Commodore cuts a fine figure

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Holden is describing the changes it has made to its updated Commodore VZ range as the most substantial since the introduction of the VT model in 1997.

The revised line-up, complete with a new family of six-cylinder engines and transmissions, was unveiled in Australia on Monday and will carry Holden through to the 2006 launch of its all-new Commodore and Statesman. Holden has spent about $200 million on the development and re-tooling programme.

The new-look Commodore VZ, New Zealand and Australia's best-selling car for the past few years, gets a recycled front end with a separate radiator mesh grille for each model, a more aggressive bonnet profile, changed front and rear bumpers, and changed headlights and tail-lights. The interior also gets upgrades.

Electronic gizmos in the VZ and Statesman WL have also been heavily upgraded. There is a stability control system, corner braking control, new traction control unit, improved anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution and braking assist on some models. A new electronic throttle has also been adopted. Suspensions across the range have been reworked for better handling and ride.

The most notable change is the appearance of the 3.6-litre V6 engine, dubbed the Alloytec range. Alloytec is part of a family of global six-cylinder engines for the GM network and replaces the 3.8-litre Ecotec V6. The Alloytec comes with quad camshafts, four valves a cylinder, and variable valve timing. Two variants will go into the Commodore VZ.

The entry-level V6, called the Alloytec175, produces 175kW at 6000rpm and 320Nm at 2800rpm. The Alloytec190 develops 190kW at 6500rpm and 340Nm at 3200rpm. The engines are mated to manual and automatic transmissions.

The four-speed automatic box has been retained on some VZ models, notably the station wagons, although Holden says it has been revised for improved fuel economy. But it shows its age compared with the new five-speed automatic which, mated to the Alloytec190 engine in particular, gives the Commodore all-new performance characteristics. So does the new six-speed manual gearbox.

The VZ range is expected to go on sale in New Zealand in October, priced at about 2 per cent more than the Commodore VY.