Europe-sourced 2018 Holden Commodore 'most advanced Holden ever'

Cutting-edge features for Holden's German-built flagship.

06 December 2016 David McCowen

2018 Holden Commodore. Photo: Supplied

The German-built successor to Australia's Holden Commodore is set to feature technology to rival high-end luxury cars.

Developed overseas as the Opel Insignia, Holden's next sedan is a thoroughly modern machine home to features such as adaptive suspension, active driver aids and a clever all-wheel-drive platform that were not possible in the locally-built VFII Holden Commodore.

Holden has unveiled its successor to the Australian-made Commodore. Photo: Supplied

Holden's Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley, says customers will be able to specify their cars with autonomous emergency braking, active lane keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera and more.

"Customers are expecting more of their vehicles than ever before," he says.

"The all-new 2018 Commodore redefines the level of technology people can expect, and how tech can help our customers be safer, more involved and more connected than ever before."

2018 Holden Commodore. EMBARGO: 10.01AM 7/12/2016

The brand released its first images of the new NG Commodore on Wednesday, revealing a streamlined four-door machine with a rakish roofline that represents a significant departure from the current model.

As expected, the model will not be available with a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain layout or V8 engines, popular elements of the Australian-mades models. Instead, the top-end Commodore will feature a naturally-aspirated V6 engine that sends 230kW of power and 370Nm of torque to all four wheels through a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The driveline also promises to be efficient, using stop-start technology and active fuel management to reduce consumption in everyday driving.

Other models in the range will feature turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines that drive the front wheels in a first for the Commodore.

While Holden has not released performance claims for the new car, it says the car weighs between 200 and 300 kilograms less than the existing car, which should have a positive effect on the vehicle's handling. Enthusiasts can specify their cars with a new 'Flexride' multi-mode suspension setup that constantly measures road conditions, adapting to its environment or working to preset 'Tour', 'Standard' and 'Sport' settings.

Holden engineers left their own mark on the model by fine-tuning its driving behaviour for Australian preferences and conditions.

Luxury touches include the addition of heated and ventilated front seats with a new massage function, heated rear seats long with new matrix LED lights that feature in high-end cars such as the latest Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Entertainment will be accounted for by an 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and drivers will also benefit from a new head-up display system.

Full details, including prices and specifications, will be revealed closer to the car's Australian debut in 2018.

For all the latest info, visit our Holden showroom.

Drive Comments

10 Comments

MiniSean | 2016-12-06 23:53:49

Stop insulting us by call this a Commodore!

Hsvandrew | 2016-12-07 00:12:26

As a current Ve II owner who bought their car because it was fast not because I like to drive like a grandma the excitement of a large gutless front wheel drive vehicle is overwhelming (not). So much time is spent studying companies leveraging their brand. This story with Holden will become a tale to teach all new marketing students. Dont change the product completely disrespect and misunderstand your entire class base and destroy the things about your company we respected and expect to win our business. I expect Holden will probably close operations in Australia within 10 years due to lack of sales

| 2016-12-07 00:19:04

This is, in reality, more of a Commodore than the VE or VF. From VB to VZ, Commodore was built on an Opel sourced platform, just like this car. It is nothing more than a return to Commodore's roots, whether you like it or not.

Far Queue | 2016-12-07 00:20:50

Surely this is the death of the Commodore. Ps if you want see another meaningless review read the one this bloke did on luxury SUVs recently worst comparison I've ever read. This guy just doesn't know his stuff.

Selector 2 | 2016-12-07 01:00:48

Maybe no name, but commodore was NEVER FWD. I'm with the others on this one.

Greg Sullivan | 2016-12-07 02:24:28

Looks sleek & sexy, like a sports car. The problem is I don't want it to be like that - I want it to be practical and spacious. As is the norm these days, it's form over function. Sick of it. P.S - waiting patiently for the *CAPRICE* replacement. Come over here please Cadillac!

AussieJohn | 2016-12-07 02:54:15

If I remember correctly ,when Holden dropped the Kingswood/Premier names it was because the Commodore was a different class of car. So why do they want to hang on to that name now. Come on Holden, drop the Commodore name and call it an Insignia ,which it is.In fact,drop the name Holden altogether and change GMH to GM Australia and give all their cars there original brand names, Chev, Opel etc etc . By the way, I am not a Holden hater. I was a Holden mechanic from the HD to the VE2.

Aussiekraut | 2016-12-07 04:44:36

I don't quite see the big hoo-haa about this car. It's just been publicly announced, nobody has driven it yet but everybody seems to know that it is crap. Give it a chance guys. Yes it is FWD but where is the problem? With our ridiculous speed limits and speed cameras on virtually every second street corner, nobody will ever really get to a point where the difference between RWD and FWD is going to be particularly evident and for those who really, really, really can't possibly drive an FWD car, there will be an AWD version. It may not become a mega seller but neither is the current Commodore. If it was, Holden wouldn't stop building it, so the lack of sales won't come because of this, the lack of sales is already happening because cars like the Commodore, or the Falcon for that matter, are simply on their way out and every man and his dog is gunning for an SUV. I do however agree that they shouldn't call it a Commodore. Yes, as it was pointed out, it's kinda back to the roots but nevertheless, it isn't the same class of car as the Commodore. As for the car itself, it looks alright but due to the body shape, I can imagine headroom being compromised in the back. But we'll see when we actually get to see the car and not just a pic or two.

Steve 0 | 2016-12-07 04:49:36

Considering that the only people still buying Commodores are the Holden diehards I don't see this being a good seller. The Holden faithfull won't want it. No V8. No rear wheel drive. Now it looks like we're not getting the Camaro. I predict tough times ahead for Holden!

Mech | 2016-12-07 07:30:33

Well they're telling us the thing has lots of good stuff. Big deal! Had I known the audible, nanny-state alarms in my VF 1 SSV couldn't be deactivated, had I known the Sportwagon is a shocker to manoeuvre in tight spots (my 2014 Defender 110 is more manoeuverable and has better over-shoulder visibility) I would not have bought it. I should have bought an Outback. Anyone want a Sep 13 build V8 Sportwagon with 43, 600 on the clock and in excellent condition? $38 K will buy it from me.