Holden Reveals 2018 Commodore Pricing & Specifications

by Jim Kem under News on 12 Dec 2017 12:40:44 PM12 Dec 2017

Holden Reveals 2018 Commodore Pricing & Specifications10

Holden Reveals 2018 Commodore Pricing & Specifications

Just as the new year is around the corner, so too is the all-new Commodore. As such, it certainly is high time we know some concrete numbers about the new European-sourced sedan before its showroom debut in late February, and Holden has now revealed pricing for the new range, starting at $33,690 (not including on-road costs) or with a driveaway price of $35,890.

Right from the get-go, it’s assuring to learn that the 2018 model will arrive with nearly $2,000 slashed from the entry price of its locally-built predecessor, especially when considering the more comprehensive suite of tech and safety kit on offer.

Available in essentially three body styles - Liftback, Sportwagon, and slightly more rugged and higher-riding Tourer - things kick off with the LT 2.0-litre turbo, which introduces us to the first of two engines in the powering the new Commodore at launch (a diesel option will follow later), and producing a rather respectable 191kW/350Nm; the 50Nm reduction in peak torque from the engine’s Opel tune shouldn’t be noticeable. Power is sent to the front wheels (a quartet of 17-inch alloys) after being funnelled through a 9-speed automatic, the Commodore’s sole transmission pairing.

The standard specification is indeed quite strong and relatively value-packed, featuring automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, keyless entry and push-button start, rear view camera, 8-way powered driver’s seat, rain sensing wipers, park assist, a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, along with an impressive suite of advanced safety tech which includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision alert.

Above the LT in the Commodore ladder is the Calais and RS variants, both of which come with a choice of either the same 2.0-litre turbo-four or a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6 that develops 230kW and 382Nm. The former grade focuses more on luxury while the latter is geared to those looking for touch of extra sportiness, and each are split between the standard and better specified ’V’.

A series of feature upgrades and a longer equipment list follow accordingly, such as 18-inch wheels and more functionality by way of pre-collision safety. Both the RS-V and Calais-V, though, receives the most amount of kit in addition to that V6 as standard, and could be thought of as the range-topper should the performance-oriented VXR be taken out of the equation.

Both get the an all-wheel drive system with electronic limited-slip differential, the advanced Hi Per Strut front suspension, a higher resolution 8-inch infotainment screen, in-built satellite navigation, and leather seats. However, the Calais-V is also given a sunroof, a driver’s seat with massage function, 360-degree camera, and a BOSE audio system.

Finally, the Commodore VXR (available only as the Liftback) builds atop the RS-V with larger 20-inch alloys, adaptive suspension with Continuous Damping Control, stronger Brembo front brakes, an electric sunroof, Adaptive LED Matrix headlights, adaptive cruise control, leather sports seats, and the same BOSE speakers system found in the Calais-V. Unfortunately, no improvements to the powertrain have been indicated at.