The next-generation Holden Commodore is finally upon us, with the first imported production model set to make its Australian debut at the Motorclassica car show next month.
Taking place at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building from Friday, October 13 to Sunday, October 15, the eighth annual Motorclassica is billed as Australia’s most prestigious automotive event, featuring everything from the finest classics to the latest exotics.
The premiere of Holden’s German-built, Opel Insignia-based Commodore comes after months of intensive steering and suspension tuning on local roads around Victoria by the company’s Melbourne-based engineering and chassis division. Set to go on sale next February, the new Commodore will be available in liftback, wagon and crossover body styles, spanning the entry-level, Calais and VXR trim levels. It will be the first ever modern Commodore to see the absence of a ute body.
Power comes from a 191kW / 350Nma 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol driving the front wheels, or a 235W / 381Nm 3.6-litre atmospheric V6 paired with all-wheel drive. Both engines are matched with new 9-speed automatic transmission.
Production of the last locally made, rear-wheel drive Commodore will come to an end a week after Motorclassica on October 20, concluding 40 years of local Commodore manufacturing.