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HOLDEN Commodore Wagon Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 1997
Engines: Gasoline, Natural gas
Body style: Wagon (station wagon, estate, combi, touring)
HOLDEN Commodore Wagon photo gallery

Holden introduced a final facelift for the Commodore Wagon in 2015, improving the car's look and adding some goodies to the interior.

By 2015, the Commodore nameplate was already 37 years old. When the facelifted version for the VFII, the customers were already aware that GM intended to shut down the Holden's factory from Elizabeth, where it made the car, but that didn't matter anymore. The car was already there and had some strong points for the Australian market. Its revenge was the last lineup that made more locals feel sorry for not buying them in larger numbers.

Depending on the version, the VFII Commodore sported a new front fascia. For the Redline level, the most powerful, a new aerodynamic kit allowed more cold air to get under the hood, while the side vents on the front apron diverted the airflow to the sides. On the hood, the carmaker installed actual ducts to release the hot air from the engine bay. At the back, the more extended roof covered the trunk area. Another improvement was for the taillights, which received an LED treatment.

Inside, the cabin remained the same, but there was a minor adjustment for the car's settings. The SS model received a bimodal system that allowed a louder, deeper sound for the exhaust. Due to it, the exhaust sent 10 more dB into the cabin. These louder pipes sounded even harder on the station wagon version since there wasn't a wall between the trunk and the passenger area.

The most significant modification was the introduction of the LS3 engine with a 6.2-liter displacement, which replaced the previous 6.0-liter V-8.

full description and technical specifications
HOLDEN Commodore Wagon photo gallery

At that time, the Holden Commodore was the Australia’s most advanced car. It was for the first time, the locally produced vehicle had been equipped with state-of-the-art technology, with an accent on the driver-oriented features and safety.

The car included a semi-automatic parallel and perpendicular parking, with the driver controlling the speed and the car controlling the steering. If the drivers unintentionally went out of the lane, the car’s warning system would let them know.

Even though General Motors did not have the best reputation for the cars’ interiors, with this model, they proved that they were working on upgrading, to reach a more premium feeling and look.

The car is built on the Zeta platform, but with significant style changes. The front and rear ends are completely redesigned, making the wagon look modern and more sophisticated, compared to the simple VE. The hood was redesigned to allow the integration of the new pedestrian protection.

The interior got changed as well, coming with a modern dashboard, steering wheel, seats and trim panels. New equipment was brought to the Commodore, including an 8-inch infotainment system, enhanced voice recognition, electric parking brake with auto-release, hill-hold and hill-start start assist, LED daytime running lights, blind spot monitoring, keyless entry and start, forward collision alert and lane departure warning.

full description and technical specifications
HOLDEN Commodore Wagon photo gallery

A large station wagon might come in handy when the family wants to go on a journey across the Australian continent.

While the regular Commodore was built for middle management and as a company car, the station-wagon was commonly seen on the driveways of regular people with above-average household income.

The refreshed Commodore was still based on the same platform as the Opel Omega B, but its design didn't look so much related to that anymore. The angled headlights and the revised grille and bumper gave a different look than its European sibling. The taillights were reshaped as well and featured a clear lens over the lamps.

Unlike its sedan version, which was offered in up to seven trim levels, the station-wagon was only available in four trims. Apart from the Berlina, Acclaim, and Executive, it was sold in a 500 units limited edition SS version, which included the 329 hp V8 engine. Due to its long, 2.94 m (115.7") wheelbase, the interior was comfortable, and it offered enough comfort for its occupants. The huge trunk was fit for almost three cubic meters (103 cu-ft) of interior space.

Under the hood, GM installed a 3.6-liter ECOTEC engine paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Holden mated the 5.7-liter LS 1 engine (also found in the Monaro and the Corvette) to a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

full description and technical specifications
HOLDEN Commodore Wagon photo gallery

Holden introduced the third generation of the Commodore in 1997 in two body shapes: sedan and station wagon. It was based on the European Opel Omega.

Being part of a giant carmaker also includes the advantages of know-how for various components or platforms. The European arm of General Motors, Opel, built a car fit for the European roads. It meant that it was comfortable and it didn't lack in the handling department. While the Europeans didn't like big engines, the Australians didn't have a problem with that, so they put bigger engines in it to solve the performance issue. In 1998, the Commodore was the best selling car in Australia.

With its rounded edges and body panels, the Commodore VT Wagon entered into the biodesign trend. That made the car looks even longer than it was. Its horizontal, ovoid-shaped headlights were distinct on the market. Since it was a station-wagon, it featured a long roofline to accommodate the extra trunk area.

For the interior, Holden gambled on the same smooth and curved lines as from the outside. Its complete instrument cluster was extended over the center stack where the climate and audio controls were placed. The designers extended the center stack over the center console. The rear bench seatback was split-folding for the station-wagon and could increase the cargo volume from 540 liters (19.1 cu-ft) to 1800 liters (63.6 cu-ft).

Under the hood, Holden installed the smooth 3.8-liter V6 engine for the base model and a V8 for the full version. The 1997 model featured an old Australian 5.0-liter replaced in 1999 with the American 5.7-liter V8.

full description and technical specifications