Holden introduced a new generation of the Statesman in 1999 based on the same platform as the Commodore WH and revised it in 2003. The GM's Australian arm had a different approach on the market with its mid-size sedans lineup, the Commodore, the Statesman, and the Caprice. All three vehicles were based on the same platform as the second generation of the European Opel/Vauxhall Omega, but with different wheelbases and options. The Statesman was right in the middle, featuring a longer wheelbase than the Commodore and fewer options than the Caprice. The 1999 Statesman featured rounded headlights and a wide taillights design, with a red bar spread across the trunk lid. Four years later, Holden decided to drop the biodesign-inspired shapes and installed a pair of headlights carried over from the Commodore YV Calais with sharp lines. It dropped the red strip that united the quarter panels over the trunk in the rear and left the taillights only on the corners. Inside, the Statesman offered a similar comfort level as the Caprice, especially for the rear seats. Holden installed velour seats for the base trim level, but the customers could choose leather instead. Unlike the Caprice, which featured a Bose sound system, the Statesman clients were stuck to a Blaupunkt sound system with a ridiculous remote controller on the front passenger side. It was known that the Statesman was designed for the Australian officials. Holden installed a choice of two engines under the Statesman's hood, and both were paired to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. The full version featured a 5.7-liter Chevrolet engine.