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Better-than-ever vehicle dynamics and added features.
Holden introduces the Series II VX Commodore, Calais, WH Statesman, Caprice and VU Ute. The Series II
sedan and wagon models introduce a range of refinements - particularly in the area of ride and handling -
that will strengthen their popular appeal and confirm Holden's leadership in vehicle dynamics.
John Elsworth, Holden Marketing Manager, Large Cars, said while Commodore sales continued at record-breaking
levels, maintaining a competitive edge was as important as ever.
"If we want to retain Commodore's market leadership then we have to keep delivering a class-leading product.
In this case, our challenge was to improve on the qualities that have made this Commodore the most popular
in the history of the nameplate and to further refine our long wheelbase models - without altering the
blueprint," he said.
"The Series II models introduce several advances, the most significant being a new rear suspension design
that provides even greater driving control and ride comfort. Holden has always set the benchmark for
'driver's car' chassis dynamics - and now those ride and handling attributes are better and more
confidence-inspiring than ever," John Elsworth said.
"Holden is leading the way with the inclusion of Holden Assist as standard on Caprice and optional on
Statesman and Calais. The application of this advanced on-board communications technology to series
production models is a first for an Australian manufacturer. It's an innovative step forward which
delivers our customers an unprecedented level of service and support," John Elsworth concluded.
The new rear suspension on Series II sedans and wagons - known as Control-Link independent rear
suspension (IRS) - has been designed by Holden engineers to combine all the traction qualities of a
supple independent rear suspension system with even greater stability, handling precision and control.
Control-Link IRS features extra link arms which assist in keeping the car precisely on track over bumps and
during strong acceleration, deceleration or braking. Its benefits are particularly noticeable in
challenging cornering situations. By improving rear grip and keeping the vehicle on a tighter line,
Control-Link IRS assists drivers to negotiate corners and bends more confidently.
Suspension packages across the Series II Commodore, Calais, Statesman and Caprice model range have been
totally re-tuned to complement the rear suspension changes, further enhancing stability and ride comfort.
Revised steel belt tyre construction also contributes to a sharper and more accurate steering feel.
Styling
Series II models feature subtle styling changes and interior refinements. Commodore SS and SS Ute introduce
the option of striking coloured leather interior trims, specifically designed to complement exteriors
finished in Red Hot and the brilliant new Hyper yellow. The Commodore SS customised colour theme extends
to instrument clusters, metallised console fascias and seat trims.
Calais buyers may also choose new colour-keyed leather trim - in Cobalt, Light Shale and Dark Red - to
harmonise with and complement exterior colours. The Calais centre console and instrument fascia are
finished in metallic silver.
Stylish black leather trim also joins the option list for Commodore S, SS, Calais and Ute SS.
Commodore Executive and Acclaim feature new micro-check patterned trim on the head restraints and seat
bolsters. With the introduction of the Series II model range, grey-toned interiors are now finished in
the darker shade of Anthracite.
Berlina and Calais feature distinctive new grille inserts with diagonal crosshatching and new
rear badges; Calais headlamps are outlined with sporty black bezels; Commodore Executive
and Acclaim have revised grille treatments and new wheel covers.
Statesman and Caprice feature jewelled headlamps with complex reflectors and clear polycarbonate lens,
new multi-spoke alloy wheels, wider chrome window surrounds and new rear badging. A bold, rectangular
grille texture sets the Series II Statesman further apart.
Caprice interior refinements include colour co-ordinated, leather wrapped steering wheels with woodgrain
inserts. Statesman seat trim fabrics, in soft geometric patterned plush pile velour, are all-new.
Features
Holden underlines its commitment to technological leadership and to satisfying customer needs with the
introduction of the Holden Assist in-car communications system as standard fitment on Caprice and as an
option offered to Statesman and Calais buyers.
Combining mobile phone and global positioning system technology, the system puts drivers in direct phone
contact with the Holden Assist Centre, which is manned 24 hours a day and offers a range of support
services. The Holden Assist system can also remotely unlock doors on command, diagnose low battery
voltage, detect unauthorised entry, track and immobilise the vehicle if stolen and automatically notify
authorities of an airbag deployment.
For added security, Commodore Executive, Acclaim, S and SS, Ute S and SS models are now fitted with an
alarm system, operated via remote control Power Key, which sounds the vehicle's horn when triggered.
All Series II models are equipped with new stalk controls for indicator, wiper and cruise control
functions. The cruise control is operated using a more intuitive twist switch mechanism instead of the
previous button system.
Berlina sedans and wagons now offer the convenience of twilight sentinel which
automatically turns headlamp controls on and off.
Anti-lock braking (ABS) is now available on the entry level Holden Ute, while traction control becomes
standard on Commodore S.
New Range Colours
The Series II model range includes five new exterior paint colours:
Hyper Yellow - vibrant chromatic metallic yellow
(Available on Commodore Executive, Acclaim, S and SS, Holden Utes)
Delft - lively cobalt blue metallic
(Available on Commodore Executive, Acclaim, Berlina and Calais, Holden Utes)
Vespers - dark, brilliant classic blue metallic
(Available on Commodore Executive, Acclaim, Berlina, Calais, Statesman and Caprice)
Botticelli - translucent aqua blue metallic
(Available on Commodore Executive, Acclaim, Berlina and Calais)
Laurel - mid-tone forest green metallic
(Available on Commodore Executive, Acclaim, Berlina, Calais, Statesman and Caprice)
Recommended Retail Pricing
| VX Commodore and Calais Series II |
| |
| Executive |
| Executive sedan V6 manual |
$29,960 |
| Executive sedan V6 automatic |
$30,700 |
| Executive wagon V6 automatic |
$32,570 |
| Executive sedan V8 manual |
$35,160 |
| Executive sedan V8 automatic |
$35,160 |
| |
| Acclaim |
| Acclaim sedan V6 automatic |
$36,390 |
| Acclaim wagon V6 automatic |
$38,250 |
| |
| S |
| S sedan V6 manual |
$35,950 |
| S sedan V6 automatic |
$36,690 |
| S sedan Supercharged V6 auto |
$38,240 |
| |
| SS |
| SS sedan V8 manual |
$47,370 |
| SS sedan V8 automatic |
$47,370 |
| |
| Berlina |
| Berlina sedan V6 automatic |
$39,630 |
| Berlina wagon V6 automatic |
$42,430 |
| Berlina sedan V8 automatic |
$44,090 |
| Berlina wagon V8 automatic |
$46,890 |
| |
| Calais |
| Calais V6 automatic |
$47,780 |
| Calais V6 Supercharged automatic |
$48,810 |
| Calais V8 automatic |
$52,240 |
| |
| WH Statesman and Caprice Series II |
| |
| Statesman V6 automatic |
$51,200 |
| Statesman V6 Supercharged automatic |
$52,230 |
| Statesman V8 automatic |
$55,660 |
| Caprice V6 automatic |
$66,050 |
| Caprice V8 automatic |
$70,510 |
| |
| VU Holden Ute Series II |
| |
| Ute |
| V6 manual |
$23,950 |
| V6 automatic |
$24,690 |
| |
| S Ute |
| V6 manual |
$28,270 |
| V6 automatic |
$29,010 |
| V8 manual |
$33,120 |
| V8 automatic |
$33,120 |
| |
| SS Ute |
| V8 manual |
$37,600 |
| V8 automatic |
$37,600 |
| |
| Options * |
| |
Leather trim in Cobalt Blue; Dark Red;
Anthracite/Pewter; Light Shale |
$1,920 (Calais) |
Leather trim in Anthracite; Red or
Yellow, side airbags |
$2,430 (Commodore SS) |
| Leather trim in Anthracite; Red; Yellow |
$990 (SS Ute) |
| Passenger & side airbags, Anthracite leather trim |
$2,910 (Commodore S) |
| Holden Assist |
$1,990 (Statesman, Calais) |
| |
| *Options listed are those that differ over VX/VU/WH pricing |
| Note: Limited Slip Differential is now a mandatory fitment on V8 models. |
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