VE Series 2

[vztrt]

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...910-153qw.html

Holden Ute: more dollars but more power
Toby Hagon
September 10, 2010 - 11:02AM

While Holden has held pricing on steady on most of its Ute range, the base model has jumped by $2000 with the addition of a new engine

Entry to the new Holden Commodore Ute range has jumped by $2000 – or 6 per cent – with the entry-level Omega now a $35,490 proposition (plus on-road costs).

The price increase for the basic Holden Ute is to account for the fitment of the more powerful and efficient direct injection engine and six-speed automatic transmission that was previously reserved for Commodore sedans and wagons.

While the entry-level Omega Ute made do with the older 3.6-litre V6 from the original VE Commodore, it will now get the 3.0-litre direct injection engine that made it into the rest of the VE range as part of a 2009 update.

As in the Commodore, the new engine boosts power from 175kW to 190kW, although peak torque of 290Nm is down slightly.

Other models in the new Holden Ute range remain the same price as previously, despite picking up some additional equipment here and there.

The 3.6-litre direct injection V6-powered SV6 – with allow wheels and a unique front bumper as well as other styling goodies – sells from $38,490, plus on-road costs.

The same car with a 6.0-litre V8 engine – it’s called the Holden Ute SS – adds $4000, bringing the price to $42,490. The updated V8 can also run on E85, a blend of petrol and up to 85 per cent ethanol.

The sports flagship Holden Ute SS-V sells from $47,490, plus on-road costs.

A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Omega Ute but adds $1000 to the SV6 and $2000 to the V8 variants.

Ute Models RRP (includes GST. Excludes Dealer & Government Charges) RRP Change vs MY10

Omega
$35,490
+ $2,000

SV6 – MT
$38,490
$0

SV6 – AT
$39,490
$0

SS – MT
$42,490
$0

SS – AT
$44,490
$0

SS V-Series – MT
$47,490
$0

SS V-Series – AT
$49,490
$0

[vztrt]

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-new...910-154sn.html

First drive: Holden VE Series 2 Commodore
September 10, 2010 - 6:03PM

Has Holden improved its large-car staple? Toby Hagon finds out.

It's more of the same with Holden's Series 2 upgrade to its popular Commodore range.

Engines are now compatible with E85 - meaning they can run on a blend of petrol and up to 85 per cent ethanol - but the way the cars drive is virtually unchanged, at least with the exception of the new Redline Edition sports package.

However, the new Commodore VE Series 2 feels like a more upmarket car from the inside thanks to revisions that give it a classier feel.

COMMODORE VE SERIES 2 OMEGA

Even the entry-level Commodore Omega has a more cohesive and mature flavour to the interior.
The green illumination has made way for a cleaner white instrument cluster and a colour screen that sits higher on the redesigned dash.

The touchscreen display is like switching from a regular phone to a smartphone like an iPhone. There are more functions and increased interactivity; all cars now have Bluetooth and can link wirelessly to iPods.

There's also a cleaner flow to the layout as well as chrome touches that lift the overall ambience and get rid of much of the fleet car feel that was on the original VE Omega.

Even in the rear seat there's some silver touches on the door handles and even a splash of chrome in the air vents.

However, while new seat trims look more modern, the Commodore remains one of the few new cars that doesn't have adjustable rear headrests (the Falcon rival is the same).

The 3.0-litre V6 that's now tuned to run on E85 (or any blend of petrol and up to 85 per cent ethanol) feels the same as before.

With a peak of 190kW of power, it gets vocal towards the upper end of its rev range (about 6500rpm) but accelerates smartly.

The six-speed automatic is smooth enough in its changes, although aggravated downchanges (to overtake for example) can be a bit dramatic. In the relatively heavy Commodore body it will also change down a gear or two if climbing a hill or looking for better acceleration.

Mid-range response (or torque) is said to be improved when running on E85 because of the higher octane rating that allows the engine computer to adjust the calibration and maximise efficiency.

Without a back-to-back comparison it's difficult to tell the difference in response.

Fuel use running on E85 is between 25 and 40 per cent more than when running on regular petrol, which is still an option for those who prefer.

Scrolling through the onboard trip computer the fuel range hovers a little over 400km on a full tank and E85 fuel use in a mix of city and highway driving hovered around 14 litres per 100km (L/100km).

The VE Commodore is still adept at tackling corners, gripping well and adding a sense of security if you arrive at a corner too quickly.

While a tad vague on initial turning, the steering is fluid and communicative, adding to the sense of involvement.
The Commodore Omega also settles well from bumps and thuds.

Usual Commodore gripes remain, such as the large windscreen pillars (A-pillars) that can obscure vision of pedestrians and through right-hand corners.

That's something that doesn't change depending on the model you're driving.

COMMODORE VE SERIES 2 REDLINE EDITION, CALAIS V and SS-V

The Redline Edition is the most significant change to the new VE Series 2 Commodore driving experience.
The Redline Edition is a $2500 option ($1500 as an introductory offer) and is available with the V8-powered SS-V and Calais V; my first drive came in a Calais V sedan.

The new 19-inch wheels - the glossy chrome look won't be to everyone's taste but they stand out - house beefier Brembo brakes, which provide a firmer feel to the pedal which gives better initial bite, something more noticeable on harder, more aggressive stops. We didn't have the opportunity to test the brakes in extreme situations, where they're said to better resist fade.

But it's the revised suspension - with more active shock absorbers to better control the ride over bumps - that makes the biggest difference.

On a typical undulating country road the VE Series 2 Calais Redline Edition is impressively compliant, allowing occupants to feel the flow of the road but without being too jarring.

It also teams with the sticky tyres to give good cornering response and grip, in keeping with the sporty nature of the car.

At slower speeds through towns the firmer ride is more noticeable and more intrusive, with some jiggling over bumps. In many ways it's in keeping with the nature of what is a more enthusiast focused car.

As ever, the 6.0-litre V8 engine delivers instant response with a muted V8 sound.

Acceleration is strong throughout the rev range and the V8 works reasonably well with the six-speed auto.
The display on the dash of the automatic models tells you whether the car is running on four cylinders (as part of the cylinder deactivation system known as Active Fuel Management or AFM) when cruising or whether all eight are in operation.

Fuel consumption on the V8 can be more fearsome running on E85. At one stage after taking off in slow traffic I saw the trip computer register 49L/100km, although it settled down to 17 or 18L/100km before hovering around 13.5L/100km on a gentle country road run.

Inside, the Calais V has a conventional - bordering on plain - layout but it's functional and looks more upmarket. Again, the flashes of chrome-look finish liven the appearance of the dash and overall feel, while the lighter lower dash gives more definition compared with the darker look of the original VE Commodore.

But it's the sporty SS and SS-V that are more impressive inside.

The large circular air vents on top of the dash stand out, as does the colour touchscreen.

As with all new VE Series 2 Commodore models there's dual-zone climate control air-conditioning. The textured metallic surrounds look classy and almost give it a European-car feel.
Seats, too, are supportive and comfortable.

[vztrt]

Holden defends Series II Commodore

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...25779E001FA4DE

‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ says Holden of its midlife Commodore makeover

14 September 2010

By MARTON PETTENDY

GM HOLDEN has defended the mild midlife cosmetic makeover of its four-year-old VE Commodore.

Responding to criticism the first Commodore facelift since 2006 constituted much less change and came much later than was the case with previous Commodore upgrades, which traditionally took place every year, Holden chairman and managing director Mike Devereux said: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

“There are no revolutionary changes to the outside of this car and, you know, there are not meant to be. The design team didn’t just make design changes for the sake of them.

“I think the feedback we’re getting … from our dealers is that Commodore’s one of the best-looking cars on the road. A testament to the original design of the VE and how much longevity it has are the design changes that we’re making today.

“The revolutionary changes are actually under the skin of the vehicle and inside the vehicle. We’re focussed on making what really is a great VE car even better with VE Series II and that means performance, leadership in alternative fuels, which is extremely important to us, and great interiors.

“We think we’ve got a great update to the interior – technology that makes the car a heck of a lot more fun to drive and travel around in.

“When it comes to fuel economy, this is a story of continuous improvement. Some of the engineering changes may look like tiny little things, but they really do add up to some significant savings in fuel economy.

“It’s a never-ending pursuit – every single gram of CO2 and every single decimal point of fuel consumption really do matter, and we’re going to have that as a core part of Holden’s strategy for the foreseeable future.”

Mr Devereux said this year’s Series II upgrade represented the return to a global model cycle for the Commodore.

“If you look globally … three to four years into a product is when, generally speaking, mid-cycle model enhancements are done in the industry.

“This is the way car companies do business today. Three or four years after you launch a car, you do an update to the exterior. Sometimes you spend more money on the engine, sometimes you spend more on the interior.

“In this case, we did a lot in terms of making the engine bioethanol-capable and I think we upgraded the interior in a massive way with a great new touch-screen.

“I can’t speak to how it used to be here, but this is how we run the business globally and I’m proud of what Richard (Ferlazzo) and the (design) guys have done on what is already a great looking car.

“The car wasn’t broke – it’s the best-selling car in the country and we don’t want to do anything to change that,” he said.

[tce]

Holden has released the SIDI as new technology but mitsubishi had already released it in 1996 its called GDI the SI (Spark Ignition) has been there since the petrol engine was created (its the only way it runs).
Its all just a new look at an old idea.

[b0son]

Anyone know how they improved the V8's economy? In the 12's is pretty good for a 6L engine.

[Dave R]

I had a look at a VEII SV6 today. The plastic surrounding the vents and touch screen is VERY average, in fact it felt cheap. The touch screen is very responsive and easy to read, although the menu graphics seemed a little fussy, particularly the background, it just looked busy, Ford's graphics are better. You also need to use the touch screen in conjunction with the buttons surrounding it, as in (as far as I could see) you cannot go straight to iPod or other inputs by navigating through the touch screen, you need to cycle the media button. But overall, big thumbs up for the effort.

It would have been so much better with some higher quality plastic surrounding the screen and A/C vents - its the biggest and most noticeable panel on the stack and unfortunately it's also the cheapest. As far as initial impressions go, the massive cheap plastic is the first thing that catches your eye, its also plain flat black unlike what Ford have done where there is a sparkle through it. The piano black sections also seem very fingerprint prone.

Overall I still prefer FG's interior (with the 7 inch LCD, not the monochrome display). Holden has closed the gap considerably though.

[sxckevo]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

I had a look at a VEII SV6 today. The plastic surrounding the vents and touch screen is VERY average, in fact it felt cheap. The touch screen is very responsive and easy to read, although the menu graphics seemed a little fussy, particularly the background, it just looked busy, Ford's graphics are better. You also need to use the touch screen in conjunction with the buttons surrounding it, as in (as far as I could see) you cannot go straight to iPod or other inputs by navigating through the touch screen, you need to cycle the media button. But overall, big thumbs up for the effort.

It would have been so much better with some higher quality plastic surrounding the screen and A/C vents - its the biggest and most noticeable panel on the stack and unfortunately it's also the cheapest. As far as initial impressions go, the massive cheap plastic is the first thing that catches your eye, its also plain flat black unlike what Ford have done where there is a sparkle through it. The piano black sections also seem very fingerprint prone.

Overall I still prefer FG's interior (with the 7 inch LCD, not the monochrome display). Holden has closed the gap considerably though.

Good unbiased review mate bring on ford sync though hehe

[b0son]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

Overall I still prefer FG's interior (with the 7 inch LCD, not the monochrome display). Holden has closed the gap considerably though.

Ford's interior would be so much better with a decent steering wheel.

[dannyhilton]

Originally Posted by Adrenaline

A picture tells a thousand stories. Thank you for sharing. Just looking at the picture, that shiny, cheap looking plastic definitely defers any sense of quality from their touch screen, but I'll head to Holden this weekend and have a proper look.

[vztrt]

First Recall

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...2578020081E43C

Holden recalls latest Sportwagon

Faulty rear seat locks force recall for 1500 Holden Commodore Sportwagons

24 December 2010

By RON HAMMERTON

GM HOLDEN has recalled some of its latest Series II Commodore Sportwagons to fix rear seat assemblies that might collapse forward under emergency braking or collision, putting passengers at risk.

About 1500 Sportwagons built from about November 12 to December 15 are involved in the safety recall, which requires owners to take their vehicle to their dealer for inspection and, if necessary, rectification. Only about 260 of the vehicles have made it into customer hands, with the remainder in the Holden supply chain or dealer stock.

The problem involving the locking mechanism of the split-fold 60-40 rear seat backs was discovered in Holden’s internal testing, and there have been no reports of incidents in the field.

It seems the locking pins in the mechanism might not mesh correctly, making the seat backs vulnerable to folding forward under sudden impact.

Holden senior product communications manager Jonathan Rose said the timing of the recall – right on Christmas – was unfortunate, but safety was Holden’s number one priority.

“Although this is very much a precautionary measure, it is our duty of care to inform customers as soon as an issue comes to light,” he said.

“Dealers are now attempting to phone affected customers and arrange for them to bring their car into a dealer for a free-of-charge inspection as soon as practical

“Inspection and rectification will take up to 30 minutes to complete.”

The Series II Sportwagon was launched in September, but the only vehicles affected are in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) range 6G1E#8E###L501618 to 6G1E#8E###L521695 (the hash symbol represents a character not relevant to determining an affected vehicle).

If a customer has any questions, they can contact their Holden dealer or the Holden Assistance Centre on 1800 632-826.

[4.0i_SiX]

[QUOTE=vztrt]Interior pics from:

http://theage.drive.com.au/photogall...electedImage=1

QUOTE]

That is one of the most disgusting interiors I have seen. It would look better if I threw up all over the dash! Which I think Im going to......
I would rather shoot myself in the head than have to put up with that interior everytime I drive my car!

[sxckevo]

Originally Posted by 4.0i_SiX

That is one of the most disgusting interiors I have seen. It would look better if I threw up all over the dash! Which I think Im going to......
I would rather shoot myself in the head than have to put up with that interior everytime I drive my car!

I take it you like the interior then :P

[chrisfpv]

Like Holden or not, these cars are selling pretty damn good. There are a couple of Sedans kicking around my town, a yellow ute and my next door neighbor has an SV6 wagon in like a dark red/maroon colour.

Looks damn good. Thumbs up to Holden for showing why they outsell and are a more popular car than any Falcon.

[galaxy xr8]

I wouldn't say it's disgusting, just a little plain for a rejuvinated series II model in this day and era.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by XR

Like Holden or not, these cars are selling pretty damn good. There are a couple of Sedans kicking around my town, a yellow ute and my next door neighbor has an SV6 wagon in like a dark red/maroon colour.

Looks damn good. Thumbs up to Holden for showing why they outsell and are a more popular car than any Falcon.

VE has never made a profit for Holden. Also when the VE was released it sold below Holdens expectations (which would explain no profit for Holden).

[sxckevo]

Originally Posted by XR

Looks damn good. Thumbs up to Holden for showing why they outsell and are a more popular car than any Falcon.

How are Holden showing they make a more popular car and outsell ford?
Can you please tell me so I can pass this precious info onto ford so they can make there average cars better

[4.0i_SiX]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

I wouldn't say it's disgusting, just a little plain for a rejuvinated series II model in this day and era.

This is supposed to be a calais interior? IMO the base model looks better! It looks as though it should have a toyota badge on the steering wheel instead

[chrisfpv]

Originally Posted by sxckevo

How are Holden showing they make a more popular car and outsell ford?
Can you please tell me so I can pass this precious info onto ford so they can make there average cars better

Quite simple, next time you have to go down the street to get something, count how many VEs you see than compare the numbers to how many FGs you see. You can even do that same for the VY/VZ and BA/BFs and come back and quote this message with your results.

Hell you can even do the same for HSVs and FPVs.

Look past a badge, it's pathetic.

[Windsor220]

Originally Posted by XR

Quite simple, next time you have to go down the street to get something, count how many VEs you see than compare the numbers to how many FGs you see. You can even do that same for the VY/VZ and BA/BFs and come back and quote this message with your results.

Hell you can even do the same for HSVs and FPVs.

Look past a badge, it's pathetic.

This is true but Holden could re release the VN and still be number 1 in sales. The VE has its good and bad points just like the Falcon.
That interior though looks rubbish underneath the display where the hazard light is. The whole thing is actually very bland. Interiors have never been a Commodore strong point.

[Spudz27]

Originally Posted by XR

Quite simple, next time you have to go down the street to get something, count how many VEs you see than compare the numbers to how many FGs you see. You can even do that same for the VY/VZ and BA/BFs and come back and quote this message with your results.

Hell you can even do the same for HSVs and FPVs.

Look past a badge, it's pathetic.

Really? Today I parked next to a BA Fairlane Ghia, next to him was a BA XT, Next to that was a BFII Fairmont exactly the same as mine, behind me was a BF XR6 and a little further down a BA with Rspec stickers. Not a single Holden commodore in that parking section, all the blue oval badges frightened them off . However I agree, there are way more Holdens on the road than Fords. Especially in the HSV series around my area.

[EVL BOS]

Well my sister just put a deposit down for a black ssv series 2:( we went and saw Andrew at ethridge ford and he gave us an awesome deal on a fully loaded xr6 turbo 50th anniversary edition but in the end my sister had to go with her heart ( Holden fan from way back) But even she said that the fg had a better interior. But after being in both the fg is years ahead, the series two is just cheap and nasty looking people should take up fords new ad slogan and compare them, she drove an auto and hated it then drove the fg auto a loved it, hence why she's getting the manual in the ssv

[sxckevo]

Originally Posted by XR

Quite simple, next time you have to go down the street to get something, count how many VEs you see than compare the numbers to how many FGs you see. You can even do that same for the VY/VZ and BA/BFs and come back and quote this message with your results.

Hell you can even do the same for HSVs and FPVs.

Look past a badge, it's pathetic.

Selling a lot doesnt mean they are a better car! To be honest I actually like VE SS's but I'm ford at heart so I'd never consider buying one so I'm not just looking at a badge. What i mean is in what way the commodore a superiour vehicle to the falcon? You said in your post that thumbs up to Holden for showing why they outsell...

[bigsta]

i guess it goes to the if it aint broke dont fix it as its still the number 1 selling car in oz and our biggest automotive export plus i guess they need some time to get the billion dollars back they spend developing it as well.

I expect they will release a new front/ tail lights end next year or early 2012

gonna be a good year next year with holden and ford releasing more than 20 new models between em

[burnz]

Originally Posted by Puffin Fresh

Really? Today I parked next to a BA Fairlane Ghia, next to him was a BA XT, Next to that was a BFII Fairmont exactly the same as mine, behind me was a BF XR6 and a little further down a BA with Rspec stickers. Not a single Holden commodore in that parking section, all the blue oval badges frightened them off . However I agree, there are way more Holdens on the road than Fords. Especially in the HSV series around my area.

so you parked at broadmedows, what did you expect..

[bigsta]

Originally Posted by Puffin Fresh

Really? Today I parked next to a BA Fairlane Ghia, next to him was a BA XT, Next to that was a BFII Fairmont exactly the same as mine, behind me was a BF XR6 and a little further down a BA with Rspec stickers. Not a single Holden commodore in that parking section, all the blue oval badges frightened them off . However I agree, there are way more Holdens on the road than Fords. Especially in the HSV series around my area.

They both have their good and bad points depend on what you want teh car for i guess too.

I think ford owe allot of their sales to taxis, fleets and the police.

fleets and taxis loved it because it was cheap to run and cheap to fix, the whole falcon front end can be replaced as easily as on an old kingswwod so the car is back on the road in a day and parts are cheaper where as the commy will be off the road for days and cost twice the price.

But now that they have deleted the station wagon i think allot of buyers espec fleet and taxis will be forced to go to holden as they either need the extra space or in teh case of taxis the govt mandates that so may must be station wagons etc and they will not be keen to go to the territory nor the FWD mondeao i think this will give holden an inroad more than they have had into the taxi/fleet scene and will cost ford a quite a few deals, in the same way they handed the luxury car segment over to holden when the deleted the fairlane not that the last variant had any sort of design put into it

[malazn mafia]

[QUOTE=4.0i_SiX]

Originally Posted by vztrt

Interior pics from:

http://theage.drive.com.au/photogall...electedImage=1

QUOTE]

That is one of the most disgusting interiors I have seen. It would look better if I threw up all over the dash! Which I think Im going to......
I would rather shoot myself in the head than have to put up with that interior everytime I drive my car!

about as modern as squares in 1989

[Deco28]

I like the interior. Sat in a SS-V at a Holden dealership and thought it was nice. I don't sit there stroking the plastics.... Thought it was ergonomical, the touchscreen worked well and it looked nice to me.

I've only ever experienced the G6 Falcon interior, and even though it's nice, it looks bland and outdated to me. The screen looks like it's straight from the 80's and the material that covers the dash, it feels like it is velcroed on. It might be soft, but I'm not a fan. And don't get me started on the steering wheel - a pet hate .

I think they're both good, but the Holden get's the nod for me, admittently, the SS-V v G6 though.

[Falcman0o7]

LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQVHYXfuhac

[Deco28]

Originally Posted by Falcman0o7

LOL!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQVHYXfuhac

Haha, it's a good song xD. I'm sure there are plenty of Falcon's like that to.

[99AUXR]

Originally Posted by XR

Quite simple, next time you have to go down the street to get something, count how many VEs you see than compare the numbers to how many FGs you see. You can even do that same for the VY/VZ and BA/BFs and come back and quote this message with your results.

Hell you can even do the same for HSVs and FPVs.

Look past a badge, it's pathetic.

this is a wee bit different in new zealand, the most popular car on the road out of ford and holde are BA xr6 so many around and now there are FGs.