Holden Commodore prices to rise

Australia's biggest selling car, the Holden Commodore, is poised for a price increase when the updated range goes on sale next week.

Holden dealers have been advised that the price of the Commodore Omega and Berlina -- two of the most affordable models in the sedan range -- will rise by $700.

This brings the starting price of the updated Commodore sedan range to $39,990 plus dealer and registration charges. Currently, the Omega is being advertised for $31,990 drive-away.

However, and perhaps of more significance, the hidden bonuses that Holden has been offering to dealers on each car also will decrease.

Reducing the amount of room each dealer has to haggle means that the transaction prices -- the prices people actually pay, as opposed to the advertised price, will likely increase.

The big news in the MY10 (model year 2010) VE Commodore range is under the bonnet.

Customers will have a choice of 3.0-litre or 3.6-litre V6 engines, depending on the model.

The direct injection engines are said to improve performance while at the same time reducing fuel consumption.

But there are some other tweaks to go with the new model, which from the outside will look like the current car that's been on sale for three years except for the small 'SIDI' badge (Spark Ignition Direct Injection).

All models -- sedans, wagons and utes -- will get convenience features such as auto-up power windows, while the Ute range will finally gain side and curtain airbags.

In the ute category, this will give Holden the upper hand compared with the Ford Falcon ute; the Falcon ute is available with side airbags and stability control but they are not standard on every model.

This important safety update means the Commodore Ute will likely earn five stars in Australasian NCAP crash tests.

Meanwhile, Holden is culling some models from its range. It is expected to drop the Omega manual ute, making it an auto-only proposition.

The previous Omega ute came with the high output V6 and six-speed manual transmission (the auto had the low-output V6), but it seems Holden didn't want to develop a manual version of the 3.0-litre V6 that will power the MY10 VE Omega.

Other MY10 changes include a new Holden-approved hard tonneau, with twin humps and a flatter design, and a new chin spoiler for the front bumper.

The full MY10 information will be released publicly by Holden next week and the Carsales Network will report the first drive of the upgraded range.

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