Holden’s high quality, factory-built dual fuel (petrol and LPG) Commodore Omega ute goes right to the heart of the commercial vehicle business. It’s a smart move.
For couriers, tradies and other ute buyers, the combination of high kilometres and heavy loads can mean heavy fuel consumption and this has resulted in many sending their vehicles to the after-market LPG shops for fitmet of tanks, fuel lines and the rest. Often this made the factory new car warranty void.
Now with a federal government rebate (and an extra cash incentive in WA) to reduce the extra cost, plus the security of Holden’s full three year/100,000kms warranty, the Commodore Omega LPG Ute makes a lot of sense.
What You Get
Well, it’s the Commodore Omega ute as we know it, but with a large LPG tank mounted just behind the passenger compartment at the front of the cargo bay. It’s all very professionally engineered and nicely finished/trimmed so the untrained eye probably would not know what is underneath.
The standard 73-litre petrol tank remains and Holden has nicely engineered duel fuel inlets in the tank(s) filler nozzle – open one cap to fill with petrol and the other to fill with LPG.
Under The Hood
Modified for LPG and driving through Holden’s robust four-speed automatic transmission, the Alloytec V6 still delivers 175kW of power (just a few kW less than the all-petrol Omega ute). Switching between the two fuel types, you cannot determine any noticeable change in performance, engine noise or exhaust note.
The Interior
Building utes since 1951, Holden has picked up more than the odd clue about what makes ute drivers tick and this is clearly evident in the latest generation Commodore ute.
Even with the entry level Omega model, interior comfort is high, driving dynamics are good and – impressively - safety has taken some major steps forward.
The Omega boasts an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which includes Traction Control (TCS), ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assist (ABA).
Dual Stage airbags are standard for both driver and passenger.
In addition, Holden has researched and developed multiple load paths and crumple zones which, in the event of a crash, help channel impact energies away from the safety cell interior.
Inside there is a CD audio system with auxiliary input jack, a five-inch multi-function display for the trip computer, power windows and cruise control. Behind the seats is a 220-litre storage area – handy for secure stowage of personal items.
The Omega LPG ute Car Showroom tested was fitted with a very nice Onyx cloth trim. It was very well-finished and comfortable.
Exterior and Styling
The Holden design team certainly sharpened their crayons when they set about designing the current model range of VE-series utes – this is one seriously good-looking ute. The front-end is naturally carried-over from the VE sedan, but the sweeping side lines, curvy roof line profile and large windscreen are sharp pieces of work
The cargo bed has a nice polyurethane lining with lots of tie-down points. Holden rates the towing capacity at 1600 kgs.
On The Road
A small switch just ahead of the gear lever allows you to select either LPG or petrol to supply the V6 powerplant but you are hard-pressed to notice any change in performance or exhaust note.
The Omega runs 16-inch steel wheels and commercial grade tyres. Ride and handling are on par for commercial vehicles and the refinement level is surprisingly high. Naturally Holden offers the ute in SV6, SS and SS-V Series for those keen on extra performance and race car ride and handling.
Challenges
Courier drivers negotiating tight city environments might like a better turning circle than the 11.7 metres offered by the Omega but the flipside is that this is a full-size ute which offers cargo bed size that is superior to most imported utes.
Verdict
Smart move Holden – the Omega ute with dual fuel is the vehicle many Australian commercial vehicle operators have been calling-out for. The recommended retail price is $35,890 but from that private buyers will get a Government rebate of $2,000 and an additional $1,000 rebate is available in WA.
The price of fuel is on everyone’s mind and with LPG costing only 45 cents per litre, it has been a popular choice particularly with commercial vehicle operators. Now with Federal Government rebates providing financial incentives for private car buyers to purchase LPG, the focus has become intense.
This is the LPG tank fitted in the factory to Holden’s Commodore Omega LPG ute. The standard 73-litre unleaded fuel tank remains underneath, giving the LPG Commodore ute a massive possible range by combining the two fuel tanks.
Best of all, it’s a factory fit backed by Holden’s engineering expertise and the LPG ute comes with Holden’s normal three year/100,000 kms factory warranty.
As you would expect from Holden, it’s all done to a very high standard right down to the dual fuel inlets located here for easy fills at the bowser.
The LPG tank does reduce the dimensions of the load area just a bit, but otherwise it’s the Commodore Omega ute as we know it. Engine performance hardly changes – torque is down by just seven newton metres to 318 newton metres but power remains the same at 175 kW. Inside there’s this small switch for changing from LPG to normal unleaded – you can swap tanks while driving with no noticeable difference. As per petrol Omega utes there’s a comprehensive safety package including ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and EBA, Electronic Brake Assist plus TCS, Holden’s Traction Control System.
The Commodore Omega LPG ute retails for $35,890 – that’s about $3,400 more than a standard petrol Omega but Government subsidies will reduce the LPG models’ price by $2,000 and some buyers in West Australian can deduct another $1,000.
Diesel-powered cars are another alternative, but LPG delivers savings at the fuel pump that are far better than diesel can hope for. So if you use your ute everyday, the Commodore Omega LPG delivers all of the great Holden ute features AND considerable savings at the fuel pump.
Thumbs-up:
Factory fit LPG/Dual fuel is well-engineered; good safety; nice interior
Thumbs-down:
Turning circle could be better
