Commodore shines light on new model

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Holden is to launch a special-edition Commodore VX called the Lumina, car-speak Latin for shining light.

Carmakers often turn to Latin when they are stuck for generic names. Suzuki did so for its small-car Ignis, replacement for the Swift, an old English word.

Ignis is old Latin for will-o-the-wisp, or a light floating at night over a swamp. These days it mostly means something that is impossible to catch.

Holden says the Lumina, due later this month, indeed shines. It offers upgraded levels of equipment and is aimed at private buyers.

Holden New Zealand marketing manager Sheena Duffy said special-edition Commodore models have been successful for Holden.

"The Lumina is bound to add to that tradition and boost the competitiveness and appeal of the marque," she said. Production is limited to 5000 models.

The Lumina is based on the Commodore Executive and will cost $44,490 for the sedan and $46,400 for the station wagon.

It is available in five exterior colours and Holden New Zealand expects to sell 100 sedans and 40 wagons.

The sedan gets a rear spoiler with integrated stop lights and 16-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, and the wagon comes with a roof-rack and 16-inch nine-spoke wheels.

Both models have body-coloured side mouldings, a chrome exhaust extension and Lumina badging on the rear.

Much of the improved equipment levels are found inside the vehicle, including four airbags, electrically adjustable driver's seat, and steering-wheel mounted sound system controls.

The Lumina is powered by Holden's V6 engine mated to a four-stage automatic transmisssion. The 3.8-litre powerplant produces 152kW at 5200 rpm and 305Nm of pulling power at 3600 rpm.

Since its New Zealand launch in 1979, the Commodore range has been among the top three models each year, except in 1984 and 1993 when it was fifth.

More than 109,000 models have been sold, making Commodore the best-selling car behind the Toyota Corolla.