Road TestCar reviews - Holden - Commodore - Berlina 3.0 sedanHolden modelsCommodore Acclaim sedan Acclaim wagon Berlina 3.0 sedan Berlina sedan Calais sedan Calais V Calais V Sportwagon Calais V V8 sedan Calais V V8 Sportwagon Calais V6 Calais V8 sedan Evoke Executive LPG sedan Executive sedan Executive wagon LPG range LT Liftback diesel Omega MY10 sedan Omega sedan Omega Sportwagon range RS 2.0 turbo S Supercharged sedan Sportwagon Sportwagon SSV Redline SS sedan SS V SS V Redline SS V sedan SS-V Redline sedan SV6 sedan SV8 sedan Vacationer 5-dr wagon VXR Research Holden OverviewHolden has progressed significantly with the VE Commodore since its 2006 debut14 Jan 2011 HOLDEN’S policy of constant evolution to its VE Commodore means that the 2011 model is greatly superior to the 2006 original. The combination of a direct-injection (SIDI), smaller capacity 3.0-litre V6 and the six-speed automatic transmission work well for highway economy, but around town, the sheer weight of the Berlina assures considerable thirst. At the same time, its vision-impairing A-pillars and high rear window make this large car feel bigger and more cumbersome than it is. The General’s family sedan now faces its strongest competition in the market from cars such as the Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla, while modest torque and the absence of a split-fold rear seat make it less versatile than its traditional rival, the Ford Falcon. Model release date: 1 September 2010 to 1 May 2013 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelIn 2006, VE Commodore was (nearly) the right car for the wrong time with the market already having switched to smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. Its bold exterior styling proved a distraction from some major failings. The VE Berlina’s combination of an unrefined 3.6-litre V6 and crude, clunky four-speed automatic gave it average performance and poor fuel economy. There were some rough edges to the finish. Vision was poor thanks to intrusive A-pillars and a high rear window. In September 2009, the Commodore range was significantly upgraded with direct injection engines and six-speed automatic as standard but in reality this was the VE we should have seen at launch. Get the full story: Holden is hoping to lure more private buyers than ever with its VE Berlina |
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