VE Commodore Omega V options a bargain

The range drops the Acclaim, Executive and SV8 models, but there are still three more models than the VZ.

Omega is the new base model, taking over from Executive and Acclaim, and a new V variant has been added to the SS and Calais models. And for this year only, the Omega also comes in a V variant for private buyers.

However, with the up-spec Omega V available, sales of the Omega and V6 Berlina initially might be a little sluggish.

Just look at the prices and specification levels.

The four-speed auto Omega sells for $34,490 without airconditioning. With air, it costs an extra $2000.

However, the Omega V costs $34,990 and includes air.

For just $500 more than the base Omega you also get 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, and a rear spoiler.

The Berlina sells for $39,990, substantially cheaper than the VZ at $43,890.

Over the Omega V, what you get for the extra $5000 is additional cluster displays and multi-function screen, side airbags, rear park assist, six-CD unit, leather steering wheel and dual zone air. Depending on what features you need, you could option up an Omega V for less money.

I recently had the Berlina for a week and found it just as delightfully quiet, easy to drive, comfortable and reasonably economical as all the other VEs, with just two major concerns.

The first is aesthetic. I simply do not like the plastic imitation woodgrain that runs laterally across the dashboard.

It is a pale wood colour with darker grains that look like tiger stripes.

Even Holden boss Denny Mooney admits it takes some getting used to. A week certainly didn't make it any less offensive to my eyes.

The other major concern is the four-speed auto box. It thumps, bumps, hunts and grinds.

Holden may have made improvements, but it is still inadequate.