MOST of the changes for Holden’s Series II VE Commodore range have been applied to a subtly tweaked exterior, led by E85 ethanol-compatible 3.0-litre V6 and 6.0-litre V8 engines that emit slightly less CO2 and deliver improved mid-range performance, but offer no real fuel consumption or cost gains. At least both new E85 engines come for free, just like the advanced new touch-screen multimedia system that is standard in all models and, in flagship V-Series variants, also offer the ability to alert drivers of upcoming traffic situations, including speed cameras. Throw in the $2500 option of sharper Redline Edition models (comprising beefier Brembo brakes, polished wheels and, on sedans, a firmer FE3 suspension tune) and Holden looks to have covered most bases in its first facelift of Australia’s top-selling model.

Commodore
Released: September 2009
Ended: September 2010
Family Tree: CommodoreTHREE years after the billion-dollar VE Commodore was launched, Holden released the upgraded MY10 model with a direct-injection SIDI 3.6-litre petrol V6, plus a smaller new 3.0-litre version exclusively for the fleet-oriented Omega and family friendly Berlina models. While that lowered the Commodore’s base fuel consumption rating to 9.3L/100km, it also pushed up the retail price by $700, to $39,990 for the base sedan and $33,490 for the ute, which missed out on the slick new 3.0-litre six and six-speed automatic combination.
Get the full story: Holden's 3.0-litre Commodore Omega does the job, but is not so thrifty around town
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