Geneva show: Holden Commodore Sportwagon outed

HOLDEN has unveiled the Sportwagon version of its next-generation, European-sourced NG Commodore ahead of its public debut in Opel guise at the Geneva motor show, featuring a tailgate with keyless opening and 1640 litres of boot space with the rear seats folded down.

Styling remains similar to the liftback version revealed in December, with a few notable differences at the rear.

The Sportwagon features a sloped tailgate with a subtle roof spoiler, a pair of trapezoidal exhaust pipes set into the rear bumper, and a chrome window blade that flows from the bottom of the A-pillar, along the roofline and down into the tail-light cluster.

The LED tail-lights also have a different design to the liftback, featuring a squarer design to match the shape of the tailgate and exhausts.

The long lines of the Sportwagon are further emphasised by silver roof rails that stretch from the front windscreen to the tailgate.

One of the new features that will be offered on the Sportwagon is the ability to open the tailgate with a ‘kicking’ gesture.

The owner can move their leg in a sweeping motion along the bottom of the tailgate, with the correct area highlighted by a vehicle silhouette projected onto the ground, and can then be closed again using the same gesture.

Users can program the height of which the tailgate is opened in case the car is used in a garage, and the opening system can detect any obstruction and will stop in case of an emergency.

Alternatively, the boot can also be opened by a switch in the cabin, a button on the tailgate or the key’s remote control.

Boot space is expanded to 1640L when activating the one-touch folding seats that are arranged in 40/20/40 split-fold configuration.

Features that will be included on both bodystyles of the new Commodore include a new head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking.

As previously reported, the new Commodore will be offered for the first time with 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel variants sending power to the front wheels, as well as a flagship 230kW/370Nm petrol V6 variant that uses a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD).

Despite missing out on V8 variants that have been a traditional staple of the Commodore, Holden claims that the new model will save up to 200kg of weight over the old model depending on power and trim.

The AWD version will also receive a state-of-the-art torque vectoring system that will maximise performance and improve handling.

Adaptive suspension will also be employed, offered in three settings: tour, standard and sport.

Geneva will mark the first time that the new Commodore will be shown in the flesh, with additional information on local specification and pricing coming closer it its launch next year.