!NEW! Next-Generation Holden Commodore Breaks Cover – Brings Premium Technology To The People

First images of Holden’s cutting-edge Next Generation Commodore released  

Commodore takes technology usually seen only in high-end premium vehicles and brings it to the people

Most advanced Commodore ever includes: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive suspension, 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control and Matrix lighting

V6 flagship boasts 230 kW and 370 Nm, world-first Twinster All-Wheel  Drive system and 9-speed transmission for the first time ever on a Holden  

Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018

Next-generation Holden Commodore on sale in 2018

Holden revealed first images and more details of the all-new Commodore ahead of its Australian launch early in 2018. The next-gen Commodore takes cutting-edge safety, driving and infotainment technology and makes it available for today’s Australians, everywhere. The next-generation Holden Commodore is democratizing technology.

Now with images of the next Commodore breaking cover, Australia gets its first look at the sleek and sophisticated design that will be hitting Australian roads in 2018. Designed in Germany by the Opel team with input from GM Holden’s team, the new Commodore takes the best of Europe and makes it great for Australia.

Building on information released last month regarding the next-generation Commodore, Holden has today confirmed a raft of premium technologies will make Commodore the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. From potentially life-saving safety technology features, to active driving technology and seamless infotainment, the all-new Commodore will make driving safer, easier, more involving and more connected than ever before for Australian customers.

“Customers are expecting more of their vehicles than ever before,” said Holden’s Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley. “The all-new 2018 Commodore redefines the level of technology people can expect, and how tech can help our customers be safer, more involved and more connected than ever before. The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles and makes it available for everyday Australians. Combined with the howling V6, world-first all-wheel-drive system and all the on-road performance you expect from the Commodore, this is a car that ticks all the boxes and more,” said Mr Keley.

Going on sale in Australia early in 2018, the new Commodore range will be headlined by the V6 flagship model, the first ever imported Commodore will honour the iconic nameplate by being the most technologically-advanced Holden ever. With a cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system channeling 230 kilowatts and 370 Newton metres to the road, combined with adaptive suspension technology, a company-first nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, the next-generation Commodore will continue to cement Holden’s reputation for class-leading driving dynamics and on-road refinement.

Jeremy Tassone, Holden’s Engineering Group Manager for Vehicle Development, said the technical underpinnings of the next Commodore also represents Holden’s commitment to bringing the best vehicles from around the word to Australian customers.

“From its cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system, to nine-speed transmission and adaptive suspension, this is a true driver’s car in the way Commodore has always been. We’re taking the best of Europe and making it even better for our Australian customers. I can’t wait for our customers to get behind the wheel”

In addition to the Commodore’s unique all-wheel-drive system, further details surrounding the ‘FlexRide’ suspension system have also been confirmed. The continuously adaptable FlexRide chassis electro-hydraulically adapts the dampers to the road and the driving conditions 500 times per second or 30,000 times per minutes.

Additionally, the driver can save personal preferences for the steering characteristics, throttle response and dampers via the ‘Sport’ button.

• Standard: The automatic control selects the best set-up based on the information collected by the vehicle sensors.
• Tour: Comfortable chassis configuration, and throttle response for best fuel consumption and most relaxed touring. The right mode for relaxing long-distance drives.
• Sport: Brake dive is reduced, flat and responsive chassis control at high speeds and the throttle and steering provide more direct feedback.

The new central ‘Drive Mode Control’ software is the heart and soul of the adaptive chassis. It continuously analyses the information provided by the sensors and setting and recognizes the individual driving style. The individual systems are then optimized for the best traction and road position.

Exterior Design:

The design of the next Commodore is based on the ‘Monza’ Concept car, created by the Opel Design team in Germany. The prominent front grille and the slim-line headlamps are directly inspired by the Monza Concept enhance the wide horizontal gesture of the front end and provide it with a bold appearance. The grille sits lower than on the outgoing model and further emphasises the solid stance.

The side window graphics feature with an upper chrome strip, rather than a full-chrome treatment, and the coupé-like roofline graphically pull the car down and emphasize its stretched appearance. The ‘blade’ light catcher in the lower doors pulls attention rearwards. The new Commodore is as sleek as it looks: it has an exemplary drag factor of 0.26 making it one of the most aerodynamic vehicles in its class.

At the rear, clear and simple lines combined with the slim, precise double-wing LED signature also give the car a wider appearance. The newly designed center high-mounted LED stop lamp has been integrated into the roofline. It helps to give the rear end a more high-tech look typical of premium brands’ vehicles.

Interior Design:

The attention to the smallest detail is also evident inside the Commodore. The cockpit is organized along horizontal lines, enhancing the feeling of elegant lightness and of space. The cockpit is orientated to the driver for a sportier feeling. The generous center console that further embraces the driver provides the feeling of sitting in a much larger class of vehicle. Clean lines, modern surfaces and first-class craftsmanship with soft-feel materials at all touch points contribute to a feeling of elegance and grace.

Infotainment system design:

Equal attention has been paid to the controls and the infotainment interface. The frameless touchscreen of the infotainment system exudes a sophisticated and technical charm. Many functions are controlled via the touchscreen in order to simplify the interface, while three clusters of buttons have been designed to allow quick and intuitive operations: the upper ones for the major functions of the infotainment system, the central ones for climate and heating controls, the lower ones for driver assistant controls. This very clear set-up avoids drivers and passengers having to dive into sub-menus on the touchscreen to find the most essential functions.

NEXT-GENERATION HOLDEN COMMODORE KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• Cutting-edge driver assistance systems and technology:
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Speed Limit Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keep Assist
• Forward Collision Alert
• Side Blind-Zone Alert
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• 360-degree Camera

• Next-generation comfort and convenience technologies:
  • Massage Seats
  • Rear one-touch folding seats
  • Heated Front and Rear seats
  • Ventilated Front seats
  • Express up/down all windows
  • Wagon power lift-gate
  • Active Noise Cancellation

Program overview:

• Next-generation Commodore built in Germany on all-new, global E2 architecture shared with Opel Insignia
• Lightweight construction methods result in approximately 200kg weight savings compared to current Commodore
• Flagship model offers V6 AWD drivetrain with Holden-first 9-speed transmission
• V6 engine delivers 230 kW / 370 Nm while being incredibly efficient thanks to Stop-Start technology and Active Fuel Management
• 2.0T petrol and 2.0T diesel front-wheel drive models also coming to Australia
• Liftback and Sportwagon body-styles
• Cutting-edge, adaptive all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and twin-clutch (Twinster) rear differential system
• Adaptive ‘Flexride’ suspension system offers three settings: Tour, Standard and Sport 
• Next-generation matrix lighting system
• Infotainment includes:
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto
• 8-inch configurable LCD instrument display
• Next-gen head-up display

Additional details and information to be confirmed closer to launch.

!NEW! High-Tech, High-Style: All-New Holden Astra Is Coming Soon

• First Holden Astra rolls off the production line in Europe
• Special pre-order campaign sees Holden Astra pricing start at $25,312 drive away
• Advanced technology includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliLux LED Matrix headlamps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and rear view camera
• Holden Astra on sale from December 2016

All-New Holden Astra

 Holden has announced the high-tech, all-new Astra will soon arrive in Australia with customers able to get their hands on the 2016 European Car of the Year for as little as $25,312 drive away.

Rolling off Opel’s Gliwice production line for the first time, the all-new Holden Astra comes to Australia after receiving multiple awards and accolades in Europe^… thanks to its impressive blend of premium European styling, world-class driving experience and an array of high-tech features.

Holden Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley, said the all-new Astra will be the next vehicle to be launched in Holden’s huge new product onslaught and offered the perfect combination of leading design, performance and technology with exceptional customer value.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see the first all-new Holden Astra built and ready to ship – it’s a stunning car, packed with state-of-the-art technology, and another great example of the exciting future vehicles we will be introducing over the next couple of years. Holden has committed to replacing or refreshing every single model in our line-up as part of our plan to launch 24 new models by the end of 2020,” said Mr. Keley.

“Astra’s premium European design oozes quality and style, and with Australian input and extensive global testing, you can be sure it will deliver the performance and refinement Holden has built its reputation on.

“Standout features including Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert and Active Lane Keep Assist, ensure the all-new Astra brings premium tech and polish to the segment.

 “Astra’s combination of state-of-the-art technology, style and performance, coupled with very attractive pricing, will shake-up the small-car segment and redefine what a Holden small car can be.”

ALL-NEW EUROPEAN DESIGN

Whilst the Astra name is long serving in Australia, the incoming Astra is all-new. Developed from a clean-sheet design under the watchful eye of Opel/Vauxhall’s Vice President – Design, Mark Adams, Astra exhibits the same sleek, ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ design philosophy first introduced on the stunning Monza concept in 2013.

Focused on blending style and efficiency, Astra is built off a new vehicle architecture that facilitates up to 130kg weight reduction whilst allowing the introduction of distinct styling cues. A rear floating roof design complemented by a sports front fascia and grille that extends seamlessly into the front LED headlamp design, give Astra a strong and unmistakable road presence.

PACKED WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY

Aside from enhancing Astra’s design, the IntelliLux LED Matrix headlamps lead the display of state-of-the-art technology packed into the ninth of the 24 new models Holden is committed to launching by 2020. Consisting of 16 individual LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle - the new LED Matrix system works with the Holden Eye front camera to automatically adapt length and distribution of the light beam, depending on traffic situations.

Astra’s raft of high-tech features also extends into active safety.  Rear view camera is available as standard across the range, accompanied by Holden Eye forward facing camera^ facilitating key features including Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking and Side Blind Spot Alert to reduce, and in some cases avoid, collision incidents.

Equally as impressive as Astra’s exterior design is an interior that effortlessly blends style with technology, significantly reducing the number of buttons and adding an element of simplicity when compared with its predecessor.  Centered around a colour touch screen display housing the latest Holden MyLink with Apple CarPlay^® and Android^® Auto** phone projection technology, Astra boasts luxury leather-appointed, heated front seat as well as a premium heated seated wheel.

ASTRA DRIVES LIKE A HOLDEN SHOULD

Astra is equipped with a new and frugal all-aluminum, 1.4 litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine capable of producing up to 110 kW of power and 240 Nm of torque with a targeted combined fuel consumption of as little as 5.8L/100km. Customers that enjoy a sportier drive have the option of a more powerful 1.6-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine, boasting up to 147 kW of power and a 300 Nm of torque.

Holden’s Director of Vehicle Performance, Ian Butler, said Holden and Opel identified efficiencies and similarities in customers’ expectations and vehicle usage and were able to work together to develop a common vehicle setup.

“Holden and Opel share very similar D.N.A. but we still made sure our engineers were involved in developing Astra and setting targets, right from the start of the program,” Mr. Butler said.

“We’ve engineered our own unique Australian chassis input which, when combined with the new 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre turbo petrol engine options, we’re confident will excel on the variety of road surfaces in Australia.

“Along with Spark and Colorado, Astra is another great example of how Holden is collaborating with GM engineers globally to ensure we can deliver the best vehicles to Australia and also share our expertise for the benefit of other markets.”

The high-tech all-new Holden Astra will go sale in December with customers encouraged to register their interest with dealers early, to avoid missing out.


2017 Holden Astra Feature Highlights

Astra R

• 1.4 litre turbo ECOTEC engine
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• 7-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Rear View Camera with Rear Park Assist
• Digital Radio

Astra RS (above Astra R)

• 1.6 litre turbo ECOTEC engine
• Passive Entry Push-button Start
• Advanced Park Assist
• Side Blind Spot Alert
• Holden Eye forward facing camera with:
  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Forward Collision Alert
  • Lane Keep Assist

Astra RS-V (above Astra R)

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Leather-appointed, front heated seats
• Heated Steering Wheel
• 8-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Embedded satellite navigation
• LED tail lamps
• Dual zone climate control

 Astra has received numerous awards including:

• 2016 European Car of the Year
• 2015 Golden Steering Wheel
• UK Car of the Year
• 2015 Scottish Car of the Year
• Auto Express: Compact Family Car of the Year 2016
• What Car?: Car of the Year 2016 - Best Family Car
• Autocar: 2016 Game Changer
• Fleet News Awards: Best Lower Medium Car

!NEW! All-New Holden Astra Confirmed For Australian Release Late In 2016

• Sleek and stylish next-generation Astra revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show
• All-new vehicle architecture means up to 130kg weight saving for Australian models
• New 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre turbo petrol engines offer more power and leading fuel economy; 5-door variant confirmed for Australia 
• New high-tech Astra comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in advanced infotainment system
• Holden engineering team involved in global chassis tuning and development 

The all-new Astra was revealed today at the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, giving Australians another taste of what is to come in Holden’s new-model onslaught that will see 24 new models introduced over the next five years.

Destined for a late 2016 release by Holden in Australia, the new Astra is a clean-sheet design from Opel’s European headquarters in Russelsheim, focusing on style and efficiency whilst following the ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ design philosophy introduced on the stunning Monza concept in 2013.

Mark Bernhard, Holden Chairman and Managing Director, said the all-new Astra promised Australian customers European style and sophistication, coupled with outstanding efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and connectivity features that signal the future for the Holden brand and its vehicles.

“The all-new Astra is a stunning car and clearly signposts Holden’s future product strategy – bringing in the best cars from around the GM world for our customers.  The Astra offers leading design, performance and technology, and is the latest vehicle to be confirmed as part of Holden’s new product onslaught that promises 24 new models by 2020,” Mr Bernhard said. 

“Astra has made a giant leap forward with a new engine line-up, lightweight design and an advanced infotainment system complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.

“The 5-door Astra is a perfect small car for Australians and I am excited to say that, following local engineering input to ensure its performance is optimised for our unique road conditions, Holden will be offering this car in late 2016 alongside the recently launched Astra GTC and VXR sports hatches.”

Astra utilises a completely new vehicle architecture, facilitating a sleek new look and weight reduction of up to 130 kilograms for Australian models, lending to a more engaging driving experience.

The drive experience is further enhanced with the employment of an engine portfolio consisting of 1.4 litre turbo and 1.6 litre turbo engines, both with the ability to blend exceptional fuel economy with effortless performance.

All-aluminum: New 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 114 kW and 240 Nm

Making its debut in Astra, the all-aluminum, 1.4 litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine is capable of producing up to 114 kW of power and  of torque with a targeted fuel consumption of as little as 5.6L/100km.  Alternatively, customers can select the sportier 1.6 litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine, boasting up to 147 kW of power and a class leading 300 Nm of torque.

New 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW and 300 Nm

Holden engineers have shared their expertise and experience in contributing to global development rides as well as driving change into Astra’s chassis controls tuning to ensure the car performs well on Australian roads.

Ian Butler, Holden Director of Vehicle Performance, said the design and performance of Astra promised an exceptional small car that, with involvement of Holden’s engineering team during its development, would be perfectly suited to Australians.

“This car has been designed and engineered in Europe to the highest standards and with our chassis tuning input it will excel on Australian roads,” Mr. Butler said.

“The new engine line-up and new, lightweight architecture combine to deliver a refined yet engaging driving experience, maintaining the characteristics the Astra nameplate is famous for.”

Elsewhere, the exterior styling of the all-new Astra, exudes efficiency and style.  Clean, flowing design lines coupled with a floating effect roof and reduction in length and height ensure a leaner, more streamlined body, resulting in an improvement in aerodynamics.

Inside the car, and despite its reduction in exterior size, Astra actually boasts increased rear-seat legroom, complimented by a contemporary cockpit design that is headed by an advanced colour touch screen display housing the latest smartphone integration technology via Apple Car Play and Android Auto. 

Peter Keley, Executive Director - Sales said, the all-new Astra was sure to shake up the very competitive small-car market, offering style, performance and features in one compelling package.

“Make no mistake, the all-new Astra is a world class car.  Its ability to combine outstanding fuel economy with exceptional small car performance and connectivity features will put Holden back on buyer’s shopping list,” Mr. Keley said.

“More and more Australian drivers demand their cars to integrate seamlessly with their lives and their smartphones and key to Astra’s appeal is the advanced infotainment system, complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility. 

“With all of that in one package, we are confident that this vehicle will connect with customers and sitting next to the popular Astra GTC and VXR sports hatches, clearly indicates the quality of Holden’s future product range.”

The exciting, all-new Astra will be launched by Holden in Australia in late 2016 and is part of the brands ongoing product onslaught following the release of a range of European sourced current generation products earlier in 2015.