VR COMMODORE [165,262 BUILT]

THE VR WAS one of the most thorough updates of an Australian car model ever. Outside, there was tightly-gapped new sheet-metal and lights front and rear, including body-colour flush-fit front and rear bumpers. Under the skin, the front suspension was almost totally redesigned, with new front strut towers and struts (with camber adjustment) to alter the alignment for better handling, steering feel and tyre wear. The track was wider, too, ridding the Commodore of the VN/VP’s tippy-toe look. As with VP, sedans had beam or independent rear ends; wagons and utes were beam-only. The auto gearbox was now an electronically controlled unit with a ‘Power’ mode. Inside was a new smoothly sculpted dash, made from fewer parts for fewer squeaks and rattles. A driver’s airbag was fitted to Calais and the new familyfocussed model, Acclaim, and all sedans now had a lap/ sash centre rear seatbelt. All kind-of boring stuff now, but high-tech back in the day.