Holden Commodore (VE). 2006 to date (prod. 80,410 sold in Australia only through February 2008). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door utility. F/R, 3564 cm³ petrol and petrol–LPG (V6 DOHC), 5967 cm³ (V8 OHV). Billion-Australian-dollar investment saw development of first all-Australian Holden since the demise of the WB series in the 1980s. No hand-me-down Opel parts; VE Commodore in fact forms the basis of other Zeta-platform cars in the GM empire. Competent and handsome large sedan and utility; Sportwagon on same wheelbase from mid-2008. Much larger in all key dimensions than VZ, front wheelarch particularly noticeable as styling feature. Rejigged trim levels with Commodore Omega new base model, SV6, SS and SS-V the sporting models, Berlina the mid-line one (no Commodore badge on exterior), and Calais and Calais V at top. Exported as Chevrolet Lumina (Middle East), Chevrolet Omega (Brazil), Pontiac G8 (with some changes, especially for GXP model; see separate entry) and Vauxhall VXR8 (based on HSV versions). Fuel consumption poorer than predecessor (no diesels, though dual-fuel LPG–petrol model appeared soon after launch) and ANCAP safety rating only four stars—VZ predecessor managed five.

Manufacturing location: Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Marque: Holden | Model: Holden Commodore | Predecessor: Holden Commodore (VZ)

Off-site links

• GoAuto: ‘Holden defends its billion-dollar car as new evidence shows a lower crash score’
• Jack Yan: the Persuader Blog: ‘Holden launches its billion-dollar baby’