2018 Holden Commodore Tourer revealed

Holden has confirmed it will be adding an all-wheel-drive, high-riding variant to its all-new 2018 Commodore line-up, dubbed the Tourer.

Based on the Opel Insignia Country Tourer, the crossover wagon is the third body style confirmed for the European-built NG Commodore, which will replace the locally built VF II next year.

The Tourer’s off-road capability will be partly imparted by the GKN Twinster AWD system also underpinning the more on-road focused V6 versions of the NG Commodore sedan.

So far the only confirmed engine option is the 230kW/370Nm 3.6-litre naturally-aspirated V6 mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

The Commodore Tourer is 110mm longer than the Commodore sedan and 20mm longer than the Commodore Sportwagon. Ground clearance grows by 20mm, and black plastic trimmings on the wheel arches follow the lead of cars like the Subaru Outback for a more rugged appearance.

Luggage space benefits from rear seatbacks that offer a 40/20/40 split and roof rails for expanding storage space with roof racks.

Interior highlights include front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, heated rear seats, a powered lift-back and active noise cancelation.

With SUV sales now outstripping traditional passenger cars, the Tourer could give Commodore some extra fight in the showroom battle.

Like its sedan sibling, the Tourer will feature AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assistance as standard.

While mild off-road wagons are common in Europe it will be the first time Holden has dabbled with the concept since the Holden Adventra, based on the VYII-VZ Commodore wagon offered between 2003 and 2006.

The Commodore Tourer will launch locally at the same time as the next-generation sedan and Sportwagon in early 2018.