Paris Motor Show 2008Paris Motor Show, 4-19th October 2008

Holden VE Ute

We couldn't talk about Australian cars and not include a Ute. You need to pronounce it with an Aussie accent (mate) for it to sound right, and though the name does come from the word 'utility', it isn't as utilitarian as you might expect.

For starters, the VE Ute is built on the underpinnings of the Holden VE saloon, featured elsewhere here in Sportwagon format and also forming the basis of the much-loved Vauxhall VXR8. Not only that; if you view the VE Ute from the front, you may not notice the flat bed on the rear at all, as it's pretty much identical from the B-pillar forward. That B-pillar though marks the rear edge of the two-seat cockpit. Unlike the pick-ups found on most building sites on this side of the world, the VE Ute features a comfortable and well-appointed interior.

The Ute is no longer a medieval device on the road either, and apparently can be a bit of a hoot to drive with a range of V6 and V8 petrol engines channelling their grunt to the rear wheels.

Tuesday October 16

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