Holden’s Olympic model

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Carmakers have offered all sorts of signature models over the years but none with an Olympic Games badge.

Until now. Holden, official carmaker to September's Sydney Games, has trotted out the Olympic Edition Commodore Series II.

It looks like a regular VTCommodore - New Zealand's bestselling large car - but it comes with things the standard model doesn't have, like side airbags, cruise control, compact disc player, electric aerial and a wider choice of interior trim colours.

Also, Holden has tricked up the limited edition's exterior with special 16in alloy wheels, body mouldings, bumper inserts, chrome exhaust extension and Olympic insignia.

The additions add $5000 to the cost of the car, but in the spirit of the Olympic Games Holden says it is charging just $2500 extra.

The sedan will cost $42,345 and the wagon $44,245. Both models are powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.