Commodore: Old favourite goes eco

Holden Commodore Series II. Photo / Supplied.

Holden's Commodore sits third on NZ's passenger car tables this year and is responsible for a third of the brand's sales.

But to continue its dominance here and in Australia, where it has led the sales charts for 14 years, it must evolve, or it will lose its relevance in an increasingly eco-minded world.

What's new?
The body gets a new fascia, grille and headlights, while the sedan's boot incorporates a subtle uplift in place of a spoiler.

There are four fresh colours and the cabin has new centre stacks with Holden iQ - a touch-screen unit with Bluetooth, iPod and USB connectivity. For the Berlina model upwards, you can also store 15 CDs on an internal flash drive; and a rear camera and Satnav have been added in the Calais V spec. More changes have been made in search of the never ending fuel economy grail, with the Omega now sipping 9.1l/100km. They include a lower idle and underbody panels to smooth airflow. Those add about 8kg, but Holden's vehicle performance manager, Andrew Howell, says the saving is worth it, especially since the panels weren't hard to achieve, with only a few welded mounting points to rejig.

As for the long wheelbase cars, Statesman has been dropped in favour of two Caprice variants, the V6 with full Calais-V spec and the V8 adding the likes of a sunroof, a rear DVD screen and Bose audio.

The company line
Holden is keen to sell its bio-credentials. With 800 million cars on the road and 70 million more joining them every year while oil capacity drops, alternative fuels are needed. Holden energy and environment director Richard Marshall says energy efficiency and diversity are key.

He says the internal combustion engine can get 20 or 30 per cent more efficient as biofuels, electric and hydrogen fuelled cars come on song. "There are multiple solutions, there is no silver bullet," he says.

Biofuel is flexible, has high octane, and doesn't add servicing costs to the car - as long as components like valves are built to suit. It's sustainable, reduces landfill, and cuts a country's dependence on imported oil. What's not to like? So all Commodores can run on E85 (85 per cent ethanol).

Prices? They're up 2.5 per cent to absorb the GST increase with no extra charge for additional spec, though the new sporting Redline variants with their 19-inch polished forged wheels, Brembo front brakes and Nurburgring-developed sports suspension cost $2900 over their donor.

What we say
What comes first, the biofuel pump, or the cars capable of running on it?

Those pumps aren't here yet, but when they are Holden is ready. Incremental changes have given Commodore reasonable thirst for its size and performance.

On the road
All the test cars ran on E85, which delivers more power than standard petrol. We began with the 6.0-litre Caprice, with its smart, up-market interior - shame the satnav screen is sited so low compared to other models - followed by the 3.0-litre Omega and the 3.6-litre SV6 (Holden's best seller).

All remain surprisingly nimble handlers for their size.

Changes to improve economy haven't affected performance and the cabin facelift has improved its look and usability.

Why you'll buy one
Commodore is handsome, spacious, and packed with kit.

Why you won't?
You've got a Ford tattoo; you don't need a big car.