Storm expected to strike a chord with style-conscious

Holden is expected to restrict the production run of its latest limited-edition ute to 1000 vehicles - 50 of which will make it to New Zealand.

It's called the Storm, is priced at $39,990, and should go out of showrooms as fast as lightning, jokes Holden.

It comes in yellow, blue, red and black and offers "style-conscious buyers the opportunity to choose an individual-looking vehicle with an enhanced level of equipment", says the carmaker.

The Storm is set apart on the outside by 16in, six-spoke alloy wheels in satin silver, a bold front bumper fascia, SS side skirts and rear bumper corners and Storm badging.

Inside, seats are trimmed in charcoal and black with bolsters in anthracite leather, colour-coded to a titanium-finished instrument panel and console.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel, which is height- and reach-adjustable, includes sound-system controls. Windows and exterior mirrors are electric.

Air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, sports suspension and driver and passenger airbags are all included as standard equipment.

Other features include a compact disc player, six-function trip computer, a storage net in the bulkhead trim cover, centre console with twin cup- holders, mobile phone power point and an electric rear window demister.

The Storm is powered by Holden's 3.8-litre V6 engine mated to a four-stage automatic transmission and developing 152kW of power at 5200rpm and 305Nm of torque at 3600rpm.