VU Commodore Utility

Holden’s all-new third-generation bodied Commodore finally spawned a utility variant almost two-and-a-half years after its launch.

Initially the sleek VU, wearing the VX Executive passenger car’s teardrop headlights, leaned heavily towards the lifestyle spectrum, with a slick body-colour hinged cargo cover available as an option.

Maximum payload capacity rose to 780kg despite the ute’s loss of a live rear axle to an independent rear suspension system – as in all other Commodores.

This semi-trailing link rear-end has been tweaked to cope with varying loads though, yet it rides and handles in a non-ute sort of a way.

Again there was a base, S and SS – the former fitted with a development of the older ute’s 152kW/305Nm 3.8-litre OHV V6 in five-speed manual or four-speed auto guises, while the latter boasts the Chevrolet-sourced 225kW/460Nm 5.7-litre GEN III OHV V8 mated to a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox.

The LSD-equipped S now included cruise control and alloy wheels to its repertoire, while the SS added dual front airbags and sports seats.

New standard features: Driver’s airbag, adjustable steering wheel, independent rear suspension, keyless entry, power driver’s seat, CD player, trip computer, immobiliser, seat belt pretensionersEngine options: 225kW/460Nm 5.7 V8 - S.

Special editions:· Oct 01 – SS Fifty: All SS trappings plus tonneau cover, 17-inch alloys, alloy roll bar, black-only paint, decals