Economy improves for Commodore
October 31, 2008 by Matt Brogan
The Alloytec V6 engine powering Holden’s Commodore Omega and Berlina models has received an upgrade this month that sees fuel savings of up to 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres for petrol models and an impressive 1.3 litres per 100 kilometres for dual-fuel variants.
Emissions have therefore also decreased assisting the petrol variants listed to achieve the highest Green Vehicle Guide noxious emissions score possible being 8.5 points out of 10 (excludes hybrid electric vehicles). The emission levels meet Euro VI certification, a standard which does not come into effect in Europe until 2014.
“The upgrade to this V6 engine was to enable improved fuel economy and reduced emissions without sacrificing real world performance,” GM Holden Director of Powertrain, Ernie Tamburrini said.
To clarify, fuel consumption of the petrol Commodore sedan is reduced by 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres with Ute and Sportwagon models down by 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
Dual Fuel (LPG) models also see an improve in economy now delivering returns of 14.2 litres per 100km. The vehicle was also recently reduced some $1500.
Private buyers are also eligible for the $2000 government rebate here, meaning the net cost of an LPG Ute would only be $1400 more than its petrol equivalent and only $400 more for the LPG sedan.
The monthly LPG conversion rate will increase in November to meet growing demand. The petrol engine in the Omega and Berlina models delivers peak power of 175kW at 6500rpm and peak torque of 325Nm at 2400rpm and is matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. The upgraded Alloytec V6 engine will be standard on all Omega and Berlina Commodore, Sportwagon and Ute variants from November production.
NB: SS-V Ute & Calais Sportwagon shown for illustrative purposes only.
Print it: 
The proof is in the pudding in that extra airbags dont always mean a safer car.
throwing extra bags at it doesnt guarantee it a better rating.
Pudding =
Aurion 6 Airbags = 4 stars
Falcon 4 airbags = 5 stars
It is good that they are able to achieve the Euro IV emissions standard and reduce fuel consumption slightly (and good with the LPG consumption reduction, this means one step further towards decent per-tank km from a LPG car) however I think they should of now made the 5 speed auto standard across the range, this of course would make yet another minor decrease in fuel consumption and would also surely match the previous 3.6L’s configuation on-road performance if not improve on it. I say now bring-on Direct Injection for high-end variants (to allow time to iron-out any bugs before making it standard across the range) and the 5 speed auto for the whole range. So in summary, good on Holden however nothing to get too excited about.
Also a disappointing result got Aurion, would have thought that may have done better as well.
Whats ANCAP ratings and airbags got to do with fuel consumption?
Quote [Silky] You like that little read on Holden CORE engineering wheelnut? Here is my fav comment from HOLDEN – “We acknowledge that ANCAP exists and that it has a purpose but we don’t design our cars for ANCAP,” YUP, thats Holdens marketing manager :)
Of course Holden don’t design their cars with the primary purpose to pass ANCrAP tests.. infact I doubt many manufacturers do..
Because they realise that if a driver found him/herself heading straight towards a pole or under the back of a truck s/he is most likely going to take some form of evasive action by either braking or changing lanes –
a factor not taken into account by ANCrAP
If they were to Design their vehicles with the sole intention of Passing ANCrAP tests they would probably build somehting like a Sherman Tank
I expect that Holden like most car companies design their cars to be driven on the open roads and to be the most practical reliable affordable mode of transport with all the latest safety technology devices and other modern features that they can for the price.. Given the limited resources Holden and Ford Oz have compared to Toyota and the other Overseas marques they do a pretty good job
Quote [Silky]:“Although as I have said before – If you place the ANCrAP ratings as a top priority when buying a new car then you are virtually admitting that you are a poor driver and are expecting that you will either be in or cause a potentially fatal accident..” – Wheelnut
That would be one of the more stupid statements I have ever read, you need to have a good look at yourself mate, safety is there to save lives, when and as needed. You could be carrying kids in the car…bad weather, driver error, mechanical failure, other driver error, road conditions, speed all of these factors can contribute to an accident..man you are a joke.
That’s my point exactly Silky – [driver error, driver response times and alertness/fatigue; mechanical failure, road surface, level of grip on the tyres; if the car has ABS EBD ESP or not; weather conditions and speed
are factors which ANCrAP DON\’T take into consideration.
They just drive the cars straight into a pole or under a truck…. and I doubt anyone on the road would do that deliberately – the instinct of self preservation would take over and the driver would at least attempt to take some form of evasive action
Aurion didnt do the Pole test cause Toyota didnt want to spend the 150k they say………right!Having the option of 5 stars and they don’t want to spend 150k,bullc r a p! Who cares about safety ratings ,I buy a car cause I enjoy it,cause Im an enthusiast if I worried about safety I never would have owned XA GT Falcons now would I !
Andrew,
you will get comparible K’s per tank out of LPG as you do Unleaded.
LPG tanks are bigger to make up the extra few L/100k LPG systems chew through
In summary, an LPG powered car WILL get around the same amount of travel time as an unleaded version before it needs to visit the servo.
Wheelnut,
I agree that ANCAP results arent the be all and end all of deciding on a motor vehicle, BUT it is a usefull guide none the less.
if i walked into the show room of Holden and i really liked the commodore, it only being a 4 star wouldnt put me off. some people would be put of though.
I dont buy a vehicle based on safety ratings or even fuel ratings to take it one further, or to take it even further i definately dont buy based on phone poll survey results.
I buy the vehicle I like. that is the one that seems the best to drive and the most comfortable whilst doing it. (driving that is)
I’m not saying that ANCAP tests are irrelevant either.. I mean its like you have 2 high school students: one who got 90% in a test and another who got 85%.. and when anything above 80% equates to an A both students passed.. it’s just that one performed slightly better than the other.. the questions may have been weighted differently just like the ANCAP tests are
However; now that the VE has both reduced power and reduced fuel consumption at least it will now use slightly less fuel when it ploughs into that [telegraph] pole
Ummmm Missile…..I already pre-emted your response would be what you said. LOL doing it for the Nutter.
I know I will get pounded for this statement but I can’t help the feeling that many of the small/medium cars will fold like crepe paper at anything over the Ancrap speed thresholds whereas large cars like the Commodore and Aurion would have a bit more breathing space even though your knee caps may be missing.
BM XA GT is my favorite GT.
Despite their 5 star rating may I add.
Wheelnut,
to take your example further,
what if the threshold puts one as a “B” and the other as an “A”
say one gets 95% and the other 85%, but 85% is only good enough for a “B”
good to see your positive spin at the end. yep, at least it will use less fuel when it hits the pole.
but hang on, if it uses less fuel before it hits the pole, that means there is more left on board to fuel the explosion………
ha ha ha ha ha ha dont get your knickers in a knot, that was just a light hearted dig
Realcars,
no pounding coming your way from me.
i actually agree with you.
i would rather be in a 4 star commodore than a 5 star Focus or Lancer if shyte were to hit the fan
Holden is on track with injected LPG.
My old AU UTE with 260,000KLMS on the ODO gets close to 500klms out of 80 litre tanks city/suburban driving.Have got 630klms on a tank highway when I behave.LOL.
The more klms the faster she goes.LOL.
I agree with Wheelnuts earlier sentiments that the Commodore is a mighty effort for our “small” country.
Geepers….now Andrew M talks of thresholds. Are you like TP’s accountant LMAO (joking dude)
Iam with Realcars…..the Commie rocks and I like. Falcon is another super car with rave reviews. Lets just hope they both learn from it all and close gap on design and manufacture on others and give big T a run for it!
Glad to see we Finally agree on something NM!
Nutter…..havent I always said mate that Commie shytes all over new Falcon from side at rear, swoopy roof, front guard how tucks into front bumper. The way the roof tapers off above rear door and blends and gels unreal there. The only thing I have said is flared guards do stick out a tad – but they grow on me and I do like as looks like a real car with real purpose and poise whereas Falcon looks sedate and plainer somewhat. Falcon still looks hot but not as aggressive as Commie!
Realcars..yeah they rock ! Coupes the toughest,although Ive had a 4 door to.
NM you make it sound that Im predictable ? I would like to think I comment on my beliefs not what others want to hear,thought you knew me better than that babe!
I do know you babe. When I see you disagreeing with Wheelnut – well then will agree with you. I dont mean that in a bad way hey!
Quote [Bavarian Missile]:NM you make it sound that Im predictable ? I would like to think I comment on my beliefs not what others want to hear,thought you knew me better than that babe!
And because I respect BM so much – I would never tell her what to say or do.
Sorry to scare you there NM.
I hope I didnt bring flash backs to you of the original TP…..
Ill leave words like “Threshold”, “Dividends” and “Treasury” in the cupboard as to not get your heart rate up and prevent the cold sweat ;)
BUT……..
I cant promise you I wont slip in a “Floored” in place of “Flawed” every now and then purely for my own amusement.
On topic,
I agree that the commodore looks good,
but for me the interior and seats are the massive turn off.
it is good to see them using an injected LPG system, but the turn off for me is its still a dual fuel :(
I just traded my E-Gas falcon and didnt get another because it has now fallen a fair bit behind the petrol falcon.
I didnt want to get a new car that hadnt really been upgraded. When i purchased the E-Gas i had, at the time it was right on par with the petrol version, but over the years Ford hasnt done jack to it and hence it has fallen behind the petrol falcon considerably.
Either way the LPG Commy (even being dual fuel) or the LPG Falcon running its old school system still present an extremely cheap motoring option.
it was proven in an RACQ study that LPG is the only worth while alternative fuel when you consider fuel costs, servicing costs, insurance etc etc.
even the diesel and hybrid options didnt out do their petrol versioned variants