Holden Cruze CD Sportwagon 2013 – Road Test

March 18th, 2013 by darren

holden-cruze-sportwagon-fq

The Cruze Sportwagon has the Holden corporate nose, but it’s nowhere near as aggressive as a Commodore. Its 16-inch steel wheels and hubcaps, and safe styling make it blend in to the crowd; the perfect fleet car. From the front and side it looks quite sleek; from the back it looks a little dull.

holden-cruze-sportwagon-sHowever, I prefer its look over the Toyota Corolla wagon which has a weird confluence of lines between the lights, front bumper and wheel arches that occasionally makes it look like Read the rest of this entry »

Holden Commodore SV6 Sportwagon Z Series 2013 – Road Test

February 13th, 2013 by darren

This is a car which is having its lunch partly eaten by SUVs and not really for any good reason. Recently Holden and Ford announced they would be phasing out their most popular large passengers cars in 2016: the Commodore and Falcon will be retired (at least in the form we know them).

Having spent a fairly enjoyable week with the Commodore, it irks me that one of the main reasons that it’s not selling so well any more is that Read the rest of this entry »

Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore: it’s the end of the road

January 29th, 2013 by darren

Even legends have to go. Such is the lessons we have learned this January from the rapidly changing Australian market. Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore, two of the country’s favourite cars, are both preparing to go out of production before the end of 2016.

Commodore’s 2016 final stop was announced at the Detroit Motor Show by Holden’s Chairman, Mike Devereux, while Ford’s plans to cut down the Falcon’s production on the same year, as well as the possibility to Read the rest of this entry »

Holden Volt 2012 – Road Test

January 29th, 2013 by Car and SUV

Here is the bridge to the full EV (electric vehicle). It’s a sensible option that gives you up to 80km of highway cruising using fully electric motoring, but with a petrol engine that will back you up another 450-500km if you need the extended range.

200kg of batteries provides the motive urge: 114kW comes from two electric motors, one of which charges the batteries when you’re decelerating.

At the best part of 1800kg I expected the Volt to handle Read the rest of this entry »

Holden Barina Hatch CDX 1.6 2012 – Road Test

January 10th, 2013 by Car and SUV

It doesn’t seem that long ago since we sampled the Barina (in CD trim), but it was a whole year. I remember thinking that Holden had dramatically improved the looks over the previous model, and my opinion is still the same. The Barina is a well-crafted supermini with some interesting detailing and a strong forward stance.

In terms of looks, it’s pretty much the same. Imagine yourself an hour older and that’s how much the Barina has changed on the outside. On the inside, it’s a different story, and it’s mostly down to the inclusion of Holden’s MyLink media system.

Showing just how far vehicle manufacturers want to Read the rest of this entry »

Holden Colorado LTZ Crew Cab 2012 – Road Test

September 28th, 2012 by Car and SUV

The top of the range 2WD Holden Colorado is the LTZ, designed to appeal to urban tradespeople, those that need to tow large loads like race cars and boats, and those that won’t need the off-road capability of four-wheel drive.

The 2WD models are available in single cab or crew cab (4 doors); 4WD models have the option of a ‘space cab’ which is a 2-door, but with rear seats. Space cab gives an extra 300mm of tray space over the crew cab option.

Its urban leanings are confirmed with the additional kit you get over the more agricultural focused 4WD models, or the base model LX (which can be had for as little as $44,400). You’ll be up for $49,900 RRP and for that the additional exterior features include fog lamps, LED tail lamps, projector headlamps a sports bar in the tray and side steps.

The tray comes with a soft tonneau cover which Read the rest of this entry »

Holden Releases Special Edition Z-Series Range

September 5th, 2012 by Karen Joy Provo

Holden has announced details of a Special Edition “Z-Series” range that combines luxury and sport features with exceptional value for money.

The exciting “Z-Series” range is available on comfort and sports models across all VE body styles and is packed full of features, value and excitement.

Holden New Zealand Managing Director, Jeff Murray, is confident that the new Z-Series range is one of the best special editions offered by Holden.

“Z-Series is a range we think that Kiwi’s will be drawn to not only because of the feature packed options available but the Z-Series also looks great and shows Holden’s ongoing commitment to bring top quality cars to the market,” Murray said.

“There’s something in the Z-Series range for everyone whether you are looking for real sports performance, more comfort and luxury or just one of the best large car options in the market the Z-Series offers great value.

“For customers still in the market for a large family Sportwagon or a luxurious large car for home or business the Z-Series really does tick all the boxes.”
Vehicle line-up and specification are detailed below.

Commodore Z-Series (sedan and Sportwagon):

  • 18 inch alloy wheels – 4 (current Caprice wheel)
  • Front fog lamps with chrome surrounds on front fog lamps
  • Rear park assist
  • Rear view camera
  • Leather appointed seats
  • Leather wrap steering wheel
  • Chrome highlights in instrument cluster
  • Black bezel headlamps
  • ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
  • Lip spoiler (sedan only)
  • Cargo blind (wagon only)
  • Chrome door frame opening (sedan only)
  • ‘Z-Series’ and ‘Commodore’ badges

SV6 (sedan / Sportwagon) and SS Z-Series (sedan):

  • 19 inch alloy wheels – 4 (LPG SV6 variants maintains current 18 inch alloy wheels-4)
  • Rear view camera
  • Rear park assist
  • Leather bolstered seats
  • ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
  • ‘Z-Series’ badges
  • Chrome door frame opening (sedan only)

SV6 and SS Z-Series (Ute):

  • 19 inch alloy wheels – 4 (LPG SV6 variants maintains current 18 inch alloy wheels-4)
  • Leather bolstered seats
  • ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
  • ‘Z-Series’ badges

SSV Z-Series (sedan, Sportwagon and Ute):

  • 19 inch forged alloy wheels – 4 (from Redline)
  • Front Brembo brakes
  • FE3 sports suspension
  • Sunroof (sedan only)
  • ‘Z-Series’ carpet mats
  • ‘Z-Series’ badges

Z-Series Pricing
The recommended retail price of the ‘Z-Series’ range will be:

Comfort Range:

  • Commodore Z-Series 3.0L V6 Sedan (petrol) Auto $49,990
  • Commodore Z-Series 3.6L V6 sedan (LPG) Auto* $53,490
  • Commodore Z-Series 3.0L V6 Sportwagon (petrol) Auto $52,390
  • Commodore Z-Series 3.6L V6 Sportwagon (LPG) Auto* $55,890

Sports Range:

  • Commodore 3.6L SV6 Z-Series Sedan (petrol) Auto $55,490
  • Commodore 3.6L SV6 Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Auto $57,890
  • Commodore 3.6L SV6 Z-Series Sedan (LPG) Auto* $58,990
  • Commodore 3.6L SV6 Z-Series Sportwagon (LPG) Auto* $61,390
  • Commodore 3.6L SV6 Z-Series Utility (petrol) Auto $49,000
  • Commodore 6.0L SS V8 Z-Series Utility (petrol) Auto $55,400
  • Commodore 6.0L SSV V8 Z-Series Sedan Auto $71,590
  • Commodore 6.0L SSV V8 Z-Series Sportwagon (petrol) Auto $74,290
  • Commodore 6.0L SSV V8 Z-Series Utility (petrol) Man / Auto $60,100

*Dealer/customer order only

Coinciding with the new packs, Holden will introduce a new colour to the VE and WM range. Inspired by the Holden Efijy show car, Alchemy is a new luxurious deep purple hue that will give Commodore stand-out style on the road. This colour replaces Mirage Glow.

Holden Cruze Recalled

June 28th, 2012 by Karen Joy Provo

In response to General Motors recall of certain Chevrolet Cruze models in North America, Holden New Zealand has announced it will initiate a precautionary vehicle safety recall on Australian-built MY12 and MY13 Cruze models fitted with a 1.4 litre petrol engine.

A condition has been identified where, in some instances, the lower air deflector also known as the belly pan, can catch oil that might drip from the engine if an oil change is not done properly. If oil makes contact with hot engine parts such as the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, a thermal could occur.

There are no reported cases of engine compartment fires in New Zealand related to this condition.

General Manager Sales & Aftersales, Terry McEwan, said safety was Holden’s number one priority and it was initiating the recall as a precautionary measure.

“We take pride in Holden’s high standards and servicing procedures which we believe significantly reduce the risk of improper oil changes and eliminate the risk of a thermal incident,” Mr McEwan said.

“When it comes to initiating safety recalls and campaigns we will always err on the side of caution especially when it comes to customer wellbeing and safety.

“There have been no reported incidents in New Zealand however, we will take action to assure our customers their vehicles are safe.”

The recall affects approximately 629 Cruze vehicles in New Zealand.

Holden is contacting potentially impacted customers directly to arrange a free-of-charge rework which involves the modification of the lower air deflector under the engine. This will take approximately 40 minutes to complete.

If a customer has any questions regarding this safety related recall campaign, they can contact their Holden Dealer.

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