The new Holden Commodore which is also the new Opel/Vauxhall Insignia has been revealed ahead of its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.
THE NEW HOLDEN COMMODORE has been revealed ahead of its public debut at the Geneval Motor Show in March next year. The new Commodore is also one and the same as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. The main image is the Commodore, and the one below shows the Vauxhall/Opel version:
So, like a lot of people are saying, this is the Holden Commodore you have when you no longer have a Holden Commodore. There’s one slightly sliver-ish lining in this murky cloud, though. And that is the new Commodore will be wildly more advanced than its predecessor.
“Customers are expecting more of their vehicles than ever before,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley. “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. The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles and makes it available for everyday Australians. Combined with the howling V6, world-first all-wheel-drive system and all the on-road performance you expect from the Commodore, this is a car that ticks all the boxes and more,” said Mr Keley.
The Commodore (read Insignia) is lighter than the old model (Insignia) by 175kg (and 200kg more than the outgoing Commodore) thanks to the liberal use of high-strength lightweight materials. It will also feature all-wheel drive, torque vectoring and an eight-speed automatic (or so it seems will be the case on the Vauxhall version – locally, Holden assures us the new Commodore will feature a nine-speed automatic in-conjunction with all-wheel drive).
Key active safety features on offer in the new Commodore will include “IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, Lane Keep Assist, Head-up Display and unique AGR-certified premium seats, front- and rear-seat heating and a heated windshield”.
The new Commodore/Insignia was, says Holden/Vauxhall/Opel inspired by the Monza Concept, and is lighter than its predecessor, 29mm lower with a 92mm longer wheelbase and track width up by 11mm.
“The prominent grille and the slim-line headlamps enhance the wide horizontal design of the front end and provide it with a bold appearance. The grille sits lower than on the outgoing model and further emphasises its solid stance. What Vauxhall calls a “sweepspear” feature starts in the front door and gives the impression that the Insignia Grand Sport is always ready to pounce, which is another nod to the athletic lightness of the Monza Concept,” Opel said in a statement.
Locally, Jeremy Tassone, Holden’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development, said the technical underpinnings of the next Commodore represents Holden’s commitment to “bringing the best vehicles from around the world to Australian customers”.
“From its cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system, to nine-speed transmission (other markets are reporting an eight-speed transmission for the flagship all-wheel drive variant) and adaptive suspension, this is a true driver’s car in the way Commodore has always been. We’re taking the best of Europe and making it even better for our Australian customers. I can’t wait for our customers to get behind the wheel”
Key features of the new Holden Commodore, launching in 2018:
- 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
- 360-degree Camera
- 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
