Holden launches special edition Commodore

Stung by the sliding sales of its Commodore range, Holden has hit back with a new special edition pack aimed at luring buyers back to the former family favourite.

Sales of Commodore so far this year are down 27 per cent compared to 2011, despite the overall new vehicle market being up by just under 10 per cent.

The Commodore has held its ground better than cross-town rival the Ford Falcon in the face of cooling consumer sentiment towards the once-dominant large car segment, but the big Holden needs a shot in the arm if it’s to again claim the title of Australia’s favourite car.

Holden’s marketing boffins reckon they have a remedy to hand in the form of more features and better value via a new special edition Z-Series range. Available on so-called ‘comfort’ and sports models across all VE body styles (sedan, wagon and ute) the Z-Series special edition brings a range of extra fruit designed to enhance the Adelaide-built Holden’s showroom appeal.

Starting with the ‘comfort’ sedan and wagon, the Z-Series upgrades include 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps with chrome surrounds, rear park assist, rear view camera, leather appointed seats and steering wheel, Z-Series carpet mats, chrome highlighted instruments, plus a lip spoiler for the sedan and a cargo blind for the wagon.

Exterior embellishments designed to ensure the neighbours know you’ve got the Z include black bezel headlamps, chrome door frame openings on the sedan and Z-Series badges.

At the sportier end of the range the SV6 and SS sedan and Sportwagon cop similar treatment to the comfort models but now boast bigger 19-inch alloys (LPG SV6 sticks with 18s), and leather-bolstered seats.

The SV6 and SS ute likewise get 19-inch alloy wheels (LPG SV6 excluded), leather bolstered seats and Z-Series mats and badges. Further up the food chain, the SSV Z-Series sedan, wagon and ute get the same mats and carpets treatment, plus the handy handling hardware of 19-inch forged alloys, Brembo front brakes and FE3 sports suspension. For sun lovers, the sedan also gets a sunroof.

Recommended pricing for the new Z-Series range kicks off at $37,990 for a base-sec sedan, rising across 24 increments to the SSV Z-Series Sportwagon auto at $59,290.

Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth, described the new range as one of Holden’s best ever special editions.

“Never before have we put together such an exciting range that not only looks fantastic but is so feature-packed, making it outstanding value.”

The company has also introduced a new colour to the VE and long-wheelbase WM range. Dubbed ‘Alchemy’ the new deep purple hue is reportedly inspired by the Holden Efijy showcar.

Full Z-Series pricing details:

Comfort Range:     
• Commodore Z-Series Sedan (petrol) $37,990
• Commodore Z-Series Sedan (LPG) $40,490
• Commodore Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) $39,990
• Commodore Z-Series Sportwagon (LPG) $42,490

Sports Range:     
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sedan (petrol) Man / Auto $42,790 / $43,790
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sedan (LPG) Auto$46,290
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Auto $45,790
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Sportwagon (LPG) Auto $48,290
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Utility (petrol) Man / Auto $38,490 / $39,490
• Commodore SV6 Z-Series Utility (LPG) Auto $41,990
• Commodore SS Z-Series Sedan (petrol) Man / Auto $47,790 / $49,790
• Commodore SS Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Man / Auto $49,790 / $51,790
• Commodore SS Z-Series Utility (petrol) Man / Auto $42,490 / $44,490
• Commodore SSV Z-Series Sedan (petrol) Man / Auto $55,290 / $57,290
• Commodore SSV Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Man / Auto $57,290 / $59,290
• Commodore SSV Z-Series Utility (petrol) Man / Auto $47,490 / $49,490