Holden NZ says its new range of Commodores are set to slash fuel use and running costs with advanced engines and other improvements.

The Model Year 10 (MY10) range is on sale in New Zealand now and boasts the most fuel-efficient, Australian-built V6 engine on the market.

Commodore Omega achieves just 9.3 litres per 100km – up to 13% better than current models – making it more fuel efficient than some major four cylinder competitors.

Holden NZ has crunched the numbers on its claim and reckons a motorist travelling 20,000km could save $423.80 at an indicative fuel price of $1.63. What’s more, over that range the vehicle produces 600 kilograms less carbon emissions.

The savings are achieved through two new engines offering Spark Ignition Direct Injection technology, claimed to be a first for an Aussie-built vehicle.
An all-new 3.0-litre engine and the familiar 3.6-litre displacement will power the Commodores, depending on model.

The changes will be effective across the petrol sedan and Sportwagon range, as well as the SV6 Ute and the Statesman long-wheelbase variant.

‘The engines are the centrepiece of a model year upgrade with fuel efficiency, lower running costs and consumer requirements firmly in mind,’ says Holden NZ, evidently keen to stem the loss of ‘big car’ buyers that was prompted by fuel price spikes of 2008-09.

‘A new six-speed automatic transmission will be matched with the new SIDI engines, weight reductions have been achieved, low rolling resistance tyres introduced and other fuel-saving upgrades installed,’ the company adds.

The fuel efficiency achievements are among the most significant in Commodore’s 31-year history in New Zealand. And the new technology conforms to strict European Plus emissions standards, currently the highest possible air pollution rating a petrol or diesel powered vehicle can achieve.

Using the Australian Federal Government’s ‘Green Vehicle Guide’ as a measure, the Omega, Berlina and Calais sedan and Omega Sportwagon models achieve a 5.5 Greenhouse Rating and four stars.

Holden NZ managing director Simon Carr hopes the introduction of the new engine technology would help ensure Commodore ‘extends its reign as New Zealand’s favourite large car’.

‘People are telling us they want lower operating costs while keeping the flexibility of the Commodore’s size – so that’s exactly what we are offering.’

He says the direct injection technology is a major step towards meeting those expectations. ‘It places a more refined Commodore amongst four cylinder competitors while delivering space and flexibility.

‘New Zealand families aren’t getting any smaller, distances aren’t getting any closer but customer expectations of fuel efficiency and environmental impacts are changing fast.

‘Holden understands that and this new technology is our response. It exploits the technology potential of an advanced, Australian-made all-alloy engine and makes it available to New Zealand car buyers.’

Both SIDI V6 engines will join the Holden EcoLine range, designed to highlight the company’s range of vehicles using alternative fuel or fuel saving technology.

All V6 engines for the Commodore range, Sportwagon, SV6, Ute and Statesman will be produced at Holden’s Global V6 engine plant in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The vehicles are manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia.