Holden New Zealand is preparing to steer a slightly different path to Australia to position the next generation Commodore when it arrives early next year.
Speaking last night at a preview of the new Holden Equinox SUV — and also outlining near-future product plans for the Astra Sportwagon, next-gen Commodore and Acadia SUV — Holden NZ managing director Kristian Aquilina described the high-ride Tourer model as the ‘‘headline act’’ for the 2018 Commodore range.
He said the Tourer will be a key focus for the Commodore programme in New Zealand.
‘‘The Tourer is a great way to think about Commodore differently. There is a bigger role to play for this configuration,’’ Mr Aquilina said.
‘‘It sets the tone for Commodore in the future supported by the new five-door liftbacks and regular wagons. The Tourer is well-tailored to what Kiwis want.’’
The Commodore Tourer will combine the all-wheel-drive system — that will be standard on V6 liftback and wagon models — with a modest 20mm increase in ground clearance and protective off-road body additions to give it a stylishly rugged stance.
The configuration will allow the Commodore line-up to straddle the large car segment and also lean into the SUV segment with its lifestyle focus.
Holden New Zealand will launch the next generation Commodore in early 2018 with the three choices of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and the upgraded 3.6-litre V6 unit. Five-door liftback, conventional wagon and high-ride Tourer bodystyles comprise the range.
The New Zealand market will initially receive most of the model variants to be launched in Australia but Mr Aquilina said the selection of models would likely be trimmed as New Zealand customers reveal their preferences and Holden NZ concentrates on the most popular models.
The next-gen Commodore sits third in a queue of imminent Holden new model launches.
From November 1 the Astra small car range gains its third bodystyle with the Sportwagon set to join hatchback and sedan models.
The Astra Sportwagon is powered by the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine coupled with a six-speed transmission and fuel saving stop/start technology. Pricing will start from $35,990 for the LS model and a higher-specification LT is priced from $39,990.
The Sportwagon can provide up to 1600 litres of cargo space while its array of safety systems includes Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert in addition to a Rear View Camera.
On sale timing for the new Equinox SUV — replacing the five-seat Captiva models — has been confirmed as December 1 for five variants offering turbocharged petrol engines while two 1.6-litre diesel models will follow in 2018.
Holden Captiva7 models will continue in the New Zealand market till late-2018 when the GMC Acadia seven seat SUV gains right-hand-drive status and receives Holden branding.
The Astra Sportwagon, Equinox, Commodore and Acadia are the next wave in Holden’s new model programme which will see the launch of 24 new models between 2016-2020.
