all the bells and whistles if the performance added up to nothing.

It doesn’t. For the stunning Maloo – manufactured in Australia – is packed with creature comforts, technical gadgets and has a cargo area fitted with a lift-up lid that can hold a dozen or so surfboards.

Features include quad exhaust pipes, 20-inch alloys, daytime running lights, rear parking camera, audio with MP3 hard drive and USB port, Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone climate control and plenty more besides.

The interior really is quite classy in appearance and there are lots of storage compartments throughout the cabin, including an overhead sunglasses holder and space behind the seats.

But it’s when you start that mighty engine that you are given a glimpse into what’s in store.

The six-speed manual gearbox is smooth but very responsive and the engine power just keeps on coming.

Overtaking is achieved in a matter of seconds and road-holding is flawless even at higher speeds. Noise levels are pretty high, but isn’t that why these vehicles have a great sound system!

Admittedly, the all-round visibility is not great, but to be fair it would be nigh on impossible to go unnoticed in the Maloo.

Add in a very comprehensive list of safety specifications and Vauxhall’s lifetime warranty and the Maloo has plenty of all-round appeal.

Okay, at £51.5k it’s not cheap, but it is the only performance pick-up sold officially in the UK and being that unique comes with a hefty price-tag.

For more details visit www.localvauxhall.co.uk