- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
3.0i, 6 cyl.
- Engine Power
190kW, 290Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 9.3L/100KM
- Manufacturer
RWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2009 Holden Commodore Omega Review
Comparing the outgoing Omega to the new one is like comparing chalk and cheese
- Improved gearbox
- fuel consumption
- interior space
- Dated styling
- handling
Model Tested:
- 2009 Holden Commodore Omega; 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan - $39,990*
Options:
- Metallic Paint $500 (Fitted); Matching Spare Wheel $350; Six CD Tuner $595; Sport Suspension & LSD $690; Country Pack Suspension $330; Bluetooth Connectivity $495; Rear Park Assist $495
CarAdvice Rating:
It has always been seen as the fleet special and with the release of Holden’s latest range of SIDI engines; Holden has given the entry level Omega some oomph in the form of a new engine and gearbox.
While the rest of the range receives Holden’s 210kW 3.6-litre six-cylinder directly injected engine, the Omega and Berlina receive a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, which produces 190kW and 290Nm. The smaller capacity engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox; a chalk and cheese leap from its four-speed predecessor.
In a bid to reduce fuel consumption, Holden has also fitted low rolling resistance tyres to the Omega, helping reduce the fuel consumption from the MY9.5’s 10.6L/100km to an impressive 9.3L/100km.
The new SIDI engine technology differs from the MY9.5 Omega’s multi-point injection system by directly injecting fuel into the combustion chamber. SIDI (Spark Injection Direct Injection) allows for fuel consumption improvements, along with more power at the top end.
Aside from SIDI badges on the boot lid and side flanges and twin exhausts, the Omega is aesthetically no different to its MY9.5 predecessor. It would have been nice to see some visual changes, as the design is getting dated since the Commodore’s 2006 release.
The interior also remains identical to the outgoing Omega. There’s plenty of leg and head room for the driver and front passenger, with exception leg room in the rear in comparison to the Ford Falcon XT.
If you were to drive the MY9.5 Omega and hop straight into the MY10 Omega, it would be like going from a Volkswagen Beetle into a Porsche 911 Turbo.
Not only has straight line acceleration improved, the gearbox is a million times better. The outgoing four-speed automatic would drive you mad with its indecisive gear changes and constant shifting. The new six-speed gearbox works in unison with the SIDI motor to bring out its full potential.
From around 4000rpm, a raspy engine note exposes itself and remains all the way to redline. There is also an acceleration surge from around 4000rpm that gives the Omega a newfound sporty feel.
Mid-range torque from 80km/h has also improved, making overtaking a far less daunting task. The drive can also pass for ‘sporty’ when selecting the tiptronic mode, with the driver shifting gears manually.
The outgoing Omega produced peak torque of 330Nm, which is a 40Nm drop compared to the MY10, but it certainly doesn’t feel any less willing. If anything, the new gearbox has helped free up the engine and make better use of all available power.
While the engine has literally transformed the Omega, the spongy brake feel is still lingering. The brakes feel progressive to a point and then feel firm, requiring more pressure to stop the vehicle.
On test, fuel consumption sat at around 10.1L/100km, an improvement on the previous generation but still a stretch from the claimed 9.3L/100km.
The suspension is very soft and soaks up any type of road thrown at it. This adversely affects handling, increasing the body roll. As most drivers won’t care about handling, it’s a great setup for highways and country roads.
Standard features include: 16-inch alloy wheels, six-speaker stereo with single disc CD player, adjustable steering column (tilt and reach), air conditioning, electric windows, electric wing mirrors, cruise control, automatic headlights, auxiliary input socket, central locking, driver electric seat, alarm, trip computer, power steering, sunglass holder and cloth trim seats.
Standard safety features include: ABS brakes with EBA and EBD, ESC with traction control, alarm, engine immobiliser, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, driver and front passenger head airbags, rear passenger head airbags and driver and front passenger side airbags.
Omega pricing starts from $39,990*, an increase of $700 over the MY9.5 Omega.
The new engine has given the Omega the heart transplant it was desperately waiting for. While it won’t set the world on fire, it makes the Omega feel less like a slow moving boat and more like the fleet model it should be.
Ratings:
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How does it Look:
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*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.