2011 Holden Commodore Reviews

It may be just a marketing exercise designed to sell more Commodore utes but the Thunder limited edition makes an enticing package for boof-head Aussie blokes or sheilas.

LPG has been strongly touted over the past few years as being an economical fuel source compared to petrol. But that benefit has started to dwindle as conventional engines have downsized, become more efficient and more environmentally chummy.Take the Holden Omega LPG dual-fuel. Aimed at the tradie and fleet buyers, it offers a simple, economical and fairly comfortable vehicle. But there are still compromises -- for both your wallet and the environment.VALUEYou have to weigh the $38,890 price for the dual-drinker against the latest petrol-only Omega ute at $3400 less - but $1400 after $2000 government rebate. But to do that, you need to measure the 175kW/318Nm 3.6-litre's claimed 15.1L/100km on LPG - which is how most people will use it -- against the 3.0-litre petrol's claimed 9.6L/100km and not dissimilar outputs at 190kW/290Nm.With current fuel prices (which vary on location), that means 1000km costs about $94 on LPG, and about $40 more on petrol. So you have to travel 35,000km to make up the price difference.On test, after 420km of mixed driving it took 67.7L of LPG and 8.3L of petrol for a total cost of $55.90, so our 1000km would cost closer to $130, but in real-world driving the non-LPG ute would also return a higher fuel figure than the claimed one, so the difference could still be around $40.The emissions weigh-up is grimmer. On LPG, the ute belches 244g/km of CO2: more than the 3.0-litre's 229g/km - and for that matter, more than the 210kW/350Nm version of the petrol V6 at 236g/km. And no amount of driving evens up that imbalance.DESIGNThe body looks solid and simple, but the LPG tank means a large lump in the tray, and while you can sit something on top, it reduces the payload area and prevents you anchoring large objects behind the cabin. The tank also reduces cargo capacity by 109kg to 700kg, but you still get the braked towing capacity of 1600kg.The filler caps are both under the same lid, and this leaves little room to get your fingers around the LPG one when refilling.The interior relies on hard plastics - the steering wheel is particularly unpleasant -- but enough effort has been made to give the cabin a comfortable feel and there's plenty of room behind the seats for storage. It also has a reasonable equipment list, including dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth and the Holden-iQ touchscreen infotainment system.The main gripe is lack of visibility, with the thick pillars and high rear window forcing you to look twice in lane-changing and parking.TECHNOLOGYThe Alloytec V6 engine starts on petrol and automatically switches over to the gas-injected LPG after a few seconds, but will switch back if you run out of gas It's a capable unit, but it's mated to a museum-eligible four-speed auto and you can't help wondering how much another cog or two would improve the fuel economy.Holden is currently working on an LPG-only system, due to arrive later this year.The independent rear suspension feels a bit firmer than in the sedan, and the ute rides and handles fairly well with an empty tray. The steel wheels' 16-in diameter helps with that, but it improves more with some weight in the tray.SAFETYFive crash stars, helped by six airbags, stability and traction controls, and anti-skid brakes with brakeforce distribution for optimum braking and brake assist for extra effort in emergency stops.DRIVINGWe'd factored in that the LPG ute would mutter at hills, and it didn't take much foot input before it needed to kick down. But we didn't expect it to make so much racket. It's an industrial symphony, with transmission noise singing harmony and tyre roar as the chorus - all of which begs for better damping in the cabin. Otherwise it offers a fairly practical experience. Give it a task and it steadily sets about getting it done, then dusts its hands off and lines up for the next one.The 11.7m turning circle is handy for a workhorse, and its road manners are as good with the tray empty as when loaded.Overall, there are no real problems, and the cabin is a well-equipped and pleasant enough mobile office, but the ute doesn't really shine in any area. The poor visibility and antique four-speed transmission make everyday tasks just a bit harder than they need to be, and the LPG consumption doesn't compare as well to more modern and frugal petrol engines as it once did to the previous guzzlers.The main factor will be whether you're prepared to pay the extra up front to save bowser budget later in its life.VERDICTIt's a good prospect if you're going to drive it long enough to recoup the extra cost and don't mind losing some payload area. Otherwise go for the petrol version or wait to see the new Falcon Ute with liquid phase injection LPG that arrives mid-year or the LPG-only system Holden will launch later in the year.HOLDEN OMEGA LPG UTEPrice: from $38,890 (- $2000 government rebate)Warranty: 3 years, 100,000km, roadside assistResale: 62%Service: 15,000km/12 monthsThirst: LPG only 15.1 litres/100km; 244g/km CO2. LPG/petrol 13.4 litres/100km; 217g/km CO2Crash rating: 5 starsSafety equipment: six airbags, ESC (inc ABS, EBD, EBA, TC)Engine: 3.6-litre, V6; LPG/petrol; 175kW/318NmTransmission: 4-speed auto; rear-driveBody: 2-door ute, 2 seatsDimensions:  4894mm (L); 1899mm (W); 1476mm (H); 2915mm (WB)Weight: 1734kgTyres: 225/60R16 tyres, full-size spare

The Ford Falcon wagon is dead. The Toyota Camry wagon is gone. Some like the Holden Sportswagon still survive, and there are loyal buyers in both the small-car and luxury classes, but the rising tide of SUVs has washed most station wagons out of showrooms.The distinction between the traditional sedan-based station wagons and Australia’s new favourite family freighter has become much more blurred in the past decade or so.However, there are still some important points of difference. And it's worth looking at some of the leading contenders on the rival teams to see what's happening and what works best for you.A sedan-based wagon is usually lighter than a similarly-sized SUV. This means better fuel economy and lower costs for servicing and tyres. It also sits closer to the bitumen, with a lower centre of gravity, so it’s more agile and stable, especially when cornering or in an emergency manoeuvre.However, you don’t enjoy the high-and-mighty driving position, with an unimpeded view of the road, that SUV drivers - and women in particular - cite as one of the breed’s major attractions.Who hasn’t sat in traffic, cursing the SUV blocking your vision? Booming SUV sales indicate more and more people are taking the view that, if I can’t beat ‘em, I may as well join ‘em.It’s a myth that SUVs are more space-efficient than wagons, however most mid-sized models - including the popular Holden Captiva and Ford's Territory - can come with a couple of extra seats in the back, a feature you no longer find in conventional wagons.Kids also love an SUV’s elevated seating position because they can enjoy the scenery, whereas many wagons have low seats and high side window sills, which, for nippers, can be like sitting in a hole.  So they get unhappy. And we know what happens then...Whether you choose a sedan-based wagon or an SUV - an Americanism for Sports Utility Vehicle, incidentally - the good news is that affordable family transport, with five star safety, can now also be an enjoyable drive.Among the wagons, the Commodore VE Series ll Sportwagon, priced from $41,990 for the 190kW, 3.0-litre V6 Omega, is a standout. It looks sensational - which, it must be said, is still a rare thing in wagon world.Recent improvements to drivetrains, including E85 ethanol fuel compatibility, direct fuel inection and a six-speed automatic - plus a flash new dash with hands-free Bluetooth and audi streaming as standard - have re-written the Commodore's technical resume to 21st century standards.Around town, the 3.0-litre V6 averages 12.6L/100km in official tests.  A big serve of additional grunt in the 3.6-litre V6 SV6 Sportwagon, plus tighter suspension, sports seats and other extras, justifies its $45,790 ask, and with a city average of 13.3L/100km, you’re not savagely penalised at the pump.Despite the Commodore's appeal, Ford’s Mondeo and the little-known Skoda Superb are the kings of outright space. Behind the driver’s seat, both are as big as the MCG.  Given their size, the fuel economy from their 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines is amazing.  The 120kW, six-speed automated-manual Mondeo, from $36,840, pulls like a train and averages just 7.7L/100km in town.The Skoda is VW engineering with a Czech badge, making  luxury wagon for half the expected price. The 125kW six-speed automated-manual Superb Ambition is $43,990, with a city average of 8.3L/100km and the 118kW 1.8-litre petrol turbo Ambition, at $40,990, offers respectable performance too, averaging 9.7L/100km.In the SUV showroom, Ford’s Territory, from $39,890, is still one of the best size/price/performance packages available - especially with the inevitable big discount ahead of the facelifted model - but the all-wheel drive’s 17.6L/100km thirst in town is a major disincentive.Later this month, a 140kW 2.7-litre V6 turbodiesel engine, which averages 11.6L/100km, goes under the bonnet as part of a major upgrade. It will be worth a test drive.Kia’s Sorento, a classy, competent seven-seater with a brilliant 2.2-litre, 145kW turbodiesel, starts at $39,999, with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Around town, it averages 9.5L/100 kilometres. The five-seater Subaru Outback now has enough interior acreage to keep a family happy.  This blue-chip, made-in-Japan SUV starts at $38,490 for the 123kW 2.5-litre petrol (11.5-litres per 100 kilometres), or $40,490 for a 110kW 2.0-litre turbodiesel, in manual only, with a 7.7- litres per 100 kilometre average.Load Lugger ChecklistRear camera: All cars should have one as standard, especially wagons and SUVs. The Sorento’s is a brilliant design, integrated into the rearview mirror.Curtain airbags: Essential protection against a side impact. In a seven seater, they should extend to all three rows of seats. In the Territory, they don’t.Child restraint anchors: Should be on the back of the rear seat, not in the load floor, or the roof (as in the Outback), where the tether straps get in the wayCargo bay: Check that the extended floor is flat when you fold the back seat, and that you don’t have to push the driver’s seat too far forward.Row-three seats: In SUVs most are pretty small, suitable for little kids only, or short trips. Check access, which should be easiest from the kerb side.Protection: You need some way to secure gear, because in a prang even small objects behind the back seat become lethal missiles. Options include a solid load cover, a net, a roll out mesh barrier, that clips into the roof, or an aftermarket barrier.Want to go off road ... really off road?Try these:Jeep Grand Cherokee from $45,000. The new Laredo 3.6-litre V6 petrol is great value, but the diesel, due in June, will be a better drive. Hard-core off-roading made easy, and the all-new Grand Cherokee is much improved on the bitumen too.Mitsubishi Challenger from $45,000. Lots of Pajero bits in this, with lower starting prices and a competent, if rather coarse, 2.5 turbodiesel. Seven seats from $49,390, a huge cargo bay, and a locking rear differential.Toyota Landcruiser Prado from $55,990. It’s a Toyota 4WD, so it’s pricey, but you get bulletproof reliability, unbeatable resale values and smooth, but leisurely, performance from the 3.0-litre turbodiesel.

WE turn the spotlight on automotive's newest and brightest stars, as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. Ultimately, however, there is only one question that really needs answering would you buy one?Once again I take my hat off to Holden's designer Richard Ferlazzo for his work on the Sportwagon. Rich will be remembered for his fantastic EFIJY concept, but for me he be the man who put sex into station wagons. The Sportwagon is the best looking thing that Holden has done in a long time.The V8 is priced from $49,790, the SSV with all the trimmings from $57,290 and the Redline edition from $59,790. Among other things the Redline package adds Brembo and upgraded sports suspension in the case of the sedan.Well, none really. Ford no longer offers a wagon. The closest thing is probably Chrysler's 300C wagon. Maybe the Skoda Superb wagon at a stretch (nice car but completely different creature)6.0-litre V8. In manual forms it produces 270kW of power and 530Nm of torque. The auto has a slightly reduced output of 260kW/517Nm, making it easier on the transmission.Not bad. The manual requires some finesse to get a fast, clean start. Plenty of torque means you're not changing gears often. Even though it produces less power, we'd opt for the convenience of the auto which is better suited to the wagon.The manual is rated at 12.2 and the auto at 12.3 litres/100km. The auto has the benefit of AFM cylinder shutdown technology which could make a big difference depending on what sort of driving you do. We were getting 12.7 litres/100km from our manual test vehicle.Gets three out of five stars from the Government's Green Vehicle Guide, producing 288g/km CO2 (Prius gets five).Gets a full five stars for safety. Comes with six airbags and electronic traction and stability control.Holden has been making these cars for a long time and they know how to make them comfortable. Big comfy form-fitting seats are designed especially for the Aussie frame. You're either going to love or hate the red leather interior.Unlike the previous wagon, this one shares the same 2915mm wheelbase as the sedan which means it's going to handle pretty much the same as the sedan. Rear wheel drive gives it a sporty feel.Compared to say a Euro wagon it is. You get great looks, great performance and the backing of a locally produced product. We particularly liked the stunning 19 inch polished alloys.

YOU wake up one morning and suddenly the world's a different place. When you try to go back to bed your wife has taken all the sheets out to wash and you're left there, standing alone in a strange new world. That's pretty much me each week but increasingly it's new car buyers who walk back into the vehicle market to find that everything has changed and they're lost.The station wagon that took the children on holidays and taught them to drive is almost extinct. Now it's SUVs (whatever!) and hatchbacks, crossovers (dressers?) and MPVs. But despite the newcomers and the demise almost a year ago of the Falcon wagon, there's comfort in the Holden Sportwagon that will appease the traditionalists.VALUEThe Berlina Sportwagon costs $45,490 plus on-road costs and extra for things like a spare wheel - whoa, was that the noise of you falling off your chair? Yes, it's all changed. It's a fair price for what you get - the equipment level is subtle but sufficient - but the Europeans, particularly VW and Skoda, are offering more bling.TECHNOLOGYEven though you clearly have been sitting on your hands while the world changed, Holden hasn't. The engine range includes the Berlina's 3-litre direct petrol injection V6 with an adequate 190kW/290Nm running through a six-speed automatic with the ability of the cogs to be manually changed.The engine is smaller than  before but just as powerful, lighter on petrol and can run quite happily on E85, an 85 per cent blend of sustainable oil from crop waste and 15 per cent petrol.STYLINGThe Sportwagon shares all the VE sedan's muscular torso features and adds a racy tail profile with narrowed side glass. It is smaller in length (by 136mm) and cargo space than its VZ wagon predecessor but the available room is excellent, the rear seats fold dead flat and the hatch is top-hinged so reduces swing length when opening.Better ergonomics inside and the latest touch-screen controller for most major functions is very welcome - but the buttons are small - though plastic fit isn't great.DRIVINGAny V6 is inherently imbalanced both in the odd pulsing of the exhaust and the awkward throw-weight of the three-a-side pistons. The Holden V6 doesn't disappoint with the 3-litre - like its 3.6-litre sister - being harsh in feel and noise when pressed. It settles nicely when cruising but the impression isn't great.The 3-litre is as enjoyable as the 3.6, with sufficient zing to get it away from the lights. Most of that is due to the six-speed auto that closes up the ratio gaps. The box also helps economy with the 11.2 litres/100km coming mainly from suburban driving.Handling is pretty good for such a big - relatively - car. The steering bites in nicely and there's always the sense that the wagon is confident. The ride is quiet and cushy with the Berlina seats notably streets ahead in comfort compared with the Omega model.It certainly is a wagon that could swing you back from alternative SUVs.FEATURESDual-zone climate airconditioning6-speaker CD/iPod/USB audio6 airbagsRear park sensorTrip computer.HOLDEN BERLINA SPORTWAGONOrigin: AustraliaPrice: $45,490Engine: 3-litre, V6Power: 190kW @ 6700rpmTorque: 290Nm @ 2900rpmFuel: Standard unleaded/E85Fuel tank: 71 litresEconomy (official): 9.2 litres/100kmEconomy (tested): 11.2 litres/100kmGreenhouse: 220g/km (Corolla: 174g/km)Transmission: 6-speed automatic, sequential; rear-driveBrakes: 4-wheel discs, ESC, ABS, EBD, brake assistTurning circle: 11.4mSuspension: MacPherson struts (front), multi-link, coils (rear)Wheels: 17-inch alloy, 225/55R17 tyres; aerosol kitDimensions: 4897mm (l), 1899mm (w), 1476mm (h)Wheelbase: 2915mmWeight: 1770kgTow (max): 1600kgBoot (seat up/down): 895/2000 litres (Corolla: 450/1121)Warranty: 3yr/100,000km, roadside assistService: 15,000km

Being acknowledged as the country that invented the ute is like being lauded for being the first person to market pet rocks.It's a novelty that is starting to wane.Yes, utes have their place - and will continue to have a place - in any industry that involves itself in moving things that can't be carried by humans.But in a world that is heaving towards space and fuel-efficient transportation, a two-seat semi-commercial vehicle with a thirst for dwindling fossil fuels is starting to lose gloss.Holden's SV6 ute is not a bad piece of work - once you figure out what to do with it.At $38,490 plus on-road costs, it's an expensive vehicle compared with some overseas-made utes that are more purpose designed to haul stuff.The SV6 has Holden's rather hoarse-sounding 3.6-litre V6 that, later this year, gets the ability to run on E85. In some states, that indicates a small fuel saving.Standard kit in the SV6 is noice - sports seats, Bluetooth integration with iPod/USB connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a neat touchscreen for the audio and trip computer, auto headlights and a poly tub liner.The front bit from the B-pillar forward is Commodore, the back bit is a ute.But though the design parameter is fixed, Holden makes a very stylish machine. Something that looks macho and makes all the guys turn an notice. Girls? Nah!Its style is THE reason why logic goes out the window and sales continue to be stable - against all odds.Love the big wheels, pumped wheel arches, tight fascia with its hard-edged grille, and the profile that tilts the cabin forward like its about to ski a Vail slope.The direct-injection 3.6-litre V6 is all technology. It gets quad cams and 24 valves and all the promise of 210kW and 350Nm of torque. It's all good on paper but the deliver is harsh and noisy when pushed.It gets a six-speed automatic that, again, has loads of promise. But perhaps it's the engine interfering because the changes aren't smooth and there seemed to be a lot of lag in the torque converter.No big surprises underneath with a strut front and independent coils and multi-links at the rear.This is Australia's first five-star crash rated ute. The SV6 gets electronic stability control, brakeforce distribution and six airbags to take its safety spec up to premium level - very unusual for a commercial vehicle.Any rear-drive workhorse vehicle that will spend most of its life without any load in the tray - or within the van - is screaming out for ESC. Well done, Holden.I know that some guys think this is a sports car because it has two seats.It's not. This is a Commodore with an empty hole in the back where your mates were supposed to sit.It doesn't even get a weight reduction over the Commodore sedan, either, with its 1750kg an 18kg penalty over the equivalent SV6 sedan.This doesn't help performance, though the ute can be muscled along to deliver some smiles.The 3.6-litre V6 has plenty of poke but its delivery is harsh. The six-speed auto also dulls the delivery unless the manual-shift option is employed to sharpen up shift points.Handling is actually very good and even though the steering doesn't feedback much feel, it's positive and well weighted. The brakes are spongy and that took the edge off the package.Despite the big open box behind the driver's ears, the ute is quiet at cruising speed and has a compliant ride whether empty or loaded.