2018 Holden Commodore: Is this it

HERE it is! Spy photographers have sprung the 2018 Holden Commodore, the most anticipated new car in more than a decade, in glorious, fully undisguised production form – and only about a week out from its expected official reveal.

Both the black sedan/hatch and grey wagon sprung on a photo shoot in sunny Southern California -- complete with German numberplates -- wear flagship Opel Insignia OPC livery. We understand everything bar the badges will translate wholesale onto the NG Commodore, due here in about a year’s time.

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In the words of then-prime minister Ben Chifley at the launch of the original 48-215 on November 29, 1948… She’s a beauty!

The Insignia sports a wide-wheeled stance, crisp contemporary angles (check out that C-pillar point!), sculpted lines, and unique detailing such as the chrome strip that follows the wagon’s window line down to the tailgate. This should give the MY18 Commodore the style and attitude to take on other premium Euro imports, including mainstream competitors such as the Ford Mondeo/Fusion.

The latest Astra-style design language seems to have translated handsomely onto a family car the size of the 1997-2006 VT-VZ Commodore. However, it is worth noting that the Insignia Grand Sport pictured will also challenge segment-leading wagons such as the Skoda Superb in terms of space and practicality, greatly sharpening the NG Commodore’s appeal… as long as Holden prices it right.

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Furthermore, look closely at the Insignia … sorry, Commodore’s nose: being an OPC, you’re most likely looking at a top-line Holden Commodore SS-V alternative, complete with 3.6-litre V6 auto, trick all-wheel-drive system, and – judging from the radar tech grille insert just below the badge – advanced driver-assist technology such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Throw in adaptive dampers as part of a complex drive-select mode, and we’re talking about the most advanced Holden yet. Bring it on!

We’ll know more about the most important NG Commodore when Holden reveals further details, which rumours suggest could be as early as this week.