Greener Commodores, Bluetooth Cruzes in 2012

Bringing more aggro to the economy-emissions battle between local car-makers, Holden has further tweaked its direct injection V6 engine range to drop the combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures, as well as extending E85 ethanol capability across the whole six-cylinder range.

Fuel consumption drops from 9.1L/100km on the entry level 3.0-litre Omega sedan to 8.9L/100km, continuing its role as the most fuel-efficient vehicle in the large-car segment.

The 3.0-litre engine's CO2 emissions figures have been reduced too, from 216g/km on Omega and Berlina sedan models to 210g/km.

The 3.6-litre Holden V6s are also leaner and cleaner, dropping from 9.8L/100km to 9.5L/100 km in auto form, while CO2 figures are lowered from 234g/km to 228g/km, also in auto form.

By comparison, and showing how close the locally-made large cars actually are, Ford's 4.0-litre six-cylinder XT Falcon delivers 9.9L/100km and produces 236g/km of CO2, while Toyota's 3.6-litre Aurion V6 returns 9.9L/100km and outputs 233g/km of CO2.

Holden's Commodore V6 improvements essentially come from a friction-reduced auto transmission (the 3.0-litre also gets a revised torque converter) and more efficient air-conditioning.

The company says Commodore's fuel efficiency and emissions have been steadily improved since the VE model's launch in 2006 through the introduction of technology including Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI), calibration improvements and "other weight saving and aero enhancements."

Also, the 3.6-litre V6 engine now becomes E85 bio-ethanol (85 per cent ethanol, 15 per cent petrol) compatible - although broad availability is an issue with E85 only available from "selected" Caltex service stations on the eastern seaboard.

Holden is also to announce a "new range of dedicated LPG models" early in 2012.

V8 Commodore fans will be glad to know that SS v Redline Edition sedan, Sportwagon and Ute variants gain an upgraded "track-inspired FE3 super sports suspension" as standard, along with 19-inch alloy wheels and Holden red-painted Brembo front and rear disc brake callipers.

Other 2012 Commodore model year improvements include new 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome-highlighted lower outboard fascia vents for Omega models, new chrome highlighted fog lamp surrounds on Berlinas and a new lip spoiler for Calais V-Series sedans.

The Australian-built Cruze sedan (and upcoming hatch) are also in line for a 2012 update, the most significant being the adoption of standard Bluetooth connectivity across the range, as well as a number of as-yet unspecified improvements.

What we do know is that Cruze prices will be ramped up slightly to cover the improvements, but not substantially. Recommended retail prices (excluding delivery and government charges) of CD and CDX models will jump by $250, while SRi and SRi-V models will go up by $500.

2012 Cruze models, and Commodores, will also bring two new shades to the colour palette: "Perfect Blue" (first image) commemorating racing driver legend Peter "Perfect" Brock who died five years ago, and Chlorophyll (second image), a "Sophisticated teal chromatic bright."

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