New Holden Caprice $10k cheaper
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 15th May 2013
The Lion brand revealed the final piece of its VF puzzle this morning with the release of a quartet of images that show an unchanged visage, with the exception of new wheels and a bit more chrome.
It has, however, taken a scalpel to the bottom line, with both the V6 and V8 variants getting $10,000 price cuts – more than any other VF model compared with its VE predecessor.
The company has also axed the base V6 petrol version, and will instead retain only the LPG version for taxi and valet customers, and the flagship 6.0-litre V8 Caprice V for private buyers.
GoAuto understands Holden could not justify developing new front and rear styling and lightweight bonnet and boot – a la the VF sedan – due to low volume projections.
The company sold 1460 units in 2012, although it also exported around 6400 to the US and Middle East.
The entry V6 picks up new features such as a sensor key with push-button start, an eight-inch touchscreen with a new satellite navigation system, and MyLink infotainment with Pandora and Stitcher music streaming.
New safety equipment includes Auto Park Assist for parallel and reverse parking, blind-spot warning, front and rear sensors with reversing camera, electric park brake, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control and remote vehicle start.
The Caprice V features an all-new dual-screen rear seat entertainment system with remote control, DVD, auxiliary input and dual channel wireless headphones.
Extra safety gear includes rear-end collision alert, lane departure warning, a colour head-up display, “deluxe” leather seats, a new 19-inch wheel design, quad exhaust outlets, a Bose premium nine-speaker audio system and electric sunroof.
Holden executive director of sales and marketing Philip Brook said the Caprice was super-sharp value in the upper-large segment.
“We think we’ve made a smart investment in our long-wheelbase models,” he said. “Caprice has always been an extremely well designed, well-proportioned large car and the all new interior is particularly important to customers in this segment.”
| 2013 Holden Caprice pricing* | |
| 3.6 LPG V6 | $54,490 (-$10,000) |
| V Series V8 | $59,990 (-$10,000) |
