Holden’s next-generation Commodore range arrives in Holden New Zealand showrooms from the beginning of next month.
The baseline LT liftback model will be $4000 cheaper than it’s current equivalent sedan model.
The new models are both more powerful, more fuel-efficient, and more practical than previous Commodores.
But is this enough to appease Australasian motoring fans? Before you make up your mind, here are ten facts you need to know about the new ZB Commodore range.
1 - The new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the 3.0-litre V6 in base model Commodores. With 191kW output at 5500rpm and 350Nm from 3000-4000rpm it exceeds the output of the outgoing 3.0-litre SIDI V6 unit which produced 185kW and 290Nm of torque.
2 - Base model fuel consumption improves from 8.3L/100km to 7.4L/100km and the other part of the performance equation sees the entry level Commodore LT weigh-in at 106kg less than the outing VF II Evoke.
3 - The updated 3.6-litre V6 engine now develops 235kW at 6800rpm — an increase of 25kW over VF II models — while peak torque is 381Nm (up by 31Nm) at 5200rpm. The V6 engine features direct injection and fuel-saving AFM cylinder de-activation.
4 - The optional 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel available in LT Liftback and Sportwagon models has 125kW output at 3750rpm and develops 400Nm from 1750-2500rpm. An eight-speed automatic is paired with the diesel and the LT liftback has a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.6L/100km.
5 - All 2.0-litre models have a McPherson strut front suspension and four-link rear suspension. The V6 AWD models have a HiPer strut design and a five-link rear suspension. Holden designates the suspension tune as FE1 Tour on 2.0-litre LT, RS, Calais and the V6 powered Calais V and Tourer. FE2 Sport is used for the RS and RS-V models and the VXR has a Nurburgring-tuned FE3 Performance suspension with adaptive dampers.
6 - LT models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels while 18-inch alloys are fitted on RS, RS-V and Calais models and also the Tourer with a taller profile tyre. For Calais-V and VXR there are 20-inch wheel styles with Continental tyres on the Calais-V and 245/35 ZR 20 Michelin performance tyres for the VXR.|
7 - In Liftback bodystyle the ZB is 50mm shorter than the VF II while the wheelbase is reduced by 86mm. It’s also 16mm lower and 36mm narrower than the VF. The more efficient packaging of a transverse engine means key interior measurements such as the couple distance between front and rear seats and the rear seat kneeroom change by very small amounts. Rear seat headroom is reduced by 13mm the Liftback but increases by 3mm in the Sportwagon.
8 - Liftback cargo space is reduced by 5 litres to 490 litres compared to a VF II sedan but there is a gain in versatility with the five-door format and 1450 litres of space with the split rear seats folded. The ZB Sportwagon and Tourer have 560 litres of cargo space measured to the top of the rear seats.
9 - A number of technology highlights are available on a Commodore for the first time — beyond the introduction of adaptive AWD, a nine-speed automatic and a diesel engine. Adaptive Cruise Control with autonomous emergency braking, a 360-degree camera, heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging and a handsfree power tailgate available on Sportwagon and Tourer are among the firsts.
10 - The Commodore VXR and Calais-V also feature a next-generation adaptive LED matrix headlight system with 16 separate LEDs in each lamp unit and full active lighting to avoid dazzling other road users.
Look out for Driven in The Weekend Herald and Driven.co.nz for our first driving impressions of three ZB Commodore models tomorrow.
