The major improvements with the VS are the introduction of the ECOTEC 3800 V6, and a passenger airbag. The ECOTEC (Emissions and Consumption Optimisation TEChnology) V6 is more powerful, more economic, produces less emissions, quieter and smoother than the previous 3800 V6. The VS Series was the first Australian built car to offer a passenger's airbag, which has a capacity of 120L. Also the Bosch ABS was upgraded to the latest version, and the new Holden badge was introduced. A change to the security system allows only the driver's door to be opened, or all four doors instead of just opening all four doors straight away as in previous models. Not much visual differences to VR, except for new Holden badge, ECOTEC badge under indicator lights on side front panels, and slightly different wheel covers. The VS also has a silver insert around the edge of the front grill opening. Also the top edge of the boot is slightly different. Not much change with VS Series II, except that Calais now gets 16 inch alloy wheels and foglamps, with its two-tone paint job slightly different. Manual gearbox on ECOTECs is now Getrag. The V8's power is up slightly to 168kW. The Calais also gets the option of the Supercharged V6. The indicator repeaters on the side front panels are now oval in shape.

Models:

Commodore Executive, Commodore Equipe (limited edition March - May 1996, and Series II in October 1996), Commodore Vacationer (limited edition November 1995), Commodore Esteem (limited edition March 1997), Commodore Acclaim Commodore S, Commodore SS, Berlina, Calais, Commodore BT1 (Police-pack), Ute, Ute S

Engines:

• 3.8L V6: HEC ECOTEC 3800
  V configuration. OHV design with cross flow cylinder heads. Multipoint fuel injection. Engine Control Module, or Powertrain Control Module (with auto trans.). Computer diagnostics. 91 octane fuel. High energy, distributorless, ignition and triple coils. Sequential fuel injection. Low friction technology. Cross-bolted main bearings. "Hot wire" air mass metering. Twin knock-control sensors. Two-speed cooling fan. Cylinders: 90-degree Bore x Stroke (mm): 97.0 x 86.0 Induction: Electronic sequential fuel injection. Valvetrain: Overhead valves, pushrods, 2 valves / cylinder. Compression ratio: 9.4 : 1 Maxpower: 147 kW@5200 RPM Max torque: 304 Nm@3600 RPM Redline / Cutout: 5500 / 5900 RPM
• 3.8L Supercharged V6: HEC Supercharged ECOTEC 3800 (Series II Calais, Statesman, Caprice)
  Max power: 165 kW Max torque: 370 Nm
• 5.0L V8: HEC V8
  V configuration. OHV design with cross flow cylinder heads. Multipoint fuel injection. Engine Control Module, or Powertrain Control Module (with auto trans.). Computer diagnostics. 91 octane fuel. Breakerless high energy electronic ignition system. Grouped fuel injection. Bore x Stroke (mm): 102.0 x 77.0 Induction: Electronic sequential fuel injection. Valvetrain: Overhead valves, pushrods, 2 valves / cylinder. Compression ratio: 8.4 : 1 Max power: 165 kW@4400 RPM Max torque: 385 Nm @ 3600 RPM Redline / Cutout: 5500 / 5750 RPM
• Series II V8
  Max power: 168 kW Maximum torque: 395 Nm
• 5.0L V8 HSV 185kW Option
  Large air intake. High flow air cleaner. Extractor and low restriction dual exhaust. Recalibrated engine management. Knock sensor. Max power: 185 kW@4600 RPM Max torque: 400 Nm@3800 RPM

Transmissions:

5-speed manual (Executive, Acclaim, S, SS only): Borg Warner T5, 5-speed manual for Series II (V6 only): Getrag, 4-speed automatic: GM Hydramatic 4L60-E with electronically controlled dual-mode

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson strut, incorporating wet sleeve shock absorbers. Direct acting stabiliser bar. Progressive rate coil springs. Rear: 5 link live-axle: Trailing arm with 5-link location. Panhard rod. Progressive rate coil springs. Stabiliser bar.

Rear: IRS (sedan only): Independent, semi-trailing arm. Progressive rate miniblock coil springs. Stabiliser bar.

Sports Suspension: (available 5-link or IRS, excluding Country pack). Front: Firmer spring rate. Revised stabiliser bar diameter. Reduced ride height. Rear: Firmer spring rate. Gas pressure shock absorbers.

Wagon: Revised stabiliser bar diameter.

Country Pack: (available 5-link, excluding Sports Suspension). Front: Revised spring and shock absorber rate. Revised stabiliser bar diameter. Increased ground clearance. Engine sump guard. Rear: Revised spring rate. Larger shock absorbers. Revised stabiliser bar diameter. Increased ground clearance. Fuel tank guard on sedan.

Steering:

Variable power-assisted, variable ratio rack and pinion. Turns lock to lock: 2.7 Turning circle (m): Sedan: 11.0, Wagon: 11.1, Ute 11.0

Brakes:

front: ventilated discs and finned caliper rear: discs ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): Bosch 5.0

Fuel Consumption:

V6 Automatic City / Highway: 11.5 / 7.2 (L/100km) V6 Manual: 10.5 / 6.8 (L/100km) V8 Automatic: 15.0 / 9.0 (L/100km) V8 Manual: 14.0 / 8.5 (L/100km) 185kW V8 Automatic: 16.0 / 10.0 (L/100km) 185kW V8 Manual: 14.5 / 9.5 (L/100km)

Fuel Tank:

V6 Sedan: 59L

V8 Sedan: 73L

Wagon: 68L

Ute: 64L

Model features:

Commodore Executive

Standard Equipment: V6, 5 speed manual transmission and security system. Optional Equipment: Driver's and/or Passenger's Airbag, ABS, IRS (not on wagon), 4 speed automatic transmission, air conditioning.

Commodore Equipe

This was a limited edition run in March, April 1996.It was advertised as having $3000 worth of added value. Based on an Executive, it came standard with air conditioning, four power windows, cruise control, and upgraded sound system. Outside styling included alloy wheels, aqua bumper insert trims and Equipe badge. The wagon came with a roof rack standard. The Equipe was available in two colours only: Silver Ice and Botanica. The only major option was ABS and Driver's Airbag, for $1500.

Commodore Esteem

This was a limited edition available in March 1997. Similar to the Equipe, it was advertised as having power windows, air conditioning and excellent alloy wheels at no extra cost. ($3000 worth of free extras)

Commodore Acclaim

Standard Equipment: As for Executive, plus: Both Driver's and Passenger's Airbag, ABS, IRS (not on wagon), 4 speed automatic transmission. Optional Equipment: Air conditioning, power windows.

Commodore S

Standard Equipment: As for Exec, plus: alloy wheels, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning. Optional Equipment: Driver's and Passenger's Airbags together, ABS, IRS.

Commodore SS

Standard Equipment: V8, ABS, IRS, FE2 sports suspension, air conditioning. Optional Equipment: Driver's and Passenger's Airbags together, HSV V8.

Berlina

Standard Equipment: Driver's Airbag, ABS. Optional Equipment: Passenger's Airbag, IRS.

Commodore BT1 (Police Pack)

The BT1 pack contains the following: ABS, FE2 Sports Suspension, IRS, LSD, Driver's Airbag (SRS), 80L fuel tank, Sump protector plate and fuel tank protector plate, Door interior light switches disabled, map reading light/interior light, special brakepads (front and rear), certified police speedometer, with light in instrument binnacle over speedo (to read speedo no lights on), and can be V6, V8 or HSV V8. With the V8, the seats have SS embroided on them. The BT1 pack is added to an Executive, but (in Queensland at least) can also be added on to SS with HSV V8 for pursuit vehicles.