The next-generation Commodore is firmly on the horizon and early signs from Europe point to a whole new world of luxury, refinement and technology, all with that signature Holden driving feel thanks to ongoing local development.
Developed hand-in-hand with the next-generation Commodore, the all-new Opel Insignia Grand Sport recently wowed European media following its debut global drive with particular praise reserved for its comfortable ride, strong acceleration and corner-carving abilities .
But the European launch is just the start for Holden customers. Holden’s engineers are taking the best from Europe and giving it that special Aussie touch with local tuning and development continuing.
Developed predominantly for Australia, the V6 AWD and 2.0-litre turbo, both with nine-speed automatic transmission, continue to pound out the development kilometres under the watchful eyes of Holden’s expert engineers.
If there’s one thing Holden engineers do best, it’s make cars ‘great to drive’.
“At the start of every vehicle program our objective is to make the car great to drive, whether it’s a small car like Astra or a large sedan like the new Commodore” said Holden’s Executive Director of Engineering, Brett Vivian .
“We’ve been involved with the new Commodore’s development from the very beginning and have been working to tune to the specific tastes of Aussie buyers who like responsive steering and sporty suspension, yet composed ride quality when cruising. These are the hallmarks of Commodore and we are going to deliver again with the next-gen car.
“The European press is just the start and our local development continues at pace. We recently put the Australian tuned V6 all-wheel-drive and 2.0-litre turbo Commodores to test on Victoria’s challenging alpine roads and both performed brilliantly.
“These cars really build on the strong ‘driver’s car’ feel Commodore is renowned for and when you add its peerless levels of refinement and impressive new technology, it’s clear we have a new Commodore buyers can look forward to driving.”
Though Holden buyers can look to European drive reports for the general look and feel of the car, the new Commodore’s performance credentials remain largely under wraps. That’s because two of Holden’s three powertrain combinations – front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2.0-litre turbo and V6 all-wheel-drive (AWD), both with nine-speed automatic transmission – are locally tuned and unique to Australia.
While Holden’s flagship V6 AWD leads the performance charge, it’s the FWD 2.0-litre turbo that really underlines Commodores new efficient performance package, boasting targeted 0-100kph times in-line with direct premium brand competitors* with competitive fuel economy figures to boot.
Due to launch early in 2018, Holden’s engineers continue to perfect the hotly anticipated evolution of one of Australia’s favourite cars. Eating up the kilometres at the Lang Lang proving ground and surrounding public roads, this is where Holden engineers are in their element, and with over 30 years of Commodore learnings and in learnings from other programs including the recently released Colorado and upcoming Astra sedan, you can be sure the best is yet to come.
NEXT-GENERATION COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Speed Limit Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Forward Collision Alert
- Side Blind-Zone Alert
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
- Massage Seats
- Rear one-touch folding seats
- Heated Front and Rear seats
- Ventilated Front seats
- Express up/down all windows
- Wagon power lift-gate
- Active Noise Cancellation
Reviews include UK Independent, Autocar and Irish Times
* The next-generation Holden Commodore 2.0-litre FWD is targeting 7.0-7.5 seconds 0-100kph. Direct premium brand competitors compared are 2.0-litre FWD premium E-segment sedans:
- Audi A6 1.8-litre TFSI
- Jaguar XF 25t
- Lexus GS 200t
- Mercedes E-Class E200
- BMW – no direct competition
