Category: Holden

Australia is one of the toughest countries of all in which to sell cars. A huge number of marques with a mind-numbing selection of models are being endlessly promoted by marketing gals and guys. All of whom are desperate to gain more than their fair share of the automotive sales action. Their efforts tax the strength of my inbox and letter box every day. We motoring journos have to consign much of the marketing hyperbole to our trash bins – electronic as well as the square type under the desk… Read more

Holden has provided advance information on its smallest model, the Spark, which will go on sale in Australia in April. There’s a big emphasis on high-tech features as demanded by the younger generation buyers at which it’s aimed. Spark boasts completely redesigned styling with class-leading technology and safety features to give drivers and their passengers peace of mind. We note that Holden has dropped the name ‘Barina Spark’, simply calling it ‘Spark’ this time around. Introducing the Spark, Holden chief, Mark Bernhard, said, “In 2015 we launched Astra, Cascada and… Read more

Holden’s sporty looking Cruze Z-Series special editions have been introduced in the new-look Cruze range and are offered in two variants – the Z-Series and the SRi-Z. Cruze Z offers a new design of 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone design, a rear lip spoiler on the sedan and a high spoiler on the hatch. Sill plates and “Z-Series” badges complete the external look. Inside there are “Z-Series” front floor mats The Cruze SRi-Z is based on the sporty Cruze SRI-V that already has a sports suspension and a body… Read more

With the clock ticking down towards the end of local production Holden has released the Series II version of its VF Commodore. Because the nameplate is set to continue as an import after the factory closes in 2017 Holden is aware of the importance of keeping Commodore up to date and so hasn’t ruled out another update sometime in 2016. However it’s safe to say that this will be the final major change to the car that has been such a feature of the Australian automotive industry for the past… Read more

There are sure to be tears when the final Australian-made Holdens roll down the production line in 2017, but there were certainly no signs of any at the weekend when Holden announced details of the final major changes to the Commodore. Reflecting on the past and looking to the future, Holden set up a huge ‘Commodore Gallery’ at its Port Melbourne HQ to announce its future plans to members of the media. Examples of all 37 years of Commodore to date were on display, not just cars you see on… Read more

By EWAN KENNEDY in Queenstown, New Zealand. Holden VXR is one of the most important models for the company in its inexorable move away from building cars in Australia to being a full time importer. GM Holden, as it prefers to be known these days also wants to be seen in a more upmarket light. Very much a sports sedan, Holden says Insignia VXR will compete directly with the likes of Subaru Liberty and Volkswagen Passat CC. We were surprised that Audi’s quattro models weren’t mentioned, given the aforementioned desired… Read more