Holden Commodore LPG Ute spare problem

It’s as cheap to run as a small car, drives much like a regular Commodore Ute and is only $500 more than a petrol version as long as you qualify for the $2000 Federal Governments LPG rebate. 

So, what possible reason could be found to not buy one? The possibility of getting a flat tyre, that’s what. Normally, the spare wheel sits behind the rear axle underneath the steel tub, but that is where Holden engineers have placed the aluminium LPG tank. 

The other way is to select the option of having a spare wheel bolted to the floor of the tub, up behind the cabin. That’s great, but it intrudes into the cargo area and affects the ability to carry gear, which is usually a core reason of buying a ute. 

This issue doesn’t affect Falcon EcoLPI Ute, which also has more power (198kW) and torque (409Nm) thanks to a liquid injection system. That’s because the Ford is 202mm longer and that means there is enough room for an LPG tank and a spare wheel. 

That said, the vapour injecting LPG Commodore Ute is still a very good machine for those who love its sporty and muscular design, extremely low running costs and relatively good practicality.

The 3.6-litre V6 LPG Commodore makes a reasonable 180kW and 320Nm, which drives well enough, although its feels sluggish compared to the new SIDI petrol version of the same engine.

It has an average fuel consumption figure of just 11.8L/100km. The number itself is nothing special, but when you consider LPG is half the price of petrol, it should get your attention.