It also received a subtly tweaked nose, with a new bonnet pressing an unusual and expensive exercise for a facelift headlights and front bumper. The changes were designed to prepare us for the VE, and so the grille opening shared similar proportions to the VE if you see them side by side. An all-new five-speed automatic transmission was fitted to the high grade and sports V6 models while the old four-speed auto came in for yet another software update.
The VZ also saw the introduction of stability control on the Acclaim and Calais V6 models only not the Executive, Berlina, SV6 or V8 models, they would have to wait until VE , which also came with seat-mounted side airbags in the front seats.
Generally speaking, the VZ should have been the highlight of that generation of Commodores. However, this era Commodore was the most recalled model of all time, with 20 official recalls in nine years and countless other internal recalls, or dealer service bulletins, of which the public was not notified. Holden announced the 20th recall for Commodore in March More than , VZ era Commodores, Monaros and Statesmans were recalled after Holden discovered the seat-mounted side airbags in 13 customer cars activated "under circumstances which did not warrant inflation".
Holden suspected the problem was caused by a static electricity charge, "which stimulates the airbag inflator if an earthing wire under the seat has come loose". Holden dealers were to fit a tiny spring under each front seat to rectify the problem.
The Holden recall involved 89, vehicles in Australia and 34, export vehicles built between April and December The Ford Falcon had been recalled eight times in the same period; the Mitsubishi Magna, recalled three times; and the Toyota Camry and Avalon, twice. In , Holden recalled , Commodores to replace faulty power steering hoses. The recalls prompted the media to question if Holden was building too many cars too quickly.
Driver and passenger air bags are standard. A driver's seat belt reminder and auto headlights are fitted. Security consists of an alarm and engine immobiliser with rolling codes. The SV6 scores 61 out of for security which is above average for its class. The kW Alloytec engine and lower kW output version will underpin the Commodore range for many years.
Both kilowatt outputs are based on the same engine. The Alloytec kW engine gains its additional power by utilising variable valve timing on both inlet and exhaust camshafts, [the kW version has variable cam timing on the inlet camshaft only], and using a variable flow intake manifold.
The kW engine has all the hallmarks to do the job. It's a much more refined unit than the previous Ecotec engine fitted in Commodores up to the VY series.
The new engine revs sweetly all the way to its maximum redline of 6, rpm. The older Ecotec engine maximum rpm was 5, rpm and was a pretty coarse unit past 4, rpm up to its maximum, so to see the tacho sail past the old engines redline up to 6, rpm will please the enthusiasts. The new six speed transmission is easy to operate, although doesn't have the finesse of some of the European six speeders going around.
Driving around town you won't need to use fifth and sixth gears, it's out on the freeway where the last two gears come into play. Sports suspension firms up the ride qualities over the base models. Although, it's never to the point that the ride becomes too harsh and passengers are generally pretty well insulated from most of the irregularities and pot holes on our roads.
All the VZ range has received improvements to the power steering and front suspension. Drivetrains aside, only a handful of interior components — under-dash HVAC parts, electric mirror switchgear and blinker stalks — carried over from the VS Commodore. The VB Commodore was a compromise; although Opel in origin, Aussie engineers worked to ensure the new Holden could survive in our country. The second-gen VN Commodore shared doors with Opel, but was wider and stronger than the European offering; more importantly, it put Holden in good stead for the all-Australian VT development.
When the third-gen VT Commodore was finally released, 19 years after the original hit the streets, it bagged the Wheels Car Of The Year award for and sparked a renaissance within Holden. For the next decade, Holden would dominate local motorshows with an array of dazzling concept cars, apply various bodystyles to the VT platform — including the new Monaro coupe and the return of the One Tonner — and introduce a robust export scheme. Peter Hanenberger MD oversaw one of the most exciting and dynamic periods in Holden's history.
Powered by a combination of Aussie and Detroit iron, it shared styling cues with its German cousin, but only the black plastic B-pillar garnish and four interior grab handles were interchangeable with the Opel.
HSV versions followed, as did exports and motorsport success. Sexy in shape and seductive in performance, for some it was the ultimate expression of the Commodore platform, repeating the history of its Kingswood-born ancestors.
Minor changes to the rear structure necessitated by US laws meant the fuel tank was moved from under the boot floor to behind the rear seat, robbing boot space. For the model, Holden fitted the 6. Over 40, Monaros found a home on the other side of the Pacific over the course of three years, a direct consequence of the success of the VT platform. The line proved so popular in both Australia and overseas that when the all-new VE Commodore was introduced in July , there was no delay in the long-wheelbase version; the new-gen WM was released alongside the Commodore, with development of a replacement wagon taking a back seat.
Blinkers went to white lenses across the range and some of the wheel covers were revised, but who cares? The big news was the new LS1 V8. The last pair of heads were screwed onto the final Holden in June , over 30 years and half-a-million units since its introduction.
Less weight from the new all-alloy V8 meant revisions to the front suspension, but best of all the 5. Email required. Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Written by : Julita. User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages.
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