Limited-run Commodore storms in

HOLDEN has launched a limited-run Commodore series that will wear a “Storm” badge as well as a $500 price rise.

Available as either a sedan, ute or Sportwagon, the Storm is based on 3.6-litre V6-engined SV6 and V8-powered SS models, and includes a number of equipment upgrades to justify the higher price.

For the extra outlay, which pushes the price of a six-speed manual SV6 up to $36,490, buyers gain satellite navigation, chrome highlights around the front foglights, contrast red stitching on the seat trim, a “Storm” logo embroidered on the dash and unique finish on the alloy wheels.

Standard equipment on the Commodore SV6 and SS models already includes a steering system that automatically guides the car into a parking spot, blind spot warning, a reversing camera that can warn of cross traffic while backing out of a car park, and an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone-based music apps.

“The SV6 and SS Commodore have always been incredibly sporty, stylish and aspirational while representing fantastic value for money – the VF Storm takes that to a new level and is without a doubt the most compelling Commodore offer yet,” Holden executive director of vehicle sales, service and marketing Phil Brook said.

“With standard features such as satellite navigation and unique alloys, we’re confident this special edition will create serious excitement for new car buyers.” The Commodore is on a sales renaissance so far this year, selling more than 8000 units for a 62 percent gain over the first three months of last year after a slow start that saw Holden relinquish its long-running number two position in the Australian market and slide to the number three spot behind Mazda and Toyota.

However, Holden is tipped to regain the number two spot – mainly on the strength of Commodore sales – when the official sales figures for April are released early next week.

For the first three months of this year the Commodore has snared three out of every four sales in the large car segment for vehicles priced from less than $70,000 as buyers trickle back.

By comparison, Ford’s locally made Falcon has managed only 641 sales in the first three months of this year – prompting union speculation that it may not make it to the self-imposed late 2016 deadline for pulling out of Australian manufacturing – while the locally made Toyota Aurion has languished with only 263 sales despite its Camry-badged four-cylinder and hybrid version dominating the mid-size segment.

2014 Holden Commodore Storm pricing*

SV6
Sedan	$36,490
Sedan (a)	$38,690
LPG sedan (a)	$41,190
Sportwagon (a)	$40,690
LPG Sportwagon (a)	$43,190
Ute	$33,490
Ute (a)	$35,690
SS
Sedan	$42,490
Sedan (a)	$44,690
Sportwagon (a)	$46,690
Ute	$39,490
Ute (a)	$41,690

*Excludes on-road costs.