VX COMMODORE [211,125 BUILT]

AS WITH most model updates, the VX Commodore from August 2000 had styling tweaks to the lights, bumpers and interior trims. There was greater differentiation between models, with the base Executive having a slabby great body-colour garnish on the bootlid that reminded some wiser owners of 1960s Belmonts. Berlina and Calais (and HSV) had extra inset lights at the rear and different grille and headlight styling. Most people didn’t notice but the VXII update gave the series – plus the new Monaro and the LWB luxury twins of Statesman and Caprice – far better driveline smoothness with a rubber-bushed driveshaft and an extra toe-link in the rear suspension for a little more mid-corner sharpness without the need for harder bushes. Surprisingly, it was fitted to the wagons, too.