Transcript: Car Comment - Holden Commodore Omega
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"Car Comment" by
Next Car's Stephen Walker during the
"Road Ramblings" radio programme in
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Car Comment
Broadcast date: 7th May, 2011
***** START *****
It's the most popular car in the nation. What a
delightful claim to fame! Of course, I'm talking Holden Commodore here.
Our road test car, the Holden Commodore Omega sedan, in VE Series II guise, continues to symbolise
what is good about 'home-grown' big cars.
The attributes possessed by the Commodore include a roomy interior, a good sized boot,
comfortable (but not luxurious) seating with lumbar support upfront, handy-sized illuminated glove
box, good performance, smooth ride qualities and effective air conditioning. Additionally, the
Commodore Omega features a 4-way adjustable steering column (fingers crossed that all cars will get
this convenient feature), foot rest for the driver's left foot, automatic headlights, power operated
windows (power down feature on the driver's window, but no power up on any window - reinforcing the
Omega's status as the base model in the Commodore range), sunglasses holder, trip computer, 16" alloy
wheels (4) and user-friendly cruise control.
Not so good is the old-fashion non-collapsible ignition key and the cheap-look plastic for the
centre console. A 'flip' key is available for those who wish to pay a little extra.
The Commodore Omega is powered by a 3 litre V6 engine. Power is rated at 190 kW at 6,700 rpm,
whilst the torque is rated at 290 Nm at 2,900 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed automatic,
featuring two overdrive ratios. Whilst regular unleaded and premium unleaded petrol is the 'normal'
fuel choice for many drivers, the Holden 3 litre V6 (but not the 3.6 litre V6 in other Holden models)
is capable of running on bio-ethanol, or E85 as it is better known. This latter fuel source, E85, is
much more than a novelty. It offers real prospects for reduced running costs and, because it has
local content, an opportunity to reduce the amount of Aussie dollars that are sent overseas to
acquire petrol. Further, E85 will give you an opportunity to reduce your emissions 'footprint'. A
noble quality, indeed.
The Holden Commodore Omega sedan has a manufacturer's list price from $39,990* (MLP*) without
options and excluding the traditional on-road costs.
With over 4,000 local sales in March 2011, the Commodore outsold its nearest direct rival by a
ratio that exceeded two to one. In fact, only two model line-ups exceeded 4,000 unit sales in March.
The other was a Japanese brand with the nation's most popular 4x2/4x4 utility range.
To digress for a moment or two, it is a simple fact of manufacturing and marketing economics
that 4,000 or so monthly sales doesn't ensure a long term future in the automotive industry when it
comes to a volume model. In looking at selected statistics from Holden's past, 1960 saw 12,000 units
of Holden's FB series sold monthly. The considerably smaller market was, of course, less complex in
those days. In the year 2000, Holden manufactured 133,016 vehicles in Elizabeth, South Australia.
Clearly, Holden needs an increased level of exports for its big car range to ensure its long term
viability because it seems local sales aren't going to increase any time soon. As is generally
known, big cars often appeal to North Americans. But they have their own manufacturing facilities
making it difficult for a distant plant, such as that in Adelaide, to supply a volume model
(although many other brands supply to a global market from a single plant). So-called experts, often
self-appointed, claim that the cost of fuel is driving down large car sales. However, that argument
doesn't wash with me. In my opinion, the relentless diversity of the new car market is the real
reason that the larger Aussie cars have endured a sales decline in recent times. These days,
lifestyle choices often dictate what car goes home with a new car buyer. Car companies are very good
at making their products appeal. The Holden Commodore continues to possess appeal, but it is
challenged by other segments of the market more so than by direct competitors.
With continuing developments with alternative fuels, the Holden Commodore should appeal more and
more to those who travel big distances. In the meantime, the big car advantages of the past are just
as relevant today as they have ever been.
***** END *****
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