Feel the power

The 2007 chevrolet lumina SS may be a monster of a car, but it is a charmer nonetheless, with a range of appealing features, says Shiva Kumar Thekkepat.

The boys were excited. Naturally.

A Chevrolet Lumina SS may be a dime a dozen on UAE roads, but to actually ride in one, even if only for a few days, is not to be sniffed at. OK, it's no Lamborghini, as my elder son was quick to point out, but as my seven-year-old said, "Who cares? Just go zooom!"

My wife, never a car enthusiast, was disapproving of my choice of the test-drive vehicle. Not surprising, since the moment the red needle touches 110 on our car, her usually gentle demeanour undergoes a transformation for the worse.

All this changed when they had their first drive. "I love it!" shouted the younger one. "Buy it!" The elder one seconded him enthusiastically. And what about my wife? She actually admitted to enjoying it. "It seems so safe," she said reluctantly. This despite reaching speeds that I will only say we had not driven at before.

What is it about the 2007 all-new Lumina SS that makes people change their mind so dramatically? It can't be the looks, for although it looks spiffy and mean enough to satisfy the regular speed enthusiast, it doesn't look particularly like a speed monster, at least to me.

The mean-looking boot spoiler, side skirts and sweeping front spoiler certainly look a lot more purposeful than your average cling-on treatment.

But it is only when you turn on the engine and experience the low-throated growl of the massive V8 that sends an irresistible itch to your right toe, and you indulge it that you realise the Lumina's uncanny ability to part traffic.

Chevrolet's new generation Lumina SS is actually a re-badged Holden Commodore SS sourced from its line-up in Australia. But this is not just a re-badging exercise. This one is a brute alright, but a very civilised one.

So much so, that it could very well be the poster boy for power at its intimidating best. Even though our test car was not the customary fire engine red (a more restrained metallic orangish ochre), the SS certainly made everyone stand to attention with its imposing body styling.

And did I mention it is huge? This monster had difficulty getting completely comfortable in my standard parking space and fitting it into the bays often proved problematic.

I whispered a silent thanks to its power steering, though this doesn't imply that the big Chevy is all power and no luxury.

Loadsa comfort
The SS that we tested was equipped with all the modcons found on most high-end luxury models.

The interior, with its sporty red and black finishes houses a surprisingly sombre fascia where all the essential audio (the six-disc system is MP3-compatible) and ventilation controls are positioned. Convenient audio and trip computer controls are provided on the steering wheel.

Climate control, power windows, power sports seats and cruise control are all listed as standard features on this gentle giant.

Seating is provided for four to five passengers and those with the rearmost berths could possibly have the most comfortable seats in the 'house'. All seats are comfortable and provide ample lumbar support.

The look and feel of the cabin is light years ahead of the usual drab grey and black usually found in most Chevrolet models. The placing of the controls on the dashboard is just right and makes for intuitive driving. Visibility is good for the driver, though I found the massive rear spoiler obstructing view, especially in city driving.

The creature comforts that Chevrolet has bunged in (a DVD player with a flip-down panel for rear passengers) does little for the driver.

The latest Bluetooth wireless cellular phone technology provides a seamless interface between enabled mobile phones and Lumina's integrated infotainment system.

Standard on the SS, this hands-free system makes answering and ending calls a simple and safe procedure. The system even automatically mutes the radio or CD player while using the Lumina's speaker system for the incoming call audio.

Plenty of space
The key fob holds a remote boot release button (oddly, the cabin release is found in the glove box) that reveals a cavernous luggage space.

There is a lot of front interior leg, hip and shoulder room but the rear leg room is compromised, especially for those over 6 feet. Exterior road noises are sufficiently dampened to provide a pleasantly quiet ride with only a low, throaty, V8 exhaust rumble to remind the driver of the proficient V8 power available.

You are guaranteed to get a lot of approving looks or challenges from other drivers as I discovered on a long drive to Jebel Hafeet. Speed aside, the V8 also has the grunt to zoom uphill without breaking into a sweat.

Standard on the rear-wheel drive Lumina is the now-familiar alphabet soup found in all premium models: ESP (electronic stability programme) with ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBA (electronic brake assist), EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and TCS (traction control system). A full arsenal of air bags is included for added peace of mind.

The SS is powered by a new light alloy 6-litre V8 with 360 bhp on tap at 5,700 rpm and an almighty 530 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

Average fuel consumption during our test period was just under 15 litres/100 km, but buying this car automatically assumes you'll develop a closer relationship with your local petrol pump.

You'll seldom question Chevrolet's performance claims (0 to 100 kmph in 5.1 seconds) when this machine snakes its way past flashier cars on the highway.

The shifting is smooth, and the braking spot on.

Tap into the SS's racier side (with a Sportshift button) and it is as though the car is instantly poised for track action.

The suspension seems firmer and throttle responses are more immediate - especially with Sportshift activated on the four-speed automatic that served as our test car.
The Lumina SS is big on personality and can charm most potential customers.

Also considering its costs (starting at Dh114,500), when compared with other vehicles of a similar size and engine capacity, makes it especially attractive.

The MPGs may not be as high as advertised, but the performance and drive-ability help to make up for the deficiency. And guess what, my wife has actually consented to consider it as our next car! Now, I only have to drum up all those extra dirhams ...