Category: Holden

Holden versus Ford, the oldest battle in automotive Australia continues – isn’t that good! This time around it’s the tiddlers that are facing off to one another with Holden releasing a new model, the Barina RS, to take on Ford’s Fiesta Sport. These aren’t ultra-expensive machines competing in the hot-hatch field. Rather they can be classified as ‘warm-hatches’. Those looking for a bit more punch from the engine and better handling dynamics, but who are on a tight budget, can pick up a Barina RS for just $20,990 (auto $23,190)…. Read more

Holden Colorado 7 has been upgraded by the fitment of an improved version of its turbo-diesel engine, now tagged the Duramax 2, mated to a new six-speed manual gearbox. There’s also an all-new app-enabled infotainment system and several added safety features. ENGINE / TRANSMISSIONS The 2.8-litre diesel generates 147 kW of power and an impressive maximum of 500 Nm of torque. The engineers tell us that torque has been increased across the rev range. Automatic transmission calibration has been improved and now includes shift stabilisation in uphill and downhill modes…. Read more

“When in doubt, add some extra equipment and stick ‘International’ badges on the car,” appears to be written in the Holden instruction manual for increasing new-car sales. International special editions of Holdens have been around for decades, though mostly on the upmarket long-wheelbase Statesman models. The just superseded VE Commodore broke that trend and the VE International did pretty well in the sales race back in the days when Commodores looked likely to stay in number one spot just about forever. Now Holden has seized on the chance of increasing… Read more

These days very few SUV buyers are looking 4WD capability in off-road conditions, rather they want an on-road station wagon with a high level of equipment and the premium features usually only found in upmarket models. Well aware of this, Holden has introduced a new model to its Captiva 5 range. Titled the LTZ, it comes as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather trim, heated front seats, a powered driver’s seat. Perhaps even more importantly, Holden’s Captiva LTZ has an all-new six-speed ‘Gen II’ automatic transmission that’s designed to reduce… Read more

With no end in sight to the SUV boom GM Holden has added to the choices in the compact segment with its all-new Trax – a five-door, five-seat, high-riding and handsome wagon that is as much about media technology for savvy city slickers as it is engines and drivetrains. Trax is a global SUV sold in the US as the Chevrolet Trax and elsewhere as the Opel Mokka. Australia is getting the 2WD drive version powered by the same 1.8-litre in-line four found in the current Holden Cruze. It comes… Read more