2018 Holden Commodore revealed

The digital covers have finally been torn off Holden's first fully imported Commodore, revealing the all-new and German-built Opel Insignia that will be fitted with the iconic lion badge for its Down Under debut in 2018.

Tagged NG - or Next Generation - Holden is promising its new Commodore will be the most technologically advanced model it has ever released, today confirming a comprehensive suite of safety and technology features - some of which has never before been seen on lion-badged product.

But it's bad news for fans of rear-wheel drive and V8 engines, with Holden confirming the top-flight version will instead be hiding a 230kW/370Nm V6 petrol engine under its sleek new bonnet. That power will be channeled through a new nine-speed automatic transmission (the first to appear in a Holden model) and sent to all four wheels via a 'Twinster' torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system that feeds power to either rear wheel when required.

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And while that might sound a little underwhelming to fans of the current SS V Redline Commodore, which produces 304kW/570Nm from its 6.2-litre V8, there is some good news hidden in the detail. Underpinned by GM's global E2 platform, the 2018 Commodore will be shorter, narrower and - crucially - 200kg lighter than the current car, so we're not expecting it to be a slouch when it comes to performance.

This is a true driver's car in the way Commodore has always been.

The flagship model will also arrive equipped with GM's 'FlexRide' suspension system, including an adaptive damper set-up that reacts to the road surface below 500 times per second. Drivers can also flick between several pre-set drive modes - Standard, Tour or Sport - adjusting throttle response, braking and steering inputs accordingly.

"From its cutting-edge all-wheel-drive system, to the nine-speed transmission and adaptive suspension, this is a true driver's car in the way Commodore has always been," says Jeremy Tassone, Holden's Engineering Group Manager for vehicle development.

"We're taking the best of Europe and making it even better for Australian customers. I can't wait for our customers to get behind the wheel."

The official renderings reveal a car far more sleek and, dare we say it, Euro-looking than the chunky current-generation Commodore it will be replacing.

Holden will also offer the new Commodore with a choice of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, both of which will feed their power to the front wheels.

The official renderings reveal a car far more sleek and, dare we say it, Euro-looking than the chunky current-generation Commodore it will be replacing, with a significantly less-busy grille and front end sweeping around to a fairly simple side profile, save for the chunky, floor-hugging body crease that suddenly climbs at the rear door.

From the rear, the renderings reveal a liftback-style boot as opposed to that of a traditionally hinged sedan. Yet to be officially revealed is the promised Sportwagon body shape, which will also debut in February 2018, or the heavily tipped crossover SUV-style version.

Inside, a clean and uncluttered dash is dominated by an integrated eight-inch multimedia screen, with Holden claiming to have prioritised a feeling of light and space.

Today's announcement also includes a long list of available safety systems, including AEB, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning with lane keep assist. A 360-degree reversing camera with rear cross traffic alert also appears on the features list, but what will arrive as standard on each model is yet to be confirmed.

The all-new 2018 Commodore redefines the level of technology people can expect.

To live up to its technologically advanced claim, Holden is also promising massaging front seats that are both heated and cooled, an active noise-cancelling interior and one-touch folding rear seats will all make the options list.

"Customers are expecting more of their vehicles than ever before," said Holden's Executive Director of Sales, Peter Keley.

"The all-new 2018 Commodore redefines the level of technology people can expect, and how tech can help our customers be safer, more involved and more connected than ever before. The Commodore combines technology across a number of areas in a way that you would usually only find in high-end prestige vehicles and makes it available for everyday Australians.

"Combined with the howling V6, world-first all-wheel drive system and all the on-road performance you expect from the Commodore, this is a car that ticks all the boxes and more."