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Holden Commodore Berlina Sportswagon LPG 2012 review

Styling is a traditional Aussie rear-drive two-box shape and despite the squeezed parameters is a pleasant and purposeful thing.
EXPERT RATING
7

Dismiss this article about a large Australian car and it may cost you money. Despite what you may have been told, you can buy a big, affordable made-for-Australia car that will beat European diesels hands down in running costs.

The reason is gas - liquified petroleum gas (LPG) that is about half the price of petrol, available almost everywhere and home-made from a gas shelf near you. The similarly-equipped Omega wagon with the 3-litre V6 petrol is $6000 cheaper than the LPG Berlina here and appears to get better fuel economy at 9.2 L/100km.

But the 12.3 L/100km of the LPG version actually equates to about 6.5 L/100km because LPG is half the price of petrol. Holden says the range is now about 700km.

If that doesn't swing you, the capped service on the LPG-fuelled Berlina is $265 a year for the first three years and Holden finance is now 0.5 per cent comparative rate. Then there's the $2000 rebate from the government. But - and there's always a but - this car's rate of depreciation would make an incoming Space Shuttle jealous.

Value

The Berlina model tested has extra gear over the entry-level Omega which lifts it out of the fleet brigade. But at $47,990 it's not especially cheap. Value is in the similar LPG-fuelled wagon limited edition Equipe. It costs $42,490 and includes 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, metallic paint and a rear camera.

The Berlina alone isn't bad - rear-park sensors, iPod/USB/Bluetooth audio, colour touchscreen monitor, 17-inch alloys and an electric driver's seat.

Design

Once rated alongside noses for their ubiquity, the Commodore wagon has been driven off the streets by small-engined Asian cars. Styling is a traditional Aussie rear-drive two-box shape and despite the squeezed parameters in which Holden designers live, the Sportwagon - nee station wagon - is a pleasant and purposeful thing.

There's heaps of cabin room, flat-fold rear seats and firm-but-comfortable front seats borrowed from Lufthansa. But the dashboard design is aging fast and the fold-down handbrake lever is itching for a chance to pinch the skin on your fingers.

Technology

The LPG system is now dedicated - that is, no more dual-fuel compromise - but remains a vapour system. So it takes the liquid from the 84-litre rear-mounted tank and warms it to gas before plunging it into the engine's cylinders. It's not as efficient as the new Ford EcoLPi liquid-injection unit.

This tester is a 3.6-litre V6. The LPG Commodores get the proper six-speed automatic and other than the fact they dish out more torque than the petrol equivalent, that's about the extent of new-age innovation. Regardless, it's a simple and durable package.

Safety

This is a high point. In addition to being surrounded by a lot of metal and having so much space around the occupants, the Commodore gets electronic stability and traction control, a five-star crash rating, rear camera, park sensors, brake assist and a string of other aids. There's also six airbags. Holden gets an elephant stamp for offering a choice of spare wheels.

The aerosol repair kit is standard then you can offer money for a collapsed spare, a space-saver spare or a real wheel. The tester had a real one but to make it fit, it sits upright in the wagon's cargo area and limits load carrying.

Driving

Holden employees like to drive. That's evident in a family wagon that has very predictable handling and even the "fun'' word can be applied. It's a sure-footed car that has very accurate steering feel, flat cornering stance and excellent ride comfort over uneven surfaces. Tyre noise on coarse bitumen is low compared with most imports. It's a big car but handles like one a lot smaller, though the large-diameter steering wheel can feel bus-like.

The LPG engine is responsive - though needs extra cranks to start - but sounds harsh and thrashy when under acceleration. The saving grace is the six-speed automatic. Also unfavourable is the soft brake pedal feel. But, above these minors, the wagon is actually a good drive and though some cabin plastics may tell you otherwise, the car feels more durable on the road than many rivals

Verdict

Strong family wagon for the family that plays hard. Resale value is rubbish, so try and keep it for a decade or two. with its petrol competitors - this has been achieved.

Pricing guides

$15,969
Based on 424 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$3,500
Highest Price
$50,881

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Omega (LPG) 3.6L, LPG, 6 SP AUTO $10,230 – 13,970 2012 Holden Commodore 2012 Omega (LPG) Pricing and Specs
Omega (LPG) 3.6L, LPG, 6 SP AUTO $7,590 – 10,670 2012 Holden Commodore 2012 Omega (LPG) Pricing and Specs
Omega 3.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $12,100 – 16,060 2012 Holden Commodore 2012 Omega Pricing and Specs
Omega 3.0L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $7,150 – 10,010 2012 Holden Commodore 2012 Omega Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
7
Neil Dowling
Contributing Journalist

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Pricing Guide

$3,500

Lowest price, based on 410 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.