John Oxley went to Holden’s high-speed proving ground at Lang Lang, outside Melbourne, to drive the new Commodore VF – and came away convinced there’s still lots of life left in the big rear-wheel-drive car.

Driving at 200km/h on Holden’s banked circuit at the Lang Lang proving grounds, and carrying on a conversation at normal voice levels, is enough to convince even the biggest sceptic that the new Commodore VF is a world-class vehicle. Solid feel, crisp handling, lots of technology, good economy, and good performance reinforce the feeling.
Holden is targeting some of the top European brands in its quest for global sales of the Commodore, and its Chevrolet stablemates, and four years of design and development have resulted in what is arguably Holden’s best product to date.
Steve Hansen, Holden’s Commodore programme engineering manager, said planning for the new model started in 2009. “We had just finished engineering the Camaro (a US-built sports car), and so we learned a lot of what it takes to be truly global,” he said.
Issues tackled were better economy, especially via reduced mass – the VF has some aluminium parts, and an aluminium bonnet, cutting out 43kg even after the technology and NVH improvements – as well as better aerodynamics, better value by increasing the levels of technology, better driveability (some of this due to the reduced weight), and reduced noise, with better sound-proofing in key areas. The redesigned bonnet has also resulted in better pedestrian protection.
The use of General Motors’ global electrical architecture has enabled the inclusion of advanced technologies such as, on top models, heads-up display, front collision alert,  reverse traffic alert (which allows you to see what’s happening beyond your normal field of view, such as when reversing out of a parking spot), and side blind zone alert.
Also included is an auto-rise feature for the boot, which isn’t just unlocked electrically, but opens wide so you can put luggage inside without having to put it down.
At the same time prices have been slashed – despite the fact that even the entry-level car has more features than the outgoing VE Omega – while the lineup has been simplified, and the entry model renamed Evoke, with a specification between the previous Omega and the Berlina, and replacing both models. The Evoke comes in at the same price as the outgoing Omega, at $49,990, including the extra features.
The sedan lineup has been simplified, and there are now just seven models: Evoke, SV-6, Calais, Calais V, SS and SS-V Redline, and Caprice. The engine lineup is as before, ranging from 3-litre V6 (185kW/290Nm, 8.3L/100km), through 3.6-litre V6 (210kW/350Nm), and up to the stomping 6-litre V8 (270kW/530Nm). Sportwagon and ute models are also included, while manual transmission is only available on special order.
How new is the VF? “Pretty much everything you see on the outside of the vehicle is all-new,” says Steve Hansen. “Some of them are small differences, with the roof the only carryover. We have changed 90 percent of the components on the car (excluding the engines).
The Commodore’s interior, long criticised by motoring journalists, including the Company Vehicle team, has come in for huge change, and now stands up to close scrutiny, while engineering changes have made it easier to assemble and less prone to rattles and engine and outside noise.
Parking a big car is never easy, but all models, from the Evoke up, now get Auto Park Assist for parallel and right angle parking, as well as front and rear parking sensors and a rear view camera. You just push a button on the centre console and drive along a row of parked cars until the car senses a space the Commodore will fit into. Then you take your hands off the steering wheel and let it do the work for you. All you have to do is brake when it tells you too, and shift from Drive to Reverse as prompted by the car. Easy-peasy!
Holden admits the company has included latest technology in a bid to tempt buyers away from high-spec European cars, and so all models also get enhanced voice recognition, an eight-inch, high-resolution colour touch screen with Holden’s MyLink app-embedded technology including Siri Eyes Free integration (with Apple products only), full iPod integration, and built-in apps such as Pandora and Stitcher SmartRadio (although these rely on data via your cellphone).
Other range-wide features include an electric park brake with automatic release – getting rid of the hideous handbrake of VE models – as well as Hill Hold Control and Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and remote vehicle start (automatic transmission only), the latter allowing you to start your car on a cold day to warm-up without having to go out into the cold!
Building on Evoke specifications, SV6 and SS gain Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert technologies in addition to their bold front and rear sports styling, side skirts, lip spoiler (sedan) and chrome exhaust tip. A wing spoiler is now available as a factory-fitted option on sports models.
The SS V has new 19 inch alloys, leather appointed seats, satellite navigation, multi-function driver information display, and sensor key technology with push button start.
The SS V Redline adds Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and Head-up Display on all body styles as well as the Bose audio system and sunroof on sedan models. It also gets Brembo brakes, forged 19 inch alloys and an updated sports-tuned FE3 suspension package. It also has wider rear wheels for extra traction and includes a competition mode setting with launch control and track settings.
Features on the Calais include Blind Spot Alert and Reverse Traffic Alert, sensor key and push button start technology, in addition to front and rear premium design features and chrome accents.
The Calais V gets Forward Collision Alert, Lane Departure Warning and a colour Head-up Display.
It also adds heated front seats, electric eight-way adjustable driver seat, and satellite navigation, with full colour mapping with live traffic updates and traffic management control, plus a Bose premium audio system, and sunroof.
Prices
Sedan
3.0 Evoke V6 auto $49,990
3.6 SV6 V6 auto $55,490
6.0 SS V8 auto $61,490
6.0 SS-V V8 auto $71,590
6.0 SS-V Redline V8 auto $74,490
3.6 Calais V6 auto $58,790
3.6 Calais-V V6 auto $66,790
6.0 Calais-V V8 auto $72,390
6.0L Caprice-V V8 auto $85,490

Sportwagon
3.0 Evoke V6 auto $52,390
3.6 SV6 V6 auto $57,890
6.0 SS-V V8 auto $74,290
6.0 SS-V Redline V8 auto $77,190
3.6 Calais-V V6 auto $68,990
6.0 Calais-V V8 auto $74,690

* See price lists p63 for LPG models