VE Commodore: How much?

Holden has announced pricing for its new VE and WM ranges. And while the final verdict will have to wait for detailed model-by-model analysis, at first glance the big news is steady pricing at entry level and several significant price reductions up the range as well as the announcement of a price-leading early ‘limited edition’ addition to the seven car VE range.

The pricing was released this afternoon following the dealer launch of the new range on the Gold Coast. It sees the entry-level ESP and aircon-equipped Commodore Omega enter the market at $36,490 including air conditioning -- an increase of $250 over its predecessor, the Commodore Executive.

Holden also lists a fleet-focussed Omega without aircon at $34,490 -- $500 over the poverty-pack air-less Executive. The pricing also confirms that full-size spare wheels are optional across the VE Commodore line-up.

Further up the range Holden has dropped prices on the new SS and Calais models, which are priced $6800 and $8400 less respectively than their VZ equivalents.

The new Berlina is also cheaper, at nearly $4000 less than the outgoing model and both Caprice V6 and V8 will be offered in September for around $5000 less than the WL versions.

Holden says the price-cut for its performance SS and luxury-entry Calais will allow room for differentiation with the new, special edition V-Series variants.

"Each car has a stand-alone position in the market, a unique set of features over the model below and logical price gaps around its position," said Holden's Executive Director of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Alan Batey.

Batey also confirmed that Holden will launch a special price-leading Commodore V-Series model from September “to celebrate the release of the fourth generation Commodore family.”

Based on the Omega but available to private buyers only, the Commodore V-Series will hit the market at $34,990 and include air conditioning, 17-inch alloys, rear spoiler and body-color mirrors and door handles. Priced at $1500 less than the standard Omega it will be on sale for “the rest of the year” according to Batey.

PRICING IN MORE DETAIL
As noted above, V-Series special edition aside, Omega kicks off the range at $36,490 with air and ESP. A Side Protection Pack with side and curtain airbags and active front head restraints is also available as an option on Omega priced at $2000. A full-size spare will cost you another $100. Other options listed include Bluetooth preparation ($390) and a six-disc stacker at $595.

Berlina starts at $39,990 with the V6 or $44,990 for the 6.0-litre V8 with six-speed auto, and gets 17-inch alloy wheels, multi-function display screen, side impact airbags (curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats at $2500), rear park assist, bluetooth connectivity, MP3-compatible six-disc in-dash CD player, leather wrap steering wheel and dual-zone climate control.

In comparison the VZ Berlina was priced from $43,890 and $48,590 for the V6 and V8 models respectively.

Holden's sports-oriented Commodores start with the SV6, equipped with the 3.6-litre V6 (rated at 195kW/340Nm) and six-speed manual for $39,990. Optional five-speed automatic with Active Select will cost you another $1000 and both versions get 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags (curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats – see Berlina above), sports suspension, sports fascia, body kit and rear spoiler, front fog lamps, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, dual exhaust with chrome tips, leather wrap steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity and power windows.

Next in the ring, the 6.0-litre V8 270kW/530Nm six-speed manual SS is priced at $44,990 – a saving, says Holden, of $6800 over the equivalent VZ. The optional six-speed auto will cost you $2000 more and standard SS features include quad exhaust, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-stage front airbags, side impact airbags (curtain airbags optional with leather trim seats – see Berlina above), sports suspension, sports body kit, sports seats, MP3-compatible six-disc in-dash CD player and leather wrap steering wheel.

The 'V'-treated SS V model starts at $51,990 ($200 more than the old SS) with six-speed manual and has all SS features plus projector headlamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, multi-function display, curtain airbags, dual-zone climate control, 230-watt audio system with sub-woofer, colour-coded instrument cluster, sports gauges, sports profile leather wrap steering wheel, leather seat trim and alloy pedals. Auto will cost you $2000 more.

Luxury-level Calais is more affordable starting at $45,490 for the 195kW V6 and five-speed automatic or $50,490 with V8 and six-speed auto. Standard spec features build on the Berlina spec plus sport suspension, projector headlamps, chrome bonnet header, dual exhaust (quad on V6) with chrome tips, curtain air bags, six-way power driver's seat and passenger seat with leather bolsters, full color multi-function display, leather grip on gear shift and rear seat centre armrest.

Calais V, for $53,490 with V6 or $58,490 with V8, has all Calais features plus zoned front and rear park assist, rain sensing wipers, external mirror puddle lamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seat trim, single screen roof-mounted DVD, 230-watt audio system with sub-woofer, priority seat and mirror memory, eight-way power front seats and sliding centre armrest.

For more details on the long-wheelbase WM models check out CarPoint’s separate story here soon.

WM pricing
Statesman V6 $58,990
Statesman V8 $62,990
Caprice V6 $65,990
Caprice V8 $69,990