Holden Commodore VF-series saloon, estate and pick-up receive a light visual tweak and significant interior improvements
Holden has taken the wraps off the new VF-generation of its Commodore saloon, Calais V Sportswagon and Ute pick-up. An extensive facelift of the previous VE-series cars, the VF introduces a raft of new technology to the Commodore range.
From the front, each Commodore receives has a revised bumper, grille and bumper and a new range of alloy wheels are available. On all three variants, the rear remains unchanged from the VE-series Commodore.
The engine line-up is also directly carried over from the previous-generation car. The three Commodores will be offered with two V6 engines (either 3.0 or 3.6-litres) and a range-topping 6.0-litre V8. With a reduction in kerbweight of around 50kg and a reduction is drag co-efficient from 0.33cd to 0.30cd, Holden claims fuel economy of around 35mpg for the 3.0-litre V6. The engines can also be run on E85 biofuel, but the VF-series Commodore won't be offered with anything smaller than a V6 or a diesel option.
The most significant revisions over the previous Commodore range are found inside. Standard equipment now includes a head-up display and eight-inch infotainment touchscreen. Higher quality plastics, a greater use of leather and ice blue ambient lighting complete the upmarket refresh.
An increased quota of safety equipment features a lane departure warning, blind spot monitors and a forward collision warning system. Holden boss Mike Devereux says the VF-generation Commodore range will challenge “some of the broader perceptions people have about the traditional Australian-made car."
The Commodore VF saloon, Sportwagon and Ute are expected on sale in Australia this May. It will also be sold in America as the Chevrolet SS.