Holden throws down the LPG fuel gauntlet

A similar, less sophisticated dual-fuel system was offered on the VX Commodore back in 2000, but this is the first system offered on the newer 3.6lt "Alloytech" V6 engine.

Based on the Commodore Executive, it's said to offer the same power and torque - and, importantly, driveability — as the non-LPG engine.

Holden says LPG fuel economy is 14.4 litres/100km for the sedan and 14.8 L/100km for the wagon version. Petrol fuel economy figures are said to be unchanged over the regular unleaded Commodore, at 11.1 litres/100km (sedan) and 11.3 litres/100km (wagon). So there's a worthwhile fuel economy benefit and, of course, LPG is considerably cheaper than standard unleaded at the pump.

Modifications to the standard petrol 3.6lt V6 - involving what Holden's dubbed Sequential Vapour Gas Injection (SVGI) - mean it uses petrol on start-up then, if selected by the driver to do so, automatically switches to LPG when the engine warms up.

Both petrol and LPG filler necks are situated under a single fuel filler flap.

Holden says to system is easy to service and maintain. On top of Holden's standard maintenance schedule, the dual-fuel system requires an LPG-system service every 15,000kms, which involves changing two filters and a leak check.

GM Holden National Fleet Manager Simon Carr said the appeal of LPG-powered vehicles is increasing due to LPG's compliance with all current and future emissions regulations, and the comparatively low cost of LPG.

"There's more and more interest in LPG vehicles due to the increased cost of petrol," he said.

The dual-fuel VZ Commodore Executive is priced at $37,550 for the sedan and $40,660 for the wagon. The petrol-only VZ Executive if $35,410, while the wagon is $37,350.

Production of the LPG-powered Commodore begins in October, but GM Holden dealers are already taking orders for the car.