Holden makes no apologies for the fact that its new MY10 Commodore looks identical to the VE Commodore that went on sale in 2006.
In a move that is unprecedented in the car's history, there are no new grilles and badges, no interior trim changes and no equipment upgrades.
Holden says it ditched the usual mid-life styling facelift in favour of delivering two technologically-advanced, direct injection V6 engines.
You can't argue with the results. The new 3.0-litre V6, Holden's smallest for 20 years, now has the title of Australia's most fuel-efficient six-cylinder engine. Not bad considering its predecessor, which had less power, was the nation's thirstiest six.
The MY10 upgrade is a sign of the times for both Holden and Ford. Gone are the bells-and-whistles new car launches and in their place is a process of continuous tweaking of products to keep them relevant.
Critics would argue it's simply because they no longer have the development funds for major upgrades - and there's definitely truth in that - but there is also logic in the new approach.
For one, with nothing to distinguish the new Commodore from the old, residuals for the superseded model are likely to stay reasonably healthy. There'll be no "last year's model" stigma attached to 2008 Commodores in the corporate carpark. There's also a solid argument that says the Commodore is still one of the best looking cars on the road (if it ain't broke...). true
Finally, you have to question how much worth there is in a new grille and some different fabrics in the cabin every couple of years.
But there is potential for the strategy to backfire. Fleet drivers look forward to new models and like to show off the fact that they are driving the "new" Commodore. Will their noses be out of joint, or will they be happy to brag about the efficiency of the new engine and the six-speed transmission?
And the lack of attention to the rest of the Commodore has left a couple of chinks in the armour. The interior is now three years old and that dodgy plastic handbrake is still there. More importantly, the thick windscreen pillar remains, restricting forward vision.
The MY10 Commodore is certainly an interesting exercise. How do you think it will pan out? Is it a gamble by Holden? Are you disappointed with the lack of change in the new model? Will this Commodore sell as well as the VE did when it was launched? Richard Blackburn
yeh man, what a pity. You guys cannot experience one of the best car range.
Lancers are mid sized front wheel cars.
These cars are bigger than camry/accord, bigger powerful engines 3.0-3.6 ltr V6s to 6.0 ltr V8s and have rear wheel drive system like in BMW/MERC.
Adding to that these cars have 50-50 weight ratio.
hahahahha
cant wait get my hands on one 
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