Holden Commodore LPG 2013 review

Get out the calculator and see if an LPG car suits you before becoming blinkered by green lights. Yes, Australia has substantial reserves of liquefied petroleum gas - and a lot of natural gas as well - and it's an ideal, home-grown fuel that means we don't rely on imports.

There's no doubt it's our fuel of the future but at the moment, it's difficult to justify. LPG is at the mercy of fluctuations of international fuel pricing and Australians are victims of price movements, even though we get all our gas from our backyard.

So though it's honourable that Holden and Ford offer LPG, it may not make sense until petrol and diesel prices rise significantly.

Value

The Holden Sportwagon SV6 LPG costs $42,690 and is full of excellent kit from park assist to blind-spot sensor, 18-inch alloys to leather-look trim, an excellent audio and voice recognition system and electric park brake.

The claimed 12.1L/100km looks poor but remember that LPG is about half the price of petrol. Effectively, that makes the average consumption of the LPG Commodore at about 6.0L/100km, nose to nose with its diesel rivals.

But, and it's an important but, the range of the LPG Commodore is 694km compared with the Ford Mondeo diesel, for example, at 1130km. Would you buy a petrol-fuelled or LPG Commodore?

The LPG version is $2500 more expensive than the petrol model, tows 1600kg compared with the petrol's 2100kg, has no spare wheel and is down 30kW on power and 30Nm of torque. The LPG also costs more to service - $1060 for three years compared with $740 - and has a poor 38 per cent resale value compared with the petrol version at 40 per cent.

Design

There's a lot of the previous VE Commodore in the latest VF and that's one of the car's greatest assets. It's not only pretty but its short front overhang, broad wheel arches and form-fitting wheels within these arches makes it look like it's carved from a block of metal.

The grille is purposeful without emulating a whale shark's mouth and the tail - especially in the sedan - is straight out of Europe. There's also an excellent dashboard that has a high perception of quality, attractive and comfortable seats and lots of cabin room. The boot is shallow and the LPG wagon gets no spare wheel.

Technology

Up to 43kg was removed from the equivalent VE's weight thanks to a new single-strut aluminium bonnet, boot lid and dashboard brace while electric-assist power steering, a more aerodynamic body and a new alternator reduce fuel use.

The LPG version's drivetrain is not changed, though fuel economy is now 12.1L/100km, down from the VE's 12.3 L/100km. Bigger news is the model-standard eight-inch MyLink touch screen for vehicle information and entertainment functions including Pandora internet music radio and Stitcher (news and traffic) embedded apps. There's also Bluetooth, USB, iPod, a CD player and reverse camera within the MyLink feature. The electric parkbrake is another bonus.

Safety

Holden has done an excellent job here. The five-star wagon has six airbags, rear-view camera, front and rear park sensors, blind-spot monitor, park assist (auto steer), a hill holder, trailer sway control and LED daylight running lights. But there's no room for a spare wheel, just an aerosol inflation kit.

Driving

A $36,000 Holden Malibu CDX diesel sedan was tested in the same week, as was a drive in a petrol Malibu. The Commodore is a long way ahead of the big Malibu in terms of connecting with the driver and wins also on looks.

But in comparison with a petrol Commodore, the LPG doesn't feel as responsive - and is notably shy of the Ford Falcon LPG's verve - which dulls the driving enjoyment. The aging Holden V6 remains a bit lumpy and can get harsh at higher revs - criticisms of both LPG and petrol versions - but treated gently is a superb cruiser and civilised in traffic.

The six-speed auto gearbox is perhaps the engine's saviour. Handling is spot on and I have no complaints with the electric-assist steering which offered sufficient feel and suitable lightness for parking. Better than all this is the ride comfort and low tyre and wind noise that you only get from local engineering knowledge of Australian conditions.