Frontera upgraded

HOLDEN has introduced an upgraded 2001 version of its Frontera V6 four-wheel drive wagon, claiming additional ride refinements, increased structural integrity as well as adding new features.

The goods news is the pricing stays the same, a decision prompted by Holden's ambition to double Frontera's sales level from about 100 per month now to more than 200 per month.

All models - Frontera, Frontera S and Frontera SE - now have cruise control, 'drive by wire' electronic throttle, engine immobilisers, UV cut specification glass in door windows and variable intermittent wipers.

The top-of-the-range Frontera SE is also equipped with Torque on Demand (TOD) - a system which constantly monitors driving conditions and distributes power to the rear or front wheels when required to deliver the best traction.

The basis of TOD is an electronically variable clutch pack, which apportions drive to the front and rear axles. When TOD is activated via the dash button, 12 sensors, measuring front and rear wheel speeds and throttle position, send signals to the TOD control unit, which uses '3-D mapping software' to determine the force applied to the clutch pack.

Holden claims refinements to the rear suspension, body mounts and engine mounts address criticisms of the Frontera's ride quality, while another omission has been addressed with the entry level model now offering a four-speed automatic transmissions as a $1990 option.

Oddly, the Frontera S misses out on the auto option, an omission which Holden hopes to rectify by around March/April, 2002. Bigger discs and a boost from 15-inch to 16-inch wheels for the range is due in November, while a further brake upgrade is due next year.

The Frontera and Frontera S also have new seat trims in patterned cloth. All models feature additional audio system speakers in the rear doors, instrument graphics have been revised and instrument panel dimmer switches included.

Two new colours have been added to the range of eight Holden Frontera paint finishes. Atlantic Blue (metallic) is available on entry level and Frontera S models, while the Frontera SE can now be specified in Ebony Black.

In other Holden commercial vehicle activity this year, a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel Rodeo is also planned for introduction in December, replacing the current 2.8. With 96kW it is now the most powerful vehicle in its class and will also be offered with an automatic option.

PRICING:
Frontera V6 (manual) $36,840
Frontera V6 (automatic) $38,830
Frontera S V6 (manual) $39,530
Frontera SE V6 (automatic) $43,960