VF Holden

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Bobman

I don't know about you, flappist, but there are more plastic/electronic Falcons around than the classic models.

Just look how many E series and AUs are floating around, full of electronic gadgets.

Ah yes but there were also lots more of them originally.

On the other hand look at what percentage of 15 year old cars are about now compared to 1990 or 1980 or 1970......

[adz193]

Originally Posted by AG3

Many euro cars, mostly premium models, use them.
The next Mondeo/2013 Fusion also uses an electronic parking brake
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Now that is a nice interior! Credit to Holden where it's due but that just flows much better then VF Calais imo...

[Buntz]

Originally Posted by AG3

True, this is more obvious in the interior styling, they really look a decade apart.
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For the exterior styling, the gap isn't as big, since the FG still looks ok.
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Yeah, Holden as had a few years lead time to improve upon the Falcon's interior. I can only hope the 2014 Falcon is as good as.

But the 2014 Falcon should look much newer thanks to it's younger Greenhouse design.

Overall I think Holden has done well with the old VE. Although it is more Euro Opel now.

[dannyhilton]

Have to say, I think it looks great. IMHO, the BA Falcon did a better job with the cohesion of a new face, bum and interior, themed with the same side profile. But Holden have done a great job regardless, and all details appear to bring the Commodore in line with other global GE models.

But the big headliner here is the technology. For some time now, all Australian cars have lacked in this department. I believe this has been a key issue when it comes to sales, as cheaper, smaller cars, often have better tech features than the equivalent big Aussie car, the Focus and Falcon is a fine example of this. Wether you believe in the technological onslaught of modern vehicles, with their Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Park Assist, Rain-Sensing Wipers and modern touch screen interfaces featuring advanced voice control, it's here to stay. The new generation of car buyers have been proving their love of in-car technology with their wallets, and it's about time Aussie cars got their act together.

Holden has some features here that have been in other imported cars for some time, however they bring some that are new to their segment, and new to their price range. All this by simply sourcing from the GM parts bin. Good on them, this shows their commitment has to a global, full size sports sedan.

Ford Australia has access to all these modern features, SYNC, ACC, APA, they're all in global products. It's your move Ford...

[Bobman]

The next Falcon really should have many of the cues from Ford Focus and also have better stereo systems, use of LED lighting etc.

Very interested to see what it will feature though, but if the sales grow in this model Commodore, it might bring more people back to the large sedan market and perhaps put pressure on Ford to compete a little better. Hopefully the doomsayers (like Dowling) will then pack their bags and head for the hills.

[chevypower]

Why hate the electronic park brake? Mechanical levers take up too much room for something that is used only for parking. They look old tech and I hope they are gone in most cars soon (other than some sports cars, rally cars etc).

[turbodewd]

Originally Posted by chevypower

Why hate the electronic park brake? Mechanical levers take up too much room for something that is used only for parking. They look old tech and I hope they are gone in most cars soon (other than some sports cars, rally cars etc).

Do u think you could ever stomach electric steering tho??

[Lardman]

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Do u think you could ever stomach electric steering tho??

For the sake of emissions tests, it's a necessary evil really.

To be honest, driving the 328i the old man has, the electric steering is devoid of any feel, which can be pretty nasty on wet roads, and on a track or backroad where I want to feel more involved, and feel the jiggles and rattles, but for everyday driving, as long as it's accurate I can still feel some road feedback through the seat.

It's a disconnect, but I can still place the car where I want. Do I like it? No.

But, I can accept it.

[Road_Warrior]

The EPAS system of the SZ Territory doesnt seem to have affected that car's reputation as class-leader in terms of handling dynamics and steering feel...

[chevypower]

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Do u think you could ever stomach electric steering tho??

Yes, I have been impressed with EPS systems, even the new F150 compared to mine... big improvement!

[fordlova8]

this Will be the first commode that the air vents come out of the dash and are not part of the door card looks more natural, than what they used to have

[greenfoam]

The electric assisted steering in the current fiesta is very direct and excellent to drive. Its nothing to fear. Have a drive of a car with that setup and you'll agree I'm sure.

[Chopped]

If this unveiling was the new Falcon, everyone here would be praising it.

I don't think the VF will affect FG sales much at all. Both cars are competing against the imports.

[Hawkeye84]

World class yeah, but hardly original...
Looks like a suzuki Kizashi....thats a world class car sold in different parts of the world!

But honestly, It pains me to say this, but well done Holden.
They're doing what people want. More tech in an australian car.
Now if they can do this at a attractive price point, then they are on a winner.

Hopefully this car will have the Ford crew scratching their heads and get them thinking. All eyes will be on Ford now with the 2014 Falcon.
I cant wait!

[Hawkeye84]

Originally Posted by Chopped

I don't think the VF will affect FG sales much at all. Both cars are competing against the imports.

Not if Holden are able to sell the value proposition, if they do this successfully, it could sway people buying imports

[russellw]

I'm not a fan of the exterior although it is evolutionary in terms of where Holden have been heading the last few years. It certainly won't upset the loyal fans.

The interior does lift the bar but then they needed to given how dated and plain the previous several iterations of the platform have been. It will certainly provide a target for Ford to aim at but also leave them behind the curve until they do.

Will be interesting to watch.

Cheers
Russ

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Chopped

If this unveiling was the new Falcon, everyone here would be praising it.

you don't get on here much do you?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Chopped

If this unveiling was the new Falcon, everyone here would be praising it.

Yeah heaven forbid Ford enthusiasts on a Ford enthusiast's forum talk up one of their own over a competitor's product, the outrage.

[Stagg]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Yeah heaven forbid Ford enthusiasts on a Ford enthusiast's forum talk up one of their own over a competitor's product, the outrage.

My two cents worth, the commodore really is a reliable car, feels good to drive, can go fast, and look good.

The reason I steer clear of commodores is the crowd that they attract, and the minute you drive off in your new commo you can already feel your mullet starting to grow

[Giant Cranium]

im a ford man but after having a fg xr8, driving dads g6e and now having a ve omega ute i cant help but think the ve is alot more solid than the fg and have not had any problems and not one squeek where my fg and dads was full of them. gonna be a hard choice between the ranger and vf when the ve gets replaced next year. i wont even be looking at the fg3 unless it is damn impressive.

liking that holden have moved the cruise control and hopeing that they have the cruise set speed on the dash like the fg.

[AU Mont]

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/559...its-and-misses

[Stagg]

I just found this on a mates facebook, guess you could say it's the reality of what the commodore will end up looking like in a few years time Pardon my cynicism in this thread too lol

[Thunder]

Originally Posted by Stagg

I just found this on a mates facebook, guess you could say it's the reality of what the commodore will end up looking like in a few years time Pardon my cynicism in this thread too lol

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Only missing the CHEVY badge!

[Sprint]

wheres the chev badge?(lol beat me too it thunder)

[Stagg]

Didnt have one... Maybe someone needs to help this poor commodore out lol

[Nikked]

It will get the chev badge soon...


When the SS is released in america.

[Auslandau]

The BEST thing about the VF is that we now know what the Falcon next year will offer. That's the best thing about being second in the rounds .... just makes sure you have everything available. Lifts the bar for techno overload for those who like pretty lights and buttons. The G6ET is going to be the one to wait for. Its not that far off really!

Just hope that Commodore does well (pains me to say) but it might get some interest back into the big sedans rather than the over indulgence of SUV's. Chrysler vs Ford vs Holden ...... oh those were the days

Originally Posted by Chopped

If this unveiling was the new Falcon, everyone here would be praising it.

Ford people on Ford Forums are actually way more critical to Fords than anything else around. Added the poll to see where the thinking lies and funny that 50% like and do not like. 80% like the interior ....... so what are you saying? Not following

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Stagg

My two cents worth, the commodore really is a reliable car, feels good to drive, can go fast, and look good.

The reason I steer clear of commodores is the crowd that they attract, and the minute you drive off in your new commo you can already feel your mullet starting to grow

I know right? Personally I keep a comb in my glovebox.

[JPFS1]

Exterior imho has a more generic look to it, nothing ground breaking, definitely not my highlight of the package.

The interior has been worked over very nicely, really like some elements, while there are other areas that clash for cohesion, ie door trim. The large swooping curve across the IP gives it a Korean look which I don't think i'm a fan of. Bur overall it is a nice interior.

For Ford fans, 2014 Falcon is vastly different and won't look like a large Daewoo or Opal.

[chookaradley]

Heard Mike Deveraux (Holden CEO) on Melbourne radio this morning. He was asked a direct question... how much will it cost?. His answer along the lines of... Australians need to remember this is the safest, most technologically advanced most effecient car ever produced in this country...

Stay tuned, me thinks plenty!