Holden have whipped the covers off the third variant of their 2018 Commodore replacement — named the Tourer.
Most notably, the Tourer sports all-wheel drive and 20mm of raised ride-height, allowing it to straddle the station wagon and mild off-roader markets — something we haven't seen from the nameplate since the Adventura during the mid–’00s.
Underneath of course, as previously reported with the reveal of the 'NG' Commodore, the Commodore Tourer shares the same international platform as the Opel Insignia. It's the third body-style that the marque have confirmed for the New Zealand market, following on from the sedan and Sportback wagon versions.
But, there are differences. The Tourer is 20mm longer than the Sportback, and 110mm longer than the sedan, for example.
“The next-generation Commodore Tourer gives the range a new level of appeal, combining New Zealanders love for SUVs with the practicality of a wagon and the driving appeal of a sedan,” said Managing Director of Holden New Zealand, Kristian Aquilina.
“Commodore Tourer comes with a high-tech AWD system and also lets customers select specific driving modes, giving them the flexibility to be able to get off the beaten track – whether that’s finding secluded camp spots, quiet surf beaches or high street boutiques in their city.”
The Tourer's all-wheel drive system is the same GKN Twinster set-up used in the more powerful V6 Commodore sedans and sportbacks, and makes use of torque-vectoring technology via two electically controlled clutches that help divert power to each of the car's four wheels effectively.
Safety features that the Tourer is set to inherit include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep and departure assist, and forward-collision alert.
The most obvious styling addition on the exterior of the Tourer is the protective black body cladding all round. A silver skid plate adds to the 'rugged' styling. Holden's release describes it as “if Bear Grylls and James Bond had a love child” in their release, whatever that means...
“The Commodore Tourer body-style is designed for the self-aware buyer who appreciates the style, seating comfort and practicality of a sportwagon with a bit more capability,” said Holden Australia Director – Design, Richard Ferlazzo.
Inside, massage seats lead a host of interior comforts. One-touch folding seats in the rear, ventilated ones in the front, and a power lift-gate in the back are also worth a mention.
Tourer pricing for the Kiwi market hasn't yet been confirmed, through it will no doubt be unveiled closer to the car's 2018 release.