 Holden has released upgraded versions of its consistently popular Statesman and Caprice models, which continue to set the standard for locally manufactured luxury vehicles.
The VS Series III Statesman and Caprice are distinguished by several subtle refinements, both exterior and interior, that should increase their appeal to luxury car buyers. The traditional strengths of these long-wheelbase models - a mix of engineering excellence, high feature levels and equally high performance - are retained in full measure.
In styling the Series III Statesman, Holden designers have given it a luxury sports flavour. The look is highlighted by elegant, multi-spoke 16" alloy wheels, fog lamps and slim bumper facia skirts, front and rear. The Holden lion emblem is relocated to the hood. The already distinctive Holden Caprice flagship now features front and rear bumper facia skirts. These enhancements are complemented by two attractive new paint colours: Tungsten and Amazon.
The well-appointed and spacious passenger compartments of the VS Series III Statesman and Caprice now feature richer, more deeply-coloured woodgrain finishes and a soft, two-tone grey colour combination on the instrument panel and other surfaces. In addition, the Statesman offers a luxurious new seat and door trim fabric in woven velour with subtle 'brushmark' patterning.
 Geoff Bennett, Marketing Manager, Large Cars, says the Series III vehicles will strengthen Holden's position as long-time leader of this luxury market segment.
"This model line has been a wonderfully successful performer for us from day one. The Statesman and Caprice maintain their strong appeal because we have retained the initiative - not only technologically, but in terms of driveability, comfort, safety and value. We're confident that the distinctive Series III range will continue to uphold the luxury leadership tradition," he said.
The Series III Statesman and Caprice offer buyers a range of performance choices. They include the 3.8 litre ECOTEC V6 engine, standard on Statesman, the world-class 3.8 litre Supercharged V6, a 168kW 5.0 litre V8, which is standard on Caprice, and an even more powerful 185kW 5.0 litre V8 engine option.
 Customer Care
VS Series III Statesman and Caprice owners receive the extra benefits of Holden Luxury Edge. The program comprises a 14 day/500 kilometre guaranteed vehicle exchange, 12 months/20,000 kilometre free factory scheduled maintenance service, a three year/100,000 kilometre warranty and three year, 24-hour Holden Roadside Service Ultra, which offers such extra benefits as accommodation, alternative transportation, rental car and Australia-wide vehicle recovery.
Colours
In addition to the two new colour choices of Tungsten (olive/grey) and Amazon (blue/green), Series III Statesman and Caprice colour choices include: Heron (solid white); Orion Frost (silver); Granada (warm mid red); Rubens (deep burgundy) and Raven (blue/black).
Pricing
There has been no increase in pricing for the Holden VS Series III Statesman and Caprice.
| Statesman ECOTEC V6 | | \$50,140 |
| Statesman Supercharged V6 | | \$52,560 |
| Statesman V8 | | \$53,700 |
| Caprice V8 | | \$67,970 |
| Caprice Supercharged V6 | | \$67,040 |
| Caprice ECOTEC V6 | | \$64,610 |
Options
| Automatic load levelling system (Statesman) | | \$ 610 |
| Power seats (Statesman) | | \$ 2,010 |
| Leather trim (Statesman) | | \$ 1,860 |
| Limited slip differential (Statesman) | | \$ 523 |
| Limited slip differential (Caprice) | | \$ 544 |
| 185kW V8 | | \$ 2,915 |
|
