Holden Commodore (VS)
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden Commodore (VR) |
| Founded | April 1995 |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Successor | Holden Commodore (VT) |
Area served | Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand |
| Products | Full-size car (sedan, wagon, utility) |
The Holden Commodore (VS) represents a full-size car manufactured by Holden from 1995 until 1997 for sedan and wagon variants, from 1995 to 1999 for the extended wheelbase Statesman/Caprice models, and from 1995 through 2000 for the utility versions. This model was the fourth and concluding edition of the second generation Holden Commodore. The lineup also featured upscale versions, namely the Holden Berlina (VS) and Holden Calais (VS).
Overview
Introduced in April 1995, the VS Commodore was essentially a mechanical refresh of the second generation platform designed to maintain market presence ahead of the launch of the completely redesigned VT in August 1997. Exterior alterations were subtle, primarily involving a revamped Holden emblem and updated wheel covers. The revised Ecotec variant of the Buick V6 engine produced 13% more power—an increase of over its VR predecessor—while also achieving a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency and raising the compression ratio from 9.0:1 to 9.4:1. This powerplant was mated to an enhanced GM 4L60-E automatic gearbox, resulting in better throttle response and smoother gear changes. Safety features were upgraded with the availability of an optional passenger airbag.
The VS utility debuted in April 1995, accompanied by a limited edition VS wagon equipped with a manual transmission, restricted to just 300 units.
The VS series also marked the conclusion of Holden's collaboration with Toyota; it was the final Commodore model sold under the Toyota Lexcen badge, with production ceasing in 1997.
Series II
Released in June 1996, the Series II VS retained the new ECOTEC 3800 V6 engine and introduced an optional passenger airbag, making models like the Acclaim (Safety Pack) the first Australian-manufactured vehicles to provide this feature as standard equipment. Additional updates encompassed elliptical side turn indicators, interior enhancements, and the introduction of the L67 Supercharged V6 engine option for Calais and Statesman variants. This supercharged unit generated 165 kW, positioning it between the existing engine options and just shy by 3 kW of the V8’s output.
Starting January 1997, Holden extended its warranty coverage for VS Series II and subsequent models to three years or 100,000 km. Production persisted until June 1997 when sedans and wagons were superseded by the Commodore VT.
Series III
As there was no utility model within the VT lineup, production of the VS Series II Ute continued beyond August 1997. In January 1998, Holden launched the Series III Ute—a single-variant release—featuring Series III badging, clear side indicators, and upgraded interior appointments.
The principal enhancement involved replacing the Series II’s 165 kW V8 with a more powerful 179 kW version sourced from the VT range, incorporating sequential fuel injection. The Series III also debuted the SS V8 Ute, representing the first Commodore utility equipped with this performance package. Initial production included 300 units powered by the standard five-litre engine; a subsequent batch in 1999 upgraded to the VT Roller engine. The SS trim boasted an integrated body kit, polished alloy sports bar, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and SS branding decals. Inside, it featured leather sports steering wheel and gearshift knob, SS-branded seats, power windows, air conditioning, a Getrag five-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, sports-tuned suspension, and ABS brakes.
The Series III Ute remained available until December 2000 when it was replaced by the Holden Ute (VU).
Exports
From 1995 to 1997, the VS model was exported in limited quantities to Malaysia and Singapore under the Opel Calais name. Before the VS, Opel-branded vehicles in VR specification had been available starting in 1994, with Holden moving approximately 40 units monthly of the VR Opel Calais by late 1994. Both the VR and VS variants were equipped with the Opel-derived 2.6-litre C26NE inline six-cylinder engine, coupled with a four-speed 4L30-E automatic gearbox. Initially, these vehicles featured the front styling from the VR Statesman, which was later updated around 1997 to reflect the front design of the VS Caprice.
The last batch of Opel Calais units destined for Singapore, manufactured in August 1997, incorporated the newer 2.5-litre X25XE V6 engine while maintaining the same automatic transmission. However, this shipment was ultimately cancelled, likely influenced by the onset of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. These cars, not meeting Australian regulatory standards, were redirected to New Zealand as 1998 models through Ebbett Waikato dealerships and rebranded as the Holden Commodore Royale. Additionally, small export volumes reached other markets such as Brunei, generally maintaining specifications close to those of Australian versions.
HSV range
Holden's high-performance division, Holden Special Vehicles, developed a series of VS-based models sold under the HSV badge.
Clubsport
The VS Clubsport closely mirrored its VR predecessor, continuing to utilize the 5.0-litre V8 engine.
Manta
Launched in April 1995, the Manta was available in both sedan and wagon body styles.
GTS and GTS-R
Serving as HSV’s premium model until the release of the limited-edition GTS-R, the GTS-R featured a distinctive XU-3 Yellah paint finish, coordinated interior details, and a carbon-fibre rear spoiler. Production was limited to 75 units for Australia and 10 for New Zealand, all powered by the 215i variant of the 5.7-litre HSV V8 engine, with an optional upgraded "blueprint" tuning package.
Maloo
The refreshed VS Maloo utility was introduced in April 1995, equipped with a 5.0-litre V8 engine; an initial run of 173 units was produced.
The Series II version appeared in June 1996, with production reaching 280 units by August 1997. After the VT sedan series debuted in September 1997, manufacturing continued under the VS II at VT Maloo designation with an additional 388 units produced until December 1998. This included a special ten-unit HSV 10th Anniversary Edition finished in exclusive Anniversary Bronze.
Following the launch of the VS Series III ute featuring a V8 SS variant, HSV upgraded the Maloo in 1999 by adding wiring compatibility for a revised V8 engine introduced with VT sedans. The VS III Maloo marked the final HSV model powered by the original Holden V8 engine.
Senator
The VS Senator arrived in 1995 based on the VS Commodore platform, showcasing refreshed exterior styling, upgraded trim levels, and new alloy wheels. The Series II version incorporated HSV’s ISS (Integrated Security System) as standard equipment along with steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Two variants were offered: the 185i featuring a 5.0-litre (4987 cc) V8 delivering 185 kW (248 hp) at 4800 rpm, and the more powerful 215i with a 5.7-litre (5737 cc) V8 producing 215 kW (288 hp) at 4800 rpm. By December that year, total production reached 416 units—a decrease of 439 compared to VR Senator output.
Toyota Lexcen (T4 and T5)
The collaboration between United Australian Automobile Industries (UAAI) and Toyota Australia persisted through the VS series, with the launch of the Lexcen T4 coinciding with the Commodore's release. In 1996, following the Commodore’s Series II update, the Lexcen was refreshed to the T5 version, incorporating minor modifications primarily to the front-end design. Production ended in August 1997 when Toyota withdrew from the Australian large family car market under its own name. As an alternative, Toyota introduced the Lexus GS S160, a comparably sized luxury vehicle offered with inline-6 and V8 engine options.