Holden Commodore Reviews

After months of hype the new Holden Commodore is finally on the road. The first new model in seven years and the last homegrown Holden of all time arrives in showrooms next week with price cuts of up to $10,000.The starting price of $34,990 winds back the clock by more than a decade -- and reflects the prices people have really been paying for years. The more transparent price list is a gamble Holden hopes will bring more buyers back into showrooms to consider the Commodore one last time.Importantly, the new Commodore is not a bare bones proposition. In fact the contrary is true. To compete in the most over-crowded new-car market in the developed world Holden has loaded every model with self parking technology, a rear view camera, a touchscreen display that can reply to text messages at the press of a button -- or on voice command.The new Commodore is without a doubt the most hi-tech car designed, developed and engineered in Australia -- but in many ways it’s also the Commodore that Holden had to have.It might share its core -- the doors, roof and glass -- with the previous model but there are big changes under the skin that reduce weight, save fuel and improve safety, quietness and refinement.Holden confirmed earlier this year the VF Commodore is due to bow out in 2016. What we now know is that this will be about the same time its arch rival the Ford Falcon reaches the end of the line.But the difference, for now, is that Holden plans to replace the iconic Commodore with a globally-developed front-wheel-drive four-cylinder sedan that it says will wear a Commodore badge. Given that every mainstream Holden has been rear-wheel-drive since the first one in 1948, this VF Commodore really does mark the end of an era.Which is why Holden has used every resource available to it in the massive General Motors empire, including a new electrical system that has opened up a raft of technology to move the Commodore not only up with the times but ahead of the imported competition.This would be a good point to acknowledge the significant input of former Holden boss, Detroiter Mark Reuss, who is now the head of General Motors in North America, and his deputy Briton Alan Batey, who ran Holden after him. Both executives took their passion for and knowledge of Holden with them to their new assignments in the US and helped “sell” the Commodore to their hierarchy to revive it there as a Chevrolet.Without the small but significant US export revival of the Commodore, which starts later this year, the VF model would not have anywhere near the technology it has been given.Their successor, Holden boss Mike Devereux, the British-Canadian who spent most of his working life in Detroit before running GM operations in Dubai and now Australia, made sure the Commodore lived up to their expectations.If you think Devereux looks feisty in front of the TV cameras when he’s barracking for the Australian car industry, you can imagine what he’s like at motivating staff to build a better Commodore.Holden doesn’t like talking about it much, but build quality has been a concern for Commodore for years. I should know, I’ve owned four of them. Not one of them was fault free.To that end GM sent quality expert and chief engineer Greg Tyus from Detroit to Australia to make sure the bad habits of old have been kicked. Here’s hoping he and his colleagues at the factory have been successful.If we’re paying Australian car manufacturing workers five times more than those in Asia and 50 per cent more than those in Germany and the USA, they ought to be doing a world class job.Now all that’s left to know is what the new Commodore is like to drive. To paraphrase former Australian prime minister Ben Chifley, who launched the original Holden in 1948, “she’s a beauty”.By far the biggest improver is the base model Evoke, partly because the previous Omega was wallowy and underdone, but mainly because it shines a spotlight on all the Commodore’s massive gains.It’s quieter, more refined and nicer to drive than before. It handles corners well, just like Commodores used to. And it wants for nothing. It is so well equipped and so well presented you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a luxury model.But the highlight for me was the V8 SS sports sedan. Sure, power is unchanged from before, but it feels more lively and more responsive thanks to the retuned and better quality suspension and nicely weighted electric power steering (that doesn’t feel lifeless as other EPS systems do) that add the finishing touches to the Commodore.One job for the facelift, though. On the Series II VF Commodore no doubt due in a couple of years, please Holden can the SS get the bigger brakes from the US police car? They bolt right on, and you've already paid for the development of them. Now that would be a finishing touch.This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

Holden’s Commodore was the bestselling car in Australia for many years, though it has slipped recently due to many buyers switching from large cars to compact SUVs. There are hundreds of used Commodores on sale at any one time, so smart buyers can find exactly the model / price / quality they want.Commodore is very well suited to Australian driving conditions, and also has the driving feel many keen Aussie drivers demand. This is a genuine five-seater, though the traveller in the centre-rear seat may find foot space compromised by the bulky transmission tunnel.Boot space is good in the sedan and excellent in the wagon due to the latter’s longer wheelbase. Note that the wagons in the VE range, sold from September 2009, have the same wheelbase as the VE sedan, meaning they miss out on the huge load volume that was a feature of previous Commodore wagons. The latter had a stretched wheelbase platform under the wagons.Ride comfort is excellent, even on rough bush roads. Commodores can be divided into two distinct areas in the models being examined here. In August 1997 the VT series was introduced to critical acclaim.Commodore VT received a minor facelift and mechanical changes to become the VT Series II in June 1999. Commodore VX of August 2000 saw another facelift of the VT. The VX Series II arrived just 12 months later.There weren’t a lot of appearance changes in the VX II, but there were big changes to the suspension, especially at the rear. These gave the Commodore a real sporting feel. Holden introduced the VY Commodore in October 2002.This time around there were substantial styling changes. The VY Commodore was facelifted, this time to become the VY II in August 2003. Finally, the last of this long line of Commodores, the VZ series arrived in September 2004.The introduction of the virtually all-new VE series Commodore sedans in August 2006 saw a touch of European class in the styling and real enhancements to the ride and handling qualities. VE Series II was introduced in September 2010 and had minor external changes.Inside it was a different story, the GM i-Q multimedia system saw an entirely new look for the centre stack with the new touch screen. The system controls full Bluetooth, USB, iPod and MP3 player integration.Powertrains didn’t always coincide with the major body changes. Most Commodores prior to the VZ range have a pushrod V6 engine of 3.8 litres. There's also a supercharged variant of this 3.8-litre, but it was never a real success as buyers of performance Holdens almost invariably preferred V8s. So the supercharged six was discontinued in 2004.The big news with the introduction of the VZ was an all-new six-cylinder engine. A forerunner to the unit fitted to the VE Commodore, it was a twin-cam V6 of 3.6 litres. This powerplant was sold in two formats, one with variable valve and intake timing for a greater spread of torque and improved power, the other a more basic unit.As fitted to the VZ, this new V6 is not as smooth or quiet as it should be. There were some improvements in feel when the engine was installed in the VE, but the engine still disappoints in this area despite several attempts to sort it out over the years.A smaller V6, this time of 3.0 litres and aimed at lower fuel consumption and emissions, was introduced in September 2009. It hasn’t proven all that popular but is a sophisticated unit and well worth considering. There were two V8s in the pre-VZ Commodores; one an old Australian design of 5.0 litres, the other a Chevrolet unit adapted to Holden specifications with 5.7 litres.This Generation III Chev V8 is much better than the old Holden, so much so that resale value of the Holden 5.0-litre suffers in comparison. The Gen III with ‘only’ 5.7 litres was replaced by a Gen IV with 6.0 litres in January 2006, again as a teaser to the upcoming VE Series.Some later Commodore engines are designed to run on a petrol/ethanol mix of up to 85 per cent ethanol. Check with your Holden dealer or get onto Holden’s website to see which engines can take this mix. Prior to the VE series, almost all Commodores came with four-speed automatic transmissions. Five-speed manual gearboxes from this era are on the crude side and not many were sold. Six-speed manuals were offered in the SS range and are understandably more common than the five-speed manual units used in the day-to-day Commodores of the time. The VE transmission lineup was a big improvement; with six-speed automatic transmissions and six-speed manuals. An exception was the dual-fuel petrol/LPG, later pure-LPG powered Commodores that stuck with the old four-speed auto until 2012 when they too got a six-speed.On the sporting side are the Commodore S and SS with firmer suspension, tauter steering, revamped seats and body kits. Not as hot as the HSV Commodores, these Holden models do provide more driving pleasure and come at a pretty moderate price.Strictly speaking the most expensive model in the range isn’t called a Commodore, but the Holden Calais. Calais were usually bought by private buyers, while many lower cost variants will have begun their lives as company cars - perhaps being driven by a careful person, perhaps not…Holden frequently does runs of special editions, the best value of these are arguably the oft-recurring Equipe and Lumina series. Commodores are easy cars to work on with plenty of access to most mechanical components.The good amateur mechanic can do most of their own repairs although it’s best to leave safety related items to professional mechanics. There are numerous electronic components that also require specialist knowledge and/or diagnostic equipment.Spare parts prices are generally reasonably priced and we hear very few complaints about availability from Holden’s widespread dealer network.A network that’s as prevalent in the bush as in the ‘burbs. Insurance is very reasonable for a car of this size and performance, though there can be a significant extra slug for the sportier models, especially if they have supercharged or V8 engines.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck for brake fade on models before the VE Commodore by doing a succession of hard stops and feeling for a pedal that gradually has more and more travel – don’t forget to check that rear-vision mirror first…Look for oil leaks at the rear of the engine sump and check the dipstick level as some early units had high oil consumption problems.Automatic transmissions are generally OK, but one that is slow to go into gear and/or noisy and harsh in its operation should be treated with caution.Rust is seldom a problem in later model Commodores. But look at the lower areas of the body, doors, tailgate and rear windscreen surround to be sure. Rust is more likely to be caused by poor quality panel repairs than any other reason.Check for previous body repairs by running your eye over the panels, looking for a slightly uneven finish. Watch for paint that doesn't match exactly from one panel to another. Another sign is minute spots of paint on areas that are normally unpainted.Be wary of a Commodore that has been a taxi, though this isn’t nearly as common as in Falcons: look for an engine running on LPG and for spots where signs and meters have been removed.Severe wear in the cabin and boot is another indication of an ex-taxi; though it could also mean the car has been a hard-working commercial car, or even that it has been destroyed by bogan kids.CAR BUYING TIPChecking the condition of the boot can give valuable clues to how the car has been used.

SUVs march unrelentingly through the suburbs at a pace that has left rival vehicle types in the shade.Two questions: Do you need all that space? And aren't SUVs becoming a bit passe?The answer may be the humble wagon. Now freed of the additive "station'' -- implying expansive grazing lands and lazy windmills -- the wagon has matured to cleverly blend leisure with some family duties. Even better, thanks to their popularity in Europe, they are stylish and many share the enthusiastic engines of their sedan counterparts.Wagons are on an equal footing with their sedan sisters in equipment, safety and performance. The Skoda Octavia wagon here, for example, has the same high-output turbo-petrol engine as its sports-oriented RS sedan model -- itself a reskinned Volkswagen Golf GTI. Wagons also share the handling, agility and performance acumen of their sedan equivalents.But the wagon has a more flexible load area and the ability to haul a range of awkward-sized cargo thanks to split and fold-down rear seats. In comparison to an SUV, the wagon also retains the less cumbersome style of the sedan, in effect offering the best of both worlds.Find a good sedan and if there's a wagon equivalent, then generally it will share any of the sedan's advantages and disadvantages. These three examples are very different in origins and execution. All are current models -- though the Holden and Skoda are poised for replacement -- and will have relatively low mileage.The Skoda is the sports model and is more expensive than its rivals, though has more equipment and has a turbocharged petrol engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission -- all quite expensive stuff.Resale values are strong for the Hyundai (50 per cent retained after three years) and Skoda (49 per cent) but weak for the Holden (41 per cent), indicating that seeking a near-new used model can be more advantageous for the Holden buyer. TOP TIPSWagons are made for work -- but check to see if it hasn't been abused. You may save big fuel money by choosing a smaller engine. A cargo net or barrier is a wise investment2012 Skoda Octavia RS 147TSI Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrolTransmission: 6-speed dual-clutch autoThirst: 7.9L/100CARSGUIDE SAYS"These wagons boast an incredible amount of storage space -- there's even an extra cubby hole beneath the boot floor. Skoda makes durable cars and though the Octavia is rather plain in appearance, it has a lot of features and is well built. The RS version adds sporty equipment and gets the upmarket 147kW engine and DSG transmission. There are paddle shifters for manual-mode gearchanges, 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav, sports seats and daylight running LEDs. The car has all the safety equipment including six airbags and electronic stability and traction2011 Hyundai i40 PREMIUMEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 7.7L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"Hyundai has confirmed the i40 range will continue after it drops the similar i45 models, ensuring the i40 has a strong future. This is a 2.0-litre petrol-engined model -- there is also a 1.7-litre turbo diesel which is better suited to shorter duties such as in the city and suburbs. The Premium model gets a big list of standard equipment including 18-inch alloy wheels, satnav and Bluetooth, cruise control, sunroof and leather seats. There are split-fold rear seats though the available cargo space isn't as generous as the Skoda. Hyundai has a capped-price service schedule and a five-year warranty, which is reassuring for used-car buyers.2012 Holden Commodore SV6Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 9.8L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYS"The Australian is a strong workhorse with plenty of style and ability. It's also a reliable and easy-to-fix wagon. The SV6 version is a more upmarket model that retains the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission but adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and a sports body kit. Standard equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, a reverse camera, airconditioning and cruise control. It also has a capped-price service schedule and buyers have a portion of the three-year warranty still intact. 

Twenty years from now, the carscape will be vastly different. Electric cars will be commonplace, hybrids will be universal and the Aussie V8 muscle car will be a page in history.But a handful of 2013 cars will have survived the turmoil to attain classic status just as the Ford Falcon GTHO from the 1960s is considered even more desirable today than it was when it first hit the road. Classic cars are not necessarily about horsepower or price.We know a collector who loves the humble, bumbling Morris 1100 in his multi-car garage. The first Toyota Prius is a car to keep because of its place in history. The original Mazda MX-5 from 1989 is just as “classic'' as certain Porsche 911s. The key to classic status is simple: Emotion.A car does a job in the same way as a fridge but it's much more than a machine, from the shape of its bodywork to the touch-and-feel pieces in the cabin and the way it makes you feel when you're driving. The attachment could take the form of the love you feel for a first car, even a humble '50s Beetle, or the satisfaction of finally parking a dream machine -- even a Leyland P76 -- in the garage.Classic cars don't have to be affordable on day one, because depreciation hits everything. Not enough, perhaps, to make the LaFerrari more than a dream but it could help with a Porsche 911 or an Audi R8 that's definitely desirable despite the showroom sticker.Which current cars will achieve classic status? If we really knew, the Carsguide crew would be putting them up on blocks today as investments for the future. But here are some likely suspects:Abarth 695 TributoPrice: from $69,990Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder, 132kW/230NmTransmission: 5-speed sequential auto, FWDThirst: 6.5L/100Km, CO2 151g/kmThe Italian baby is outrageously expensive but this humble Fiat 500 has been touched with the Ferrari wand, which makes it special. It looks wicked and is a hoot to drive. Just plain fun.Holden Commodore SS-VPrice: about $50,000Engine: 6.0-litre 8-cylinder, 270kW/ 530NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 12.2L/100Km, CO2 288g/kmThe last in the long line of truly home grown Holdens will soon be one to enjoy, thanks to improved efficiency and an Audi-style luxury cabin. The SS-V and HSV's coming F Series cars will be historic and performance icons.Range Rover EvoquePrice: from $51,495Engine: 2.2-litre 4-cylinder, 110kW/380NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWD or 4WDThirst: 4.9L/100Km, CO2 129g/kmThis one is a fashion item, not an SUV. The Evoque is all about the looks, a lot like a Mini, but it is also a great drive and we know the all-paw drive examples will go almost anywhere.Nissan GT-RPrice: from $172,000Engine: 3.8-litre 6-cylinder, 404kW/628NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, 4WDThirst: 11.7L/100Km, CO2 278g/kmGodzilla is already a collector's car, thanks to earlier models tied to the GT-R that won the Bathurst 1000. The new model is a better car, and still great value, but collectors will need to find one that hasn't been battered and abused.Volkswagen Golf GTIPrice: from $40,490Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 155kW/280NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, FWDThirst: 7.7L/100Km, CO2 180g/kmThe German pocket rocket is a top drive and the coming model, using the Golf Mk7 body, promises to be even better. The GTI has been a cult car since the '70s and truly great since the 2005 Mark 5.Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86Price: from $37,150/$29,990Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 147kW/205NmTransmission: 6-speed manual or auto, RWDThirst: 7.8L/100Km, CO2 181g/kmPeople who love cars have fallen for the Twins, the sports cars that won Carsguide's 2012 Car of the Year. There is a waiting list for both and the keen are paying more than the showroom sticker, because they deliver exactly what they promise at a great price. Pushed, we'd go for the BRZ in Subaru's signature blue.

When Holden launched the Sportwagon in 2008 it didn't include an LPG powered model. The engineers were still working out where they could put the gas storage tank whether it would mean relocating the spare wheel.Guess they ran out of options because the spare is still sitting bang smack in the middle of the boot - correction, to one side of the boot. It's disappointing but that's the price your pay for economy.Priced from $44,490, the Sportwagon LPG is a good looking bus, even in spartan Omega clothes. The Series II model includes dual zone climate control and a colour touch-screen Holden-iQ system with single CD player, USB input, auxiliary input, integrated iPod support and enhanced Bluetooth with phone book display, touch-screen dialling and audio streaming.Unlike the Falcon, Holden has opted for a vapour injection system which it argues is the better option. The heart of the system is the 3.6-litre V6 that has been optomised to run solely on LPG.Producing 180kW of power and 320Nm it produces slightly more power and torque than the old dual fuel system. Yet the new LPG Commodore uses 1.6 litres/100km or 13 percent  less fuel than before at a rate of 12.3 litres/100km. With an 84 litre tank it has a theoretical range of 686km but some of this gas will remain inaccessible.The standard 3.6-litre V6 produces 210kW of power and 350Nm of torque and is rated at 9.9 litres/100km. The 3.0-litre six in comparison produces 190kW and 290Nm and is good for just 9.2 litres/100km.No comparison would be complete without a reference to Ford's liquid injection system, a system it claims is superior. It's 4.0-litre six delivers 198kW of power and 409Nm of torque and uses 12.3 litres/100km (the same figure as Holden). Bear in mind however that you can no longer get a Falcon wagon.The LPG wagon is $2500 more, but private buyers of new factory-fitted LPG vehicles can apply for a $2000 Federal Government rebate. With only $500 difference in price, it means you'd have to travel only 10,000km before recouping the extra money and the system would start paying for itself.At the time of writing the price of petrol was $121.9 and LPG 57.9 cents a litre. The cost of filling the gas tank at this price would be $48.87.Okay. Not as good as the Ford and lacks the urgency of the petrol engine but the performance is acceptable. In terms of the car itself, having the window switches between the seats is annoying and the exterior mirrors are still too small. We were getting 11.7 litres/100/km after about 500km. If you're not demanding and looking for cheap, practical transport, then the LPG wagon could be the one.

The new Holden Commodore is the most important new car of 2013. The upcoming VF, and the VF alone, points to the future of motoring in Australia.

Commodore Z and Chrysler 300 Ltd go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Canny motorists are facing a shopping bonanza as car makers start slashing prices to make way for new models. But it's not only outgoing models going cheap - look out for end-of-year sales as well.Any time a carmaker trumpets a new model, these shoppers are there ready to make a financial killing by buying up the old model. Look for sales at particular times of the year. June is traditionally a strong month for squeezing extra savings out of a dealer though, with a buoyant car market and fierce competition, anytime towards the end of any month can deliver a bonus.End of year sales are popular. Dealers always want to sell but the months of November and December provide a chance to discount cars built in the current year. Fighting this are car buyers who want a car built in the new year to preserve resale value. Here's some deals but be prepared for more as the calendar year draws to a close.HOLDENDeep Purple is no longer a rock band - it's Holden's new colour that is available on a range of cut-price “Z-Series” Commodore sedans, utes and wagons. The new colour is the same as Holden's iconic show car, the Efijy. Different models in the Z-Series line-up get different equipment levels but, as an example, the base Omega automatic is $41,990 but the Z-Series edition costs $39,990.The bonus is that the Z includes a heap of extras within that price, including leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, rear camera and sensors, leather steering wheel and chrome door frames. The SV6 ute adds 19-inch alloys, carpet mats and leather seats for $38,490, down $1000 on the plane-Jane SV6.The discounts on the VE Holden Commodore range precede the launch early next year of the VF Commodore models. Holden is also running out the Barina five-door manual hatch at $16,490, a saving of $500.TOYOTAYou'll have to do some legwork here. The new Corolla is on sale and some dealers still have stocks of the old model. Officially, there's no discount on the outgoing model though some dealers - predominantly NSW and Victoria - have extra stock and have advertised a $18,990 price, $1000 off the list price. Note that the cheapest 2013 Corolla is also $19,990. Toyota WA says customers should discuss pricing direct with their dealer.It's not only the Corolla that may offer savings. The RAV4 gets updated early next year and though there's no official price, dealers will consider offers. On top of that, Toyota has zero per cent finance on Camry, Camry Hybrid and Aurion until the end of the year.HYUNDAIThere's a lot of previous-model stock available from Hyundai and buyers can make big savings if they're not chasing the latest car. These include old-stock i30 hatchbacks with $2000 off the normal price and previous Santa Fe SUVs for up to $3000 off.But there are also current models. The big one is the $13,990 drive-away price on the i20 three door which saves $2500. A similar discount is on the five-door i20. The i40 wagon is now from $29,990 driveaway, a saving of about $3000, and the sedan model with automatic transmission is also from $29,990, saving about $2500.Hyundai's popular baby SUV, the ix35, is now from $27,990 driveaway for the Active version, a saving of $1120, while other ix35 variants have been reduced by $500.MITSUBISHIThe new Outlander SUV arrives November 18 so Mitsubishi is sweeping out current stock. The "Enhancement Pack" model is an LS version with leather seats, heated front seats and an electric-adjust driver's seat. It has Bluetooth, 18-inch alloys with a full-size alloy spare, six airbags for the front-wheel drive version (up from two) and a cabin styling pack with bright trim to the door handles, console panel and rear door trim.Prices start at $28,990 drive away for the LS front-wheel drive model with five-speed manual transmission. The normal price is $29,340 plus on-road costs so the saving is about $4500. But for buyers who want the new model, register on Mitsubishi's website and there's the chance to win a $1000 Westfield shopping voucher and 15 per cent off accessories for the new Outlander. If that's not tempting, Mitsubishi also has 0.9 per cent finance until the end of this month.SUBARUThe 2012 run out has just started for Subaru which has chopped up to $5000 off three models. It replaces its Liberty and Outback in early 2013 as a mid-life makeover that includes upgrades to trim specifications. There is an all-new Forester also due about February. So the deals are now on the table.The Outback 2.5i manual is usually $37,490 plus on-road costs (say, $5000) but is being rolled out the showroom door for $35,990 including all on-road costs. The same axe has lobbed on the Forester X which is now $32,990 drive-away including leather-faced seats, alloy wheels and fog lights.The normal retail price is $30,990 without the extras and without on-road costs. Subaru is selling the Liberty 2.5i sedan manual for $31,990 drive away with leather seats, electric driver's seat and reverse camera. The car normally sells for $32,990 plus on-road costs.FORDKuga Trend $35,490 drive away (normally $38,990 plus on-road costs) and the upmarket Titanium is now $41,490 drive away, previously $44,990 plus all on the road charges. The Kuga is to be replaced with a new model in early 2013.Focus Ambiente hatch now $19,990 drive away (normally $20,290 plus costs). The Mondeo Zetec hatch is $33,990 with all costs (usually $37,740 plus on-road fees) and Falcon's XR6 Turbo is down from $46,235 plus costs, to $43,490 drive away.KIAThere's a new Sorento SUV so the outgoing model has a $2000 gift voucher attached to its normal retail price.VOLKSWAGENIs running out stocks of the current Golf VI to make way for the Golf VII due early next year. Volkswagen Australia has set the price of the current Golf 77TSI manual at $20,990 including metallic paint and all drive-away costs. This is a saving of about $5000.The Golf Wagon 90TSI with DSG auto, metallic paint and all drive-away costs is now $29,990, saving about $3500. Note that for small-car wagon buyers, Volkswagen has not confirmed a wagon version of the new Golf. If you want this shape, this could be your last chance.VOLVOThe Swede is clearing out its 2012 stock by adding value rather than chopping the price tag. The S60 and V60 entry-level models now come with the upmarket Teknik pack valued at about $4500. But if you specify the Teknik model, Volvo will automatically give you the R-Design pack (valued at $3000) for free.The same deal applies to the XC60 SUV. There's also a deal on S60 or V60 from the dealer's existing stock. Volvo will include free scheduled servicing for three years or 100,000km.

The all-new VE Commodore was heralded as the car that would keep Holden ahead of the pack when it was released in 2006.Holden invested more than it had ever done before in developing the VE and was looking to the new car to maintain its premier position in the market. Sadly for Holden, and Ford, the market has undergone a seismic shift in the last year or so and big cars, like the Commodore and the Falcon, are now on the brink of extinction.While that might be the modern reality cars like the VE Commodore can still represent good value for money if you prize might and power. The attractive sedan and wagon are roomy, comfortable, refined and well equipped, with lots of space to carry the family and the gear a family takes when they hit the road.Holden offered a choice of V6s, there were two versions offering different output, a big beefy V8, and an option of a dual-fuel V6 to save a few bucks at the servo. With 180 kW and 330 Nm the base V6 was plenty powerful enough for anyone, but for those who felt they needed more there was the 195 kW version available in the sporty SV6. For even more the option of a V8 was there in the SS.Transmission options varied between models, starting with a four- speed auto and ending with a six-speed self-shifter. There was also a manual gearbox although that wasn't a big seller, at least in the cooking models. On the road, the VE handled well, the ride was well controlled and comfortable, and performance was brisk no matter the engine. Fuel consumption was a concern, however, and an average ranging between 10 and 14 L/100 km was disappointing.While the VE was generally well built and solid there are issues that affect it and these make it a questionable used car purchase. It's been well documented that the previous 5.7-litre V8 was troublesome, it rattled on start-up and used oil at an alarming rate; the troubles haven't gone away with the introduction of the new 6.0-litre engine.Owners still report rattling noises and there are also reports of high oil consumption. Unfortunately it seems the 3.6-litre V6 also has some issues. One member of the trade recently contacted us to tell us about his experience with the engine, which he says can become clogged with sludge between the 15,000 km service intervals with the result that it can be severely damaged to the point of needing to be rebuilt.All carmakers have been stretching service intervals with the object of saving the owner a few bucks on servicing costs, but in this case it would appear that the interval is too extreme and anyone with a Commodore V6 should consider having their cars serviced at 10,000 km intervals. The V6 also consumes oil and there appears to be no fix from Holden, and listen for timing chain rattle, as they wear and become noisy.We have heard of timing chains breaking. Anyone thinking of buying a VE V6 would be well advised to have a trusted mechanic give it the once over. Other areas of concern are worn suspension bushes, listen for clunking and banging from the suspension, and electrical gremlins, check that all systems are working.Appealing on the surface, but can be troublesome and should be approached with caution. 

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.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.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.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.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.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