WHAT IS IT?

Think Ford Mondeo – European mid-to-large sized liftback or wagon with petrol or diesel option – and that’s exactly what the ZB Commodore from Germany (via Opel) is aimed at. But Holden’s influence is visible in the chassis calibration, V6 AWD availability and aggressive marketing. The big rear-drive sedan is dead… for this.

Firstly, the ZB Commodore must step in the big wide shoes left by the Australian-made VFII, and so must possess identifiable performance, dynamic, packaging and visual family traits to be considered a worthy successor. Secondly, as a global front or all-wheel drive family car, the Opel Insignia-based ZB must crossover (quite literally in the Tourer’s case) into SUV territory as well as be a Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 competitor.

MAIN RIVALS

Kia Stinger, Ford Mondeo, Mazda 6, Toyota Camry, Subaru Liberty/Outback, Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, Kia Optima

THE WHEELS VERDICT

The world’s moved on from large rear-drive sporty sedans (but don’t tell Kia), and so basing the replacement for the Aussie-made Commodore on a front/all-wheel drive Opel Insignia seemed inevitable.

But Holden’s input has made a difference for the better, with added spice in the guise of the V6 AWD variants (especially the VXR) not offered in the host model, while the advent of the Subaru Outback-esque Tourer as well as the excellent four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel versions have also broadened the series’ appeal. But while the higher you went the better the cars became in the old VF, the opposite may be true with the new ZB.

We’d certainly try these before buying any of the aforementioned rivals.

PLUS: Four-pot value, performance, dynamics, refinement, economy; space, choice, versatility MINUS: Disappointing V6 AWD acceleration, 20-inch wheel ride (VXR excepted), styling

THE WHEELS REVIEW

NOTHING says ‘new era’ like Commodore.

Back in ’78, the VB original – designed by Opel – was smaller and way more sophisticated than the American-esque HZ it replaced, with Holden promoting it as “a new kind of car for Australia”.

Now, 40 years later, history is repeating with the ZB – a rebadged and refettled Opel Insignia. Made in Germany, five doors replace four, four cylinders oust eight, rear-drive gives way to front or all-wheel drive and manuals are history. There’s even a bloody diesel. Echoing then-PM Ben Chifley in 1948, we can almost hear Angela Merkel declare “Sie ist eine beauty!”.

Deceptively, ZB sits between VF and the 1997 VT in length and width, so despite an 86mm shorter wheelbase, there’s room to stretch inside. And though shoulder room shrinks 57mm, subjectively Commodore still seems wider than a Camry. The rear is almost flawlessly packaged, blending space and comfort sumptuously. And cargo capacity, though five litres shy at 490L, introduces hatchback versatility. Downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading.

Horizontal dash themes (a la Astra) further boost that sense of room, with the layout and driving position garnering praise for reach, clarity and operation. Contemporary instrumentation (fully digital in swisher variants), friendly multimedia, effective ventilation, stacks of storage and Teutonic build quality elevate Commodore to Passat levels of liveability.

But most VFs offered something more. The old cabin’s warmth and texture hasn’t migrated, giving way to smooth but dull monochromatic homogeny. We had to check the $51,990 Calais-V’s badge to confirm it wasn’t a lesser model.

Mind you, spirits should soar behind the wheel of the 191kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four/nine-speed auto front-driver, sampled in bestselling $37,290 RS Liftback form.

Furthermore, the 2.0L’s handling is defined by light yet involving steering, providing quick and confident cornering, backed up by unflappable roadholding. Just as outstanding is the comfortable, isolated ride (on 18-inch rubber). The fierce four-cylinder ZBs truly punch well above their weight. Great finessing job, Holden.

A huge shame too, because the VXR’s chassis poise and grip are remarkable, resulting in exceptional agility and control at higher speeds; but though the driver is connected to the action, the steering does feel uncharacteristically light. We actually prefer the 2.0L’s set-up.

Ironically, then, it’s the high-flying four-pot turbo front-drivers rather than the favoured V6s that best reflect Holden’s dynamic DNA. Or, in other words, less is more in this new era of imported Commodore.

SPECS

Model: Holden Commodore RS Liftback Engine: 1998cc 4-cyl, dohc, 16v turbo Max power: 191kW @ 5500rpm Max torque: 350Nm @ 3000-4000rpm Transmission: 9-speed auto Weight: 1534kg 0-100km/h: 7.2s (estimated) Fuel economy: 7.6L/100km Price: $37,290 On sale: Now