Holden Commodore & Toyota Aurion Special Editions

Motoring Channel Staff - 2/April/2008

Melbourne, Australia — When both Holden and Toyota unveil special editions of their locally made large cars within a day of each other, it can mean only one thing: the opposition is launching a brand-new model.

Designed to deflect attention away from the all-new FG Ford Falcon, which is due to hit dealerships in May 2008, Toyota has launched a special edition Aurion a day after Holden unveiled two limited edition Commodores.

The 'Aurion Touring' retains the entry-level price tag of $34,990 but adds an extra $2,500 of extras. 

These include 16-inch alloy wheels and a rear wing spoiler, "which together normally retail for $1,150" explains Toyota.

Other added features comprise a six-disc CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, front and rear parking sonars, a trip computer plus front fog lamps and dual-zone climate-control for the air-conditioning.

Holden's Commodore has been the #1 selling car in Australia for more than decade, and the Ford Falcon has been relegated to fourth spot on the sales charts in recent months after the Corolla and Mazda3 small cars took out the second and third spots respectively.

Meanwhile Toyota's Aurion is catching up to the Commodore and Falcon, sitting in fifth spot.

GM Holden meanwhile has fired its anti-Falcon salvo in the form of both V6 and V8 special editions, leaving nothing to chance as it seeks to protect its 12-year run as Australia's best-selling car.

The VE Commodore 60th Anniversary Special Edition is priced at $33,990, while the SS V 60th Anniversary Special Edition fetches $55,290, both on sale from May.

According to Holden, the VE Commodore 60th Anniversary Special Editions add an almighty $8,000 of extras.

These added features include rear parking sensors and leather seat inserts,  leather steering wheel, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a new look instrument panel finished in 'micro silver'. 

This V6 special edition model is based on the entry-level Commodore Omega, but with exterior upgrades like a front grille insert,'60th anniversary' badges and 18-inch alloy wheels and tyres, the cost effective Commodore looks anything but entry-level.

Holden's SS V 60th Anniversary Special Edition gets all of the above features, but adds HSV-sized 20-inch alloy wheels, chrome surround exterior door handles, a high mount rear spoiler, ‘60th Anniversary’ floor mats and badges, andsatellite navigation.

Philip Brook, the director of marketing for GM Holden, said the new special edition models celebrate 60 years in style: "The 60th Anniversary Special Editions further highlight Holden's dedication to quality at value for money prices, providing something for everyone, whether it's an Australian family or an individual looking for that something special."

"Commodore has been Australia's top selling car for the past twelve years and the added features included in these Special Editions will appeal to a wide range of buyers to ensure its continued success in 2008."

With the competition moving into tight defensive positions, the new Ford Falcon is going to have it's work cut out.

Related articles:
- Toyota Corolla (Road Test)
- Toyota Landcruiser (2008)
- TRD Aurion (Road Test)
- Holden VE Ute (First Drive)
- Holden VE Commodore vs Ford BF Falcon (Road Test)
- Holden Coupe 60 Concept (2008)
- Holden Astra SRi Turbo (Road Test)