Review: Holden VS Commodore (1995-97)

Holden VS.I Commodore (1995-96)

Overview

Released in April 1995, the Holden VS Series I (VS.I) Commodore was available as a large sedan or wagon. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the VS Commodore was powered by 3.8-litre V6 and 5.0-litre V8 petrol engines. The VS Commodore range initially consisted of Executive, Berlina, Acclaim, S and SS variants, though limited-run Vacationer and Equipe variants were released in 1995 and 1996, respectively. The full range is given in the table below.

V6 and V8 Engines

Of the engines,

• The 3.8-litre L36 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. Compared to the VR Commodore’s L27 engine, the L36 engine had a new cylinder block, shorter connecting rods, lightweight pistons, a redesigned crankshaft, new intake manifold, redesigned cylinder head with larger valves and a higher compression ratio (previously 9.0:1); and,
• Carried over from the VR Commodore, the 5.0-litre LB9 pushrod V8 engine had a cast iron block, two valves per cylinder, multi-point fuel injection and a compression ratio of 8.4:1.

Transmissions: 4L60E and M39 T5

Both the V6 and V8 engines were available with electronically-controlled four-speed 4L60E automatic and five-speed Borg Warner M39 T5 manual transmissions. For the VS range, the 4L60E transmission was revised for improved throttle response and smoother gear changes.

Dimensions and VR comparison

Compared to the VR Commodore , dimensions for the VS Commodore sedan were unchanged: 4861 mm long, 1794 mm wide, 1403 mm tall and with a 2731 mm long wheelbase. Relative to the sedan, the VS Commodore wagon was 42 mm longer (at 4903 mm), 19 mm taller (1422 mm) and had a 91 mm longer wheelbase (2822 mm).

Visually, the VS Commodore could be identified by its new Holden logo, silver grille insert, upper boot edge and wheel trims.

Suspension

The VS Commodore had MacPherson strut front suspension and all variants other than the Acclaim and SS had a live rear axle (with upper and lower trailing arms); the Acclaim and SS, however, had independent rear suspension (IRS) with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

The Holden VS Berlina and SS variants were fitted with a front driver’s airbag and ABS, while the Acclaim was further equipped with a front passenger airbag.

The standard braking package for the VS Commodore consisted of 289 mm by 23 mm vented front brake discs and 279 mm by 10.5 mm solid rear discs. For models with IRS, however, the rear discs were 279 mm by 10.7 mm.

Features: VS Commodore Executive, Acclaim and Berlina

Standard features for the Holden VS Commodore Executive included 15-inch steel wheels, a six speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, remote central locking, power mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat and an immobiliser.

The VS Acclaim was further equipped with cruise control (for automatic models), while the Berlina added 15-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, velour interior trim, power windows (front and rear) and a trip computer.

Features: VS Commodore S and SS

Compared to the Executive, the Commodore S added 15-inch alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning, contoured sports seats and cruise control (for automatic models); the Commodore SS was further equipped with front fog lights and a limited slip differential.

1995 Holden VS Commodore Vacationer

Released in November 1995, the Commodore Vacationer was based on the Executive but further equipped with air conditioning, cruise control and power windows (front and rear).

1996 Holden VS Commodore Equipe

Released in March 1996, the Commodore Equipe was based on the Executive but further equipped with alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control and power windows (front and rear); wagon models were also fitted with roof racks. Visually, the Commodore Equipe could be identified by its aqua bumper inserts and ‘Equipe’ badging. The Commodore Equipe was solely available in Silver Ice or Botanica paint finishes.

Holden VS.II Commodore (1996-97)

Overview

Released in June 1996, the VS Series II (VS.II) Commodore introduced cosmetic changes, refreshed interiors and mechanical upgrades. For the latter,

• The 5.0-litre V8 engines were fitted with a new cold air induction system and free-flowing exhaust;
• For models with V6 engines, the T5 manual transmissions were replaced by the M35 Getrag (also known as ‘Getrag 260’) manual transmission which had a dual mass flywheel and clutch; and,
• For models with V8 engines, the T5 manual transmissions were replaced by the M34 Getrag (also known as ‘Getrag 290’) manual transmissions.

Visually, the VS.II Commodore could be identified by its oval-shaped side indicator lamps and ‘Series II’ badging; Executive variants were fitted with seven-spoke wheel covers, while Acclaim variants received turbine-style wheel covers.

Inside, there were new front seat cushions with rounded edges and new seat and door trim fabrics. Executive variants were fitted with visor-mounted vanity mirror and padded door appliqués, while SS variants received leather-covered gearshift and handbrake levers.

Features

Compared to their VS.I predecessors, standard features for the VS.II Commodore were largely unchanged.

1996 Commodore Equipe

Released in October 1996, the Commodore Equipe was based on the Executive but distinguished by its alloy wheels, CD player, cruise control, power windows and power antenna. Visually, the Equipe could be identified by its body side mouldings, bumper inserts, chrome exhaust outlet, special seat and door trims, ‘Equipe’ badging and, for wagon models, roof racks.

1997 Commodore Esteem

Released in March 1997, the Commodore Esteem was similarly equipped to the Executive yet distinguished by its five-spoke alloy wheels, air conditioning, power windows and ‘Esteem’ badging’.

Holden Commodore SL/R 5000

Released in August 1996, the limited-run SL/R 5000 was developed as part of a Victorian Dealer Marketing Group (VDMG) promotion, with the SL/R 5000 package created by ‘Holden by Design’ and built to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Torana SL/R 5000.

Compared to the Commodore SS, the SL/R 5000 was distinguished by its 16-inch VL Group A Style alloy wheels with Bridgestone Expedia 205/55 ZR16 tyres, Glencoe front seats, Torbay velour trim, individually numbered dashboard ID, SS-style rear wing with stop lamp, lensed SL/R 5000 decals on the lower rear doors and Phantom mica over silver paint finish. Please note that the only way to identify a genuine SL/R 5000 is to inspect the HBD build plate affixed to the firewall.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Holden VS Commodore