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As you no doubt know, the Commodore is the best selling car in the country, having a significant lead over the next best seller. Let me ask an odd question though! How long has it been since someone remarked to you that the Commodore is an attractive car? When the VT series was introduced, it was clear that the Commodore was, indeed, an attractive car. But with hundreds of thousands of VT and subsequent models on the roads today, the gloss on the various Commodore versions has faded somewhat. So in making the Commodore such a success story, Holden has become a victim of its own success. That aside, how does the VYII stack up. That's a good question because all those VYs sold since 2002 will eventually find their way to used car lots around the country. Thus many folks will be looking at VY and VYII's in the future, so interest will not wane for some considerable time. The Commodore Executive is as basic as Commodore comes. But you couldn't say it was spartan! The Executive is a well equipped, full-sized sedan or wagon and as such it commands immense interest to families, together with fleet buyers (government and private). Further interest in this model is extended to used car lots around the country. Second-hand late model Commodores are keenly sought by those wanting a reasonably priced, reliable and comfortable car. So we have Holden taking the lead in new car sales and, I believe, also taking the lead in motivating interest in the used car market. So obviously this car has what it takes to be number one, because it has been number one for years and years. In attempting to identify its attributes, I concluded that it's a combination of size, driving dynamics, the comfort level and to a lesser extent, the styling. Let's look at those attributes. Firstly, the size. Australian culture seems to have moulded the average sized car to be somewhat mid-sized between European and American standards. This is a pretty good call, so far as I can see! I'm convinced us aussies have got it right in this respect, but I don't believe we need to make our full-size cars any bigger. A little smaller probably seems more ideal. |
 VYII Commodore Executive sedan Location: Blacksmiths NSW And what about the driving dynamics. Is this not the greatest of all the Commodore's attributes? The steering, the handling, the ride, the braking, the drivetrain and the overall control. It's this combination which no doubt produces a "this'll do me" type of reaction! And I like the availability of the overdrive cut-off on the auto transmission. Neither of the two major competitors offer this excellent feature on their Falcon or Magna. Thirdly, let us consider the comfort. There can be no doubt that the spacious interior is a very pleasant environment. The quality of the trim and the comfortable seats make for an enjoyable driving experience. Equipment levels for a base model are quite good. And so it should be, too! Lifestyle, the buzz word for our time, equates to no-one wanting a poverty pack! Finally, the styling. We have already covered that to a degree. But I believe, if there were additional lighter colours available, then those softer tones may be more attractive than the abundance of darker colours which are offered on the VY series. Any faults? Oh yes, let's not think for a moment that the Commodore is perfect. For it to head in that direction it needs a cruise control system as good as that provided by Mitsubishi. The Holden cruise control will let you roll downhill above the speed limit. A real cruise control will control your speed, uphill ..... and downhill! In conclusion, it is easy to see why the Commodore is the best selling car in the nation! Because it offers in addition to the points already raised, something which is as important today as it ever has been ..... value! Stephen Walker | |
