3 May 2013
A sophisticated new Commodore
Holden has made the biggest investment since the launch of the VE Commodore to develop the latest VF range. The engineering team started the project for VF back in 2009 and with assistance from colleagues as far afield as Canada and the USA they developed what Holden consider to be the most sophisticated car ever produced in Australia.
The entry model Commodore receives a new name, Evoke which replaces the Omega nameplate, while Berlina is crossed off the price list altogether due to historical low customer demand.
The VF Commodore is built on the same platform as the outgoing VE but it weighs a lot less due to the bonnet, boot lid and some suspension components receiving lightweight aluminium treatment.
Styling changes to the front and rear of the sedan give the VF a sophisticated new look and body colour options have increased to include three new choices; Regal Peacock (metallic green), Prussian Steel (light grey) and Fantale (orange).
Inside it’s a whole lot better too. The previous model’s finger-pinching handbrake lever has been dropped for an easy-to-use electric parking brake switch. An eight inch touch screen display has Satellite Navigation as well as having Stitcher and Pandora applications stored into it.
Pandora plays your favourite music according to the names of bands and songs you enter into the app’s database and Stitcher has current news from around the world. If you don’t like a song that Pandora is playing you simply select “dislike” (thumbs down) and the song will be skipped otherwise choose “like” (thumbs up) and it considers the selection for future playlists. You will need a mobile device with 3G streaming to access the applications.
A keen performer on the road
The Commodore’s suspension is re-tuned, to considerably improve ride quality, and in the corners it’s no slouch either. The new electrically assisted steering is adequately lightened during parking manoeuvres, although the automatic parallel and diagonal parking system will steer the car into spaces if requested, with driver instructions displayed on the instrument display, advising when to operate the brake and throttle pedals.
There is a noticeable improvement in NVH levels, due to the fitment of 25% thicker side window glass and strategically placed sound dampening materials. During our test drive on the high speed oval at Holden’s Lang Lang proving grounds in Melbourne, we witnessed just how silent the cabin is. With one of Holden’s engineers behind the wheel driving at pace, we were able to casually converse without the need to raise our voices.
Holden’s remote start system allows drivers of automatic models to fire up the engine using the key’s fob without the need to be inside the vehicle. Claimed to have a range of roughly 100 metres, this system will also remove the dilemma of climbing into a glacial cold car in winter or a baking hot car in summer as it activates the airconditioning to the last known setting.
Driver assist features include frontal collision alert, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and reverse traffic alert.
Passive safety is in the form of six airbags while ISOFIX anchorage points are fitted to the rear outer seats and all seat belts are fitted with reminders.
Other new features include front and rear proximity sensors, Head Up display, reverse camera, and LED daytime running lights.
The engine line-up stays the same and even with all the extra kit the Evoke is 43kgs lighter and 10% more aerodynamic, which combined with a few engine calibration tweaks and the new electric steering system reduces the fuel usage by up to 6.7%.
The petrol 3.0L V6 has 185kW/290Nm with an impressive claimed fuel economy of 8.3L/100km. The 3.6L V6 produces a further 25kW/60Nm while the larger 6.0L V8 with AFM (Active Fuel Management) has a mighty 260kW/517Nm on tap. All models in New Zealand will be sold with six-speed automatic transmissions although manual gearbox versions will be available on indent order.
Pricing starts with the 3.0L V6 Evoke at $49,990 and $55,490 for the 3.6L Sport Luxury model. The V8 models are priced from $61,490 for the SS auto up to $77,190 for the SS-V Redline Sportwagon while the Caprice-V tops the range at $85,490.
Although the new Commodore has significantly improved, Holden NZ are realistic in their expectations and don't see the VF as an opportunity to increase their segment share. But, the extra level of specification without any price hike should go a long way to keep Holden holding on to the majority big car market share it already enjoys.