The Berlina and Calais sedans however retain the full-width boot-lid panel incorporating the tail lamps and the registration plate.

The risk presented by a side-impact collision in a VX fitted without side airbags is reduced by 50 percent when compared to a similarly specified VT model.

[5] The entry-level Executive was a popular choice amongst fleet buyers, and offered standard features such as anti-lock brakes, a driver's air bag, trip computer, and central locking.

[8] Along with all other variants, steering wheel audio controls, a CD player, and an electrically retracting power antenna were now standard.

[9] The second tier Acclaim was marketed as a family-oriented variation of the VX range, with a strong emphasis on safety.

[9] The SS continued on with the sporting trend of the Commodore S, but incorporated bumper-integrated foglamps, and more aggressively styled alloy wheels.

The rear-end of the sedan is characterised by a boot panel housing the a full-width taillight bar with transparent lenses.

Optional extras comprised: 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension (the same type found on the SS), limited slip differential and the V8 engine.

[9] The flagship Calais shares its exterior styling with the Berlina, but is distinguishable by its 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome outlined foglamps.

[7] Standard features above Berlina included an eight-speaker audio system, ten stack CD player, dual zone automatic climate control, electric front seats and leather steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake.

The Ute employs the same interior as the Commodore, while also picking up the VX's upgraded equipment lists and restyled exterior design.

The range received a minor refresh with the VX Series 2 models 12 months later, with the major upgrade being an additional 5 kW (7 hp) to Holden's Generation III V8's.

Mirroring the sedan range, the HSV VU ute was now also available as Maloo R8, which featured standard 'Performance' brakes and a hard tonneau cover with raised rear wing.

[18] HSV's VU Series 2 Maloo was introduced in October 2001 in concert with the VX Series II sedans, with minor cosmetic upgrades that included 'blackout' style headlights and additional Maloo range paint colours of Delft blue and HSV Racing green.

This upgrade also introduced new security measures in the form of "HSV DNA", which was a micro 'DataDot' component identification system.

Overall, 483 examples of VU Series II were produced, including a "15th Anniversary" limited edition launched in June 2002[19] (with 25 units for Australia and another 5 for New Zealand).

For the first time the Senator line up features rear parking sensors which beep when close to an object while reversing.

Once again the self-levelling rear suspension featured and part of the entertainment package a 6 stacker CD player and 8-speaker sound system was added.

Standard features on the XU6 included but weren't limited to; 17-inch alloy wheels, six speaker sound with CD player, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, four-way powered driver seat, front fog lights, leather wrapped steering wheel, four airbags and an immobilizer.