Holden: Performance without the cost

Holden's VE Commodore will reduce fuel costs. Photo / Supplied

Holden has announced a new line of V6 engines that will deliver reduced fuel costs without trimming performance, in an effort to slow the sales slide in favour of more fuel-efficient cars.

The new 3.0- and 3.6-litre V6 powerplants use direct injection to make the VE Commodore the most efficient six-cylinder car built across the Tasman, its fuel-saving performance enhanced by a GM-sourced six-speed auto transmission.

Holden says the Omega and Berlina will now average a claimed 9.3l/100km, some 12 per cent better than their predecessor. That's 0.6l/100km less than the equivalent Falcon, some two years before Ford introduces its four-cylinder variants. Holden NZ says that figure means a driver could save $423.80 at current prices over a 20,000km distance.

The new 3.0-litre variant is Euro IV compliant and delivers 190kW at 6700rpm and 290Nm of torque from 2900 - 10kW more and 40Nm less than before.

Meanwhile, the 3.6-litre V6 supplies 210kW and 350Nm, with power 15kW up on its predecessor but 41Nm down on Falcon. Holden says this engine reduces fuel thirst by up to 1.3l/100km

The new US-developed engines are already in use in a variety of models, including China's Cadillac STS, Korea's Captiva, and Thailand and South African Colorado. It will fit into the existing cars, with no exterior facelift promised at this stage.

Commodores with the new engines will go on sale in NZ in September, with a price increase of $500 to $900 expected.