Holden Commodore LPG: first drive review

By James Stanford
Carsguide
21 February 2012

Holden promises it will be a no-compromise conversion that does not impact on driveability.

James Stanford road tests and reviews the Holden Commodore LPG

Big fuel bills are no longer a reason to give up on Australian large cars. With the introduction of the Holden Commodore LPG, Ford and Holden now both have big locally-made family machines that cost less to run than small petrol cars.

Both only cost $500 more than regular petrol versions (as long as you’re a private buyer and qualify for the federal governments $2000 LPG grant) and you should win it back within a year.

LPG is also relatively clean when it comes to CO2, which should enable eco-friendly fleets to get on board. Government fleets, which have been increasingly buying imported cars, including diesel Hyundai i30s, now have a patriotic eco-friendly

Option

The Holden LPG option is available across all three Commodore body styles, the sedan, ute and wagon. It’s also available for the stretched Caprice.

For 20 years Holden has dabbled with duel fuel Petrol/LPG options, but has now decided to follow Fords step and offer a proper focused LPG-only version. This allowed Holden engineers to tune the engine to run better on LPG.

The LPG tank, which used to sit in the boot, is now located behind the rear axle, only slightly raising the boot floor of the sedan, trimming the cargo area by 10 litres to 486 litres. The wagon and ute cargo areas stay the same.

One negative is that the LPG tank means there is no space below for a spare tyre.
You can carry a pump-up kit and keep your boot-space or give some of it up and fit a spare in the boot or ute tray.

VALUE

The true value of the LPG Commodore is always going to depend on fuel prices good luck predicting them - but is going to be a great value proposition for some time to come. While the LPG tax regime is changing, with less government assistance, the good gas has traditionally been around half the price of petrol per litre. Given the LPG Commodore doesn’t use all that much more LPG than the regular car uses petrol, it is going to make for a great set of numbers.

Going by the claimed average consumption figures (which aren’t perfect but act as a guide), and average fuel prices in Melbourne earlier this week, the fuel cost to run an LPG Commodore for a year (20,000km) would work out to $1723.

That’s $409 cheaper than the fuel bill for a small petrol car (an automatic Mazda3 Neo), neck and neck with a super lean large diesel car like the Skoda Superb and almost $600 cheaper than a regular petrol Commodore.

Real world figures may vary, but there’s no doubt LPG makes big cars cheap to run.
Like the rest of the Commodore range, the LPG versions are very good value when you consider what you get for the money.

TECHNOLOGY

The Commodore LPG doesn’t use the most advanced LPG technology on the market. While Ford opted for the more complicated liquid injection LPG which allows for better performance, Holden decided to go with the vapour injection method.

It selected the previous generation 3.6-litre quad-cam V6, made in Melbourne, for the LPG option and fitted a new fuel rail, injectors, harder valves and valve seats, special pistons, modified heads and a unique manifold. It runs a higher compression ration too.
Holden will only make the LPG option available with a six-speed automatic transmission. The LPG 3.6 produces 180kW of power, which is 30kW down on the petrol engine of the same size, and 320Nm of torque, which is 30Nm off.

For reference, the LPG Falcon is good for 198kW and 409Nm. The Holden LPG does better when compared to the 3.0-litre V6 petrol fleet special Commodore, which makes 190kW and 290Nm.

The LPG car’s average fuel consumption for 100km is 11.8L/100km, which doesn’t sound great until you remember how much cheaper LPG is.
Its average CO2 figure of 189g/km is the best in its class.

DESIGN

Australians have had plenty of time to get used to the current Commodore shape given it has been around since 2006. There have been some changes under the skin, but the exterior design was thankfully bold enough that the car still looks good today.

The interior, which looked dated from the day the VE was introduced, was upgraded last year to gear the Commodore range a more modern and upmarket look although it is still plain in the cheaper models.

There are no visual clues that a Commodore is LPG powered apart from some badges and the red LPG stickers on the number plate.

SAFETY

As is the case with the regular Commodore, the LPG version gets a five star ANCAP crash test safety rating. It also comes with a full suite of six airbags, front, side and curtains, has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, anti-skid brakes and seatbelt reminders.

DRIVING

Holden boss Mike Devereux admits he’s never filled a car with LPG. He's not alone. Many people don’t like having to screw in the nozzle and especially dislike the psshht sound when the left over gas is vented out to the atmosphere when the tank is full.

There's no doubt Holden, and Ford, face a battle to get ordinary Australians to consider LPG as a proper option rather than something confined to cheapskates and taxi operators.

All they have to do is get them into the driving seat. Fords LPG is more complex delivers better performance, but the Holden LPG option is perfectly good.

It goes a bit better than the 3.0-litre petrol Omega, but is not as quick as the 3.6-litre petrol, which is a real slingshot these days.

The sound is slightly different as it goes through one exhaust and the last generation cylinder head makes slightly coarser noises, but really, you would be hard-pressed to notice.

There is plenty of low down pull and enough power when you want to get stuck in. The overall drive experience is exactly what you expect from a Commodore. That means it handles well, it cruises nicely and is perfectly suited to Australian conditions.

Having to run without a spare wheel, or having one take up a section of the boot is not ideal, but I reckon its worth it.

VERDICT

It has all the benefits of a large car with the running costs of a small car. Just like Ford, Holden is making an LPG car that is too good to ignore. Even better, theyre both made right here in Australia.

Commodore Omega LPG

4 stars

Price: $42,490 (not including $2000 private customer rebate)
Warranty: 3 years/ 100,000km
Service Intervals: 15,000km or 9 months
Safety Equipment: six airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.
Crash rating: 5 stars
Engine: 180kW/320Nm 3.6-litre V6 LPG
Body: 4-door, 5 seats (ute, wagon and long wheelbase Caprice available)
Dimensions: 4903mm (L); 1899mm (W); 1471mm (H); 1471mm (WB) 2915mm
Weight: 1730kg
Transmission: Six-speed automatic; rearwheel-drive
Economy: 11.8l/100km; 189g/km CO2

RIVALS

Ford Falcon XT EcoLPi- compare this car
Price: $39,235 (not including $2000 private customer rebate)
Engine: 198kW/409Nm 4-litre 6-cyl LPG
Trans: Six-speed auto
Body: 4-door, 5 seats
Dimensions: 4955 (L); 1868mm (W); 1453mm (H); 2838mm (WB)
Thirst: 12.5L/100km, CO2 203g/km

Skoda Superb - compare this car
Price: $38,990
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 103kW/320Nm
Trans: 6-speed dual-clutch auto, front drive
Body: 4-door
Thirst: 6.1L/100km, CO2 161g/km

Toyota Camry Hybrid - compare this car
Price: $36,990
Engine: 2.4-litre, 4-cyl petrol/electric motor, 110kW/187Nm
Trans: CVT auto, front drive
Body: 4-door sedan
Thirst: 6.0L/100km, CO2 142g/km

Comments on this story

Displaying 3 of 22 comments

Is this system different to the one used in the HSV cars ?
arthur of frankston Posted on 31 March 2012 12:08pm
How is unfair is it that you refer to Ford’s LPG system as “complicated” and “complex”, whilst refering to Holden’s as “perfectly good”. After reading for years over and over, by journos, how old tech and archaic the previous EGAS system was, the ECOLPi now deserves the credit due to it. It seems that most journos very much highlight the minor negatives in the Ford, whilst ignoring the major negatives in the Commodore. I mean for example 320nm vs 409nm, this is an enormous difference, and REAL WORLD fuel economy will no doubt be better in the Ford, as has been proven over and over by the petrol versions over various real world road tests. Fair go.
Phil A of Doncaster Posted on 09 March 2012 12:48pm
Yeeeh I stuffed up I was thinking of my TERRITORY which was converted but on that note I read somewhere else it was a maximum wait of 6 seconds for the system to charge????
herbie of Posted on 05 March 2012 8:52am
# Ron N, if Ford is so far in front, why does Commodore achieve better fuel consumption? I’d suggest 40 year old technology exists everywhere in every car. e.g. Double-wishbone suspension, as used in Falcon, dates back to 1935. OTOH, Commodore’s MacPherson strut is much more modern. But guess what? That doesn’t make the MacPherson strut better. What counts is results and the result with Commodore LPG is better fuel economy. OK, you’re going to tell us that the Ford engine has more power and torque but again, guess what? People don’t buy LPG cars for more power and torque, they buy them to save on fuel bills.

@ Herbie, the EcoLPi system doesn’t have a petrol tank at all, it starts and runs on LPG. Ford haven’t made a dual-fuel car for a decade or more. The EcoLPi system needs to pre-charge the fuel system before the car can be started (because the liquid evaporates). This can take up to 20 seconds, so Ford have engineered it so that as soon as you unlock the doors, it starts to pre-charge. Most of the time you probably won’t notice but sometimes it will almost certainly be annoying. But like anything, you’d just get into the habit of unlocking the car from 50m away, instead of 5m.
MotorMouth of Sydney Posted on 02 March 2012 10:00am
Mehh..@David Z, the EcoLPI system starts the car on petrol, so it starts instantly. Twit. It’s a far superior system, if it was vice-versa, CarsGuide would be raving about the Holden’s superior system. But noooo, not when Holden are lining their pockets!
herbie Posted on 27 February 2012 7:57am
Well stew of Adelaide, the Commodore is worth the extra over the Mazda 3 because the Commodore is much roomier, better performing, has better ride & handling, can tow more than a roller skate, and much safer in a crash being a larger car. Oh and it’s much better looking than the angled & creased mess the current 3 is.
Jim C of Sydney Posted on 25 February 2012 8:09am
42 THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!!! For an LPG omega! HAHAHA
Dr R Eimenschneider of Perth Posted on 24 February 2012 10:54pm
@Ron N, you are a halfwit, get some education then maybe you wont look like a twat…
The Elitist Posted on 24 February 2012 3:09pm
Well this tech seem more realistic than the 85% ethanol equiped car Holden presented sometime back, where do you find up to 85% bio fuel here?
phuong Posted on 24 February 2012 1:42pm
Ron N of WA, vapour injection has not been around for 40 years, it is relatively new and by your comment I can inform you that you have no understanding of the system. You seem to think it’s still got an Impco mixer in the intake hose, LOL!
Mick of Melb Posted on 24 February 2012 11:28am
@ Ron N, I’d check your facts mate. You’re a long way off the mark.
Jason of Melb Posted on 22 February 2012 12:10pm
Single or dual tanks? Size of the useable fuel tank size? Falcon ECOLPI worshippers will go on and on about how superior its system is ... FALSE, *maybe* on paper, yes. In the real world, the Commodore is more economical and starts instantly, the ECOLPI does not. Also, the Holden offer it on large Caprice and also wagons. Ford, you’re screwed, you do not. Next we can have the Aurion on LPG? It’s a perfectly good system, millions out in the field. Price of the base Commodore is very high though.
David Z of Aus Posted on 22 February 2012 12:08pm
Hmm let me see ... the Falcon looks better, goes better, has more power and is cheaper. Why would I even look at the Commodore? Also, those people that seem to be convinced the entire world wants smaller cars mustn’t have any kids! I for one think it is great that Holden and Ford are focussed on making the larger cars more efficient and cheaper to run. I can assure you that I need the room a larger car can offer.
AJ Posted on 22 February 2012 12:03pm
“Win it back within a year” ... yep, LPG rules! Try to understand, 1 (one) year diesel buyers, not 35 year payback period ... LOL!
DAVIDZ of AUS Posted on 22 February 2012 11:46am
Why would i spend $42,000 on a holden when the mazda is $20,000 grand cheaper that about covers it what a waste of tax payers money keeping the commodore going. Holden fail to see that the market trend is to smaller cars not big rear wheel drive cars.
stew of Adelaide Posted on 22 February 2012 9:12am
Yawn - more 40 yr old technology being presented as new models. My 1960’s forklift has this gas-to-vapour technology. Why does the Commodore need injectors if it’s using gas vapour? Ford is a mile in front with direct liquid LPG injection, that requires no vapour converter and gets another 20% efficiency from directly injecting the liquid LPG without any need for a loss-inducing vapour converter. Once again, we have proof car companies are in bed with fuel companies, and have no interest in providing us with cutting edge technology, for fear of upsetting powerful vested interests.
Ron N of Perth W.A. Posted on 21 February 2012 9:13pm
Should it be SVi or LPi, I am sure the efficiency will be fantastic. My 2010 LPG Berlina, 3.6L, achieves 11.3L / 100kms on LPG, with an average speed of 55kph, and around 13L / 100kms on LPG if the average speed is below 35kph, both with aircon on. It actually uses less gas than petrol, I did not believe this at first, but the pump confirms it. I trust the new system will be just as good, whilst delivering more power and torque with a longer range. Fingers crossed for a 6 Speed Auto... BTW: I work for GM Holden, however, they are remaining tight lipped with regard to the new LPG vehicle and engine.
MrSmith of Adelaide, South Australia Posted on 25 January 2011 1:25pm
I hate those 'filthy disiesel'
Thomas Posted on 17 January 2011 11:56am
Andrew, exactly how could disiesel be 50% of sales? The engines are more expensive and they make the cars themselves heavier and unbalanced. They have a much narrower power band than any other type of engine and they emit far more bad pollutants than petrol or LPG (which burns more cleanly than petrol). Disiesel also relies on foreign oil (Bass Strait crude is too thin). Remember a couple of years ago when petrol was around $1.60 a litre? Well disiesel was nudging $2.00 at that time, which meant it cost more to run than a petrol car. Even European car companies have lost interest since disiesel ceased being cheaper than petrol over there. Just look at all the new, efficient petrol engines they are coming out with now. e.g. A 118TSi Golf only uses a little more petrol than a 103TDi. The new Polo gets even closer and Fiat/Alfa's new MultiAir engines are pretty much on-par. One of the main reasons disiesel cars have been so fuel efficient in the past is that they were much more sophisticated engines. Now that same technology is being applied to petrol/LPG engines, i.e. direct injection (or LPi for gas) and turbocharging, the days of filthy disiesel cars are numbered.
MotorMouth of Sydney Posted on 15 January 2011 1:01pm
Is this the new LiLPG tech or just LPG??
Joe5619 of Sydney Posted on 14 January 2011 11:32am
*****PRIMO!***** Yes, LPG is the NON IMPORTED fuel avail. here in AUS in vast quantities The GovCo should make it LAW that 25% of all new vehicles sold here MUST be LPG powered Cleaner, greener, and the money stays here not going to Arab states Hope the Commodore can have a folding back split rear seat? And a bench seat in the Ute please while your at it GM/H Engineering
FrugalOne of AUSTRALIA Posted on 14 January 2011 9:52am
All this over 10-15% of sales? How about diesel which could be 50% of sales. How many diesel large car sales do you need to see go to other brands before anything is done?
Andrew of Malvern Posted on 14 January 2011 9:49am

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