2018 Holden Commodore RSV spied testing in Oz

IMAGINE the look on our faces when a quartet of unreleased and undisguised Holden ZB Commodores appeared at the petrol pumps next to us in Melbourne’s outer northern suburbs yesterday morning.

The upcoming VF Commodore replacements were being driven by Holden employees for “pre-production evaluation” accompanied by two examples of the Holden Equinox SUV, which goes on sale in Oz later this year.

So what did we learn?

Each of the four Commodores spied was different, including two which were fitted with RSV badges. That variant of the ZB was unknown until now.

It is understood the eventual line-up of ZB Commodores will include three sedan grades powered by atmo V6 engines when the range goes on sale in February next year.

RSV is expected to be the entry-level V6 model, effectively replacing the existing SV6 Commodore and sitting below the Calais V (pictured above in dark blue) and the flagship VXR (pictured in silver, middle), the latter of which takes the place of the current Commodore SS.

The complete Commodore range will be fleshed out by 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo models, diesel engine models and a wagon body style in various trim levels, including a jacked-up, armour-clad version.

It was possible to make out the outline of the new RSV lettering beneath carefully placed strips of black tape. Holden uses the RSV badge for the existing Astra range, and it makes sense that it would look to keep the now familiar badge for Commodore.

From the back, the RSV is near identical to the ZB Calais V, including matching twin tailpipes. From the front, RSV and VXR share matching bumpers and headlights.

It’s easier to distinguish the Holden Commodore VXR variant from the back. It gets slightly sportier styling than the other models, including exaggerated exhaust tips and a more pronounced rear spoiler. The VXR spied featured bucket-style front seats as seen in overseas markets where the VXR is sold as an Opel Insignia GSI and Buick Regal GS.

This is the first time the VXR has been seen in Holden guise without any camouflage. It has outputs of 230kW and 370Nm from a 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6, which powers a locally tuned all-wheel drive system through a nine-speed auto.

The VXR wore 20-inch Michelin Pilot Super Sport hoops, while the two RSVs rolled on 18-inch Continental ContiSportContact rubber wrapped around unique alloy wheel designs.

“We are currently testing the whole ZB Commodore range in Australia,” said a Holden spokesperson. “Eagle-eyed people will spot many more of them getting around.”

Up to 30 ZB Commodores are already in Australia for local testing.

This isn’t the first time a Holden Commodore has worn RSV badging. During the 1990s, a dealer-fitted option pack available from Rick Sivyer Holden in Brisbane for VN and VS Commodores was identified by an RSV sticker pack.

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