Nov 1 2009
The Holden Commodore has returned the best fuel economy of any standard Australian-built entrant in a gruelling 3000 kilometre drive from Darwin to Adelaide.
The 6.48 litres/100 kilometre average achieved by Australia’s best selling car is equivalent to driving 1100 kilometres on a single tank.
The standard Omega Sportwagon, with its all new 3.0L S.I.D.I (Direct Injection) engine and six-speed transmission was 30.33% better than its official ADR81/02 combined test score of 9.3l/100km.
Commodore’s 6.48 litre/100 kilometre result compares to the Ford Falcon with 7.04 litre/100 kilometres and the Holden Maloo Ute which recorded 7.74 litres/100 kilometres.
“Over 3000km of driving have demonstrated the improvements we’ve made to the latest direct injection model Commodore,” Holden Vehicle Performance Manager Scott Heywood said.
“This is a standard large, six cylinder family car that can deliver fuel economy better than some four cylinder cars.
“We did the maths before the event but it’s one thing to do it on the back of an envelope and another thing to do it on the desert highway from Darwin to Adelaide. We’re absolutely delighted in the performance of the car and our team.”
In the development of the new S.I.D.I engine technology, Holden set out to improve the fuel efficiency of Australia’s best selling car. As a result, the new Commodore offers a 13% improvement over the previous six cylinder engine. (Based on ADR81/02 combined testing).
Mr Heywood said the Global Green Challenge event was a great experience and he offered encouragement for the Holden-sponsored, Annesley College (Adelaide) team which converted a standard Holden Viva to a petrol-electric hybrid.
“The Annesley College performance shows the ingenuity and determination of local students and teachers and demonstrates potential for the future development of passenger vehicles and the next generation of engineers.”
A team of four Holden employees took part in the Global Green Challenge, a biennial showcase of low emission and alternative vehicles.