Holden Utility (VG)
| Company type | Vehicle model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden WB utility |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Defunct | 1991 |
| Successor | Holden Ute VP |
Area served | Australia, New Zealand |
| Products | Full-size utility vehicle |
The Holden Utility (VG) represents a full-size utility vehicle manufactured by the Australian company Holden during the years 1990 to 1991. Derived from the 1988-launched Commodore VN, it was the inaugural utility variant within Holden's Commodore lineup, although it was not officially branded under the Commodore name.
Its production run was followed by the introduction of the Holden Ute VP in January 1992.
Overview
Following the cessation of the domestically designed Holden WB utility in 1984, Holden depended on the Japanese-imported Isuzu Rodeo to serve this market segment. The arrival of the Commodore VN in 1988 facilitated the creation of a locally produced successor.
The VG was built on an extended VN chassis, reinforced to support its designated payload. Moving away from the traditional leaf spring rear suspension, it adopted coil springs similar to those found on the VN wagon, supplemented by helper springs. Unlike its WB predecessor, there was no cab-chassis version offering a one-tonne payload.
Its exterior styling echoed the front design of the VN Commodore, while the two-door cabin featured a raised roofline specifically tailored to fit the widely favored Akubra hat.
Engine options began with a 3.8L LN3 OHV V6, which was upgraded to the L27 variant in November. For those seeking more power, a 5.0L HEC 5000i V8 engine was available as an option on the Ute S model. Both engines could be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Models
Customers could select between two variants: the standard Utility and the more performance-oriented Utility S. Unlike the VN sedan, there was no SS version within the VG lineup, nor was a VG model produced under the Toyota Lexcen badge. Overall production for all versions totaled 5,690 units.
Utility
The base model of the VG series was the Utility, which came equipped with:
- A 3.8-litre V6 engine (upgraded L27 version rated at )
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Power steering
- Enlarged 68-litre fuel tank
- Power-assisted braking system on all wheels, featuring 271mm vented front discs and 278mm solid rear discs
- Fourteen-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/75 R-14 95H steel-belted radial tyres
- AM/FM radio cassette player accompanied by two speakers
- Driver’s seat with adjustable height
- Vinyl upholstery and rubber flooring in the cabin
Available options comprised:
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- Three-seat bench with column-mounted shifter (automatic only)
Pricing at launch was as follows:
- 3.8L V6 manual – $22,365
- 3.8L V6 automatic – $22,913
Utility S
The sportier Utility S included or upgraded features such as:
- Tachometer gauge
- Sport-themed interior trim
- Exterior striping and sports badges
- Fifteen-inch alloy wheels with P205/65 R-15 92H steel-belted radial tyres
- Larger vented disc brakes measuring 289mm at both front and rear (exclusive to V8 models)
Optional extras included:
- The 5.0 L V8 engine
- Air conditioning system
- Metallic paint finishes
The pricing structure was:
- 3.8L V6 manual – $22,365
- 3.8L V6 automatic – $22,913
- 5.0L V8 manual – $24,883
- 5.0L V8 automatic – $25,432
Maloo
October 1990 saw HSV introduce its first Maloo high-performance utility based on the VG platform. This model featured an enhanced Holden 5.0-litre V8 delivering and , along with a reworked MacPherson-strut front suspension derived from HSV’s VN SV5000 and a five-link live rear axle fitted with stiffer springs taken from the VL wagon.
An alloy sports bar installation reduced its payload capacity to .
Key standard equipment included:
- Cold air intake system and dual exhaust outlets
- Enlarged vented disc brakes: 327mm at front and 278mm at rear
- Sixteen-by-eight-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli low-profile tyres
- Contoured front sports seats paired with a Momo leather steering wheel
- Soft tonneau cover plus distinctive body kit inspired by SV3800 and SV89 models
- Limited slip differential featuring a final drive ratio of 3.08:1
Total production amounted to 132 vehicles.
Exports
The VG model was shipped to and sold within the New Zealand market.