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LPG Commodore And Caprice Variants Join Holden Line-up

Holden has revealed a new dedicated LPG system for its Commodore and Caprice models today, replacing the outgoing petrol-LPG option in the carmaker's line-up.

Facing off against Ford's Falcon EcoLPi, Holden's LPG package adds the same $

Mike Stevens

01:2721 February 2012

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LPG Commodore And Caprice Variants Join Holden Line-up

Holden has revealed a new dedicated LPG system for its Commodore and Caprice models today, replacing the outgoing petrol-LPG option in the carmaker's line-up.

Facing off against Ford's Falcon EcoLPi, Holden's LPG package adds the same $2500 premium to the purchase price of applicable models, with a government rebate cutting the end cost down to $500.

"With outstanding fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, cheaper fuel running costs than many small petrol cars and excellent driving characteristics, our customers will be able to enjoy the practicality and comfort of a large car without the large car fuel bills," Holden boss Mike Devereux said at the range's unveiling today.

“We are committed to taking a leadership position with alternative fuels to make sure Commodore remains the smart vehicle choice for Australian motorists."

Note: TMR's Tim O'Brien is at the launch of the LPG Commodore range today. Watch for his first-drive review.

The System

Available with models powered by Holden's 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine, the LPG Commodore system offers 180kW and 320Nm of torque - bettering the old dual-fuel model by 5kW and 2Nm, but falling short of the EcoLPi's 198kW and 409Nm.

The Holden package does offer better fuel consumption figures than its blue-oval rival however, returning 11.8 l/100km in Omega form - 0.5 l/100km better than the EcoLPi Falcon XT, and 1.6 l/100km better than the previous petrol-LPG Commodore.

The LPG range also picks up a new six-speed automatic transmission, described by Holden as "lighter, smarter and more refined," bringing new control software to optimise shift patterns.

Holden is also banging the drum on the LPG Commodore's emissions figures, listed at 189g/km - down from the regular 2012 3.6 litre petrol model's 231g/km.

Under the Australian Government's Green Vehicle Guide, the LPG Commodore carries a 6.5 (out of 10) greenhouse rating, while the regular 3.6 litre petrol engine is ranked at 5.5. Both versions carry an 8.5 air-pollution rating.

For liveability, the new dedicated LPG Commodore sedan offers a capacious boot, thanks to the placement of the 84 litre aluminium LPG tank beneath the car's rear, behind the rear axle, rather than in the storage space.

Holden says the LPG tank is constructed from high-strength, multi-celled, aircraft grade extruded aluminium with strategically-placed additional aluminium protection plates.

The LPG system is available across the full range of bodystyles: Sedan, Sportwagon, Ute and long wheelbase variants.

Nine barrier crash tests were completed with the tank installed in vehicles to ensure the system's safety, along with simulated and physical tests of the tank itself and over 1.3 million kilometres in road testing.

The LPG Commodore and Caprice ranges carry a 5-Star ANCAP crash safety rating.

Features

The LPG Commodore range mirrors the recently upgraded MY12 petrol Commodore family for features and specifications. Read about those upgrades here.

The range will also feature an Equipe trim grade, building on the entry-level Omega variant by adding 18-inch alloy wheels, rear-view camera and rear park assist, leather seat trim, leather steering wheel and front fog lamps with chrome highlights.