Holden has revealed the next-generation entry-level ZB Holden Commodore will enter the Australian market at a lower price point than the outgoing VF.
The front-wheel-drive LT liftback sedan - equipped with a 2-litre turbo engine - will arrive in Aussie showrooms with a $33,690RRP, $1,800 less than the base model it replaces, the Commodore VFll Evoke.
However, moving up the 12-strong ZB Commodore range, some models are due to be launched at a higher RRP than the outgoing Australian-built versions.
The 2-litre petrol Calais liftback is priced at $40,990 - $500 more than the old one - and the Calais-V fitted with adaptive AWD and a V6 engine will be priced from $51,990 - a $3240 increase over the current V6 version. The new ZB Calais range will come with an increased premium feature set with the addition of heated and cooled massage seats and wireless phone charging.
The top-spec 3.6-litre V6 AWD Commodore VXR, fitted continuous damping control suspension and front Brembo brakes will cost $55,990. The VXR's RRP is less than outgoing base-spec SS Commodore V8 and positioned at a similar price point to the new Kia Stinger.
Three bodystyles will be offered in Australia: Liftback sedan, Sportwagon and a high-riding Tourer.
The Liftback sedan will come in four trim levels - LT, Calais, RS, RS-V and top-spec VXR - with traditional SV6 and SS nameplates dropped.
The Sportwagon will be offered in LT and RS, both powered by the 2-litre petrol engine, and a top-spec RS-V Sportwagon with adaptive AWD and a V6 engine.
For a $3,000 premium, LT and Calais Liftback, and LT Sportwagon buyers' can swap the 2-litre petrol engine for a 2-litre turbo diesel unit.
The high-ride Tourer will only be offered in Calais or Calais-V, both equipped with the adaptive AWD and V6 engine.
Next-gen Commodore test mules are currently in the final stages of tuning at Holden's Lang Lang proving ground to get the ride, chassis and new engines ready for the ZB's Australasian release next year.
With the Australian launch fast approaching, Holden recently invited a large number of Commodore lovers to drive the new ZB Commodore. Holden vehicle development manager, Jeremy Tassone said the company was keen to get their feedback as the development process nears completion.
“We’ve hosted over 400 customers at the Lang Lang proving ground in the last few months to show them the next-generation Commodore in development and get their feedback on how it drives,” said Tassone.
“We’ve had a few skeptical people come for a drive but once they’ve been in the car and experienced the work the team has put in, they’ve left with huge smiles on their faces. It’s been great to see and be able to involve them.”
Holden say local testing - which has focused on suspension, steering, fine-tuning the radio and satellite navigation reception - is 'fast approaching 150,000km.'
The ZB Commodore is due to go on sale in February across the ditch, with a New Zealand launch planed for April 2018.
Local pricing will be announced closer to the New Zealand Launch.
