Holden Commodore (ZB)
| Company type | Passenger car model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Holden Commodore (VF) |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Defunct | 2020 |
| Fate | Discontinued; model and brand retired |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Five-door liftback and station wagon automobiles |
| Parent | Holden (General Motors) |
The Holden Commodore (ZB) represents the fifth and final iteration of the Holden Commodore series, manufactured by the now-defunct Australian marque Holden between 2018 and 2020.
Overview
This generation marked Holden's inaugural and sole Commodore model imported rather than locally produced, available in five-door liftback and station wagon configurations.
Prior to this, Holden had introduced the first-generation Insignia under the Opel badge during 2012–2013, followed by the Holden Insignia from 2015 through 2017. The ZB model was the first Commodore to be assembled outside Australia, a consequence of the shutdown of Holden’s manufacturing facilities in Elizabeth, South Australia, and Fishermans Bend, Victoria, in October 2017.
Significantly, this was the first Commodore in three decades to come standard with a four-cylinder engine and notably omitted a V8 option for the first time in its forty-year existence. General Motors ended Australian production due to falling demand and ongoing financial deficits.
Sales of the ZB Commodore in Australia were disappointing, resulting in reduced production volumes and some of the lowest monthly sales figures since the original VB model debuted in 1978. In November 2019, only 309 units were sold.
As a result of weak market performance, both the ZB Commodore and the Commodore nameplate were retired by the end of 2020. The Holden brand itself ceased operations by early 2021.
Development
Work on the ZB Commodore commenced in 2012 through a collaboration between manufacturers on the next-generation Insignia, with Holden adapting it specifically for Australian driving conditions.
Compared to the Z18 Insignia, the ZB featured modifications including Australian-tuned steering, suspension, exhaust systems, and overall driving dynamics. It also incorporated a distinctive 3.6-litre LGX V6 engine not available in Vauxhall or Opel Insignia variants. The chassis received significant revisions, while Bose engineers re-engineered the sound symposer for the VXR trim.
Extensive testing took place within Australia; Holden logged over 100,000 km from 2012 until 2017 to ensure durability on local roads and to maintain driving characteristics familiar to Commodore enthusiasts.
Safety
Mirroring its VF Commodore predecessor, the ZB achieved a five-star rating from ANCAP. Initially, this rating was derived from Euro NCAP tests conducted on a 1.6-litre version not sold domestically; however, ANCAP later reassessed the Australian-spec V6 model and upheld the five-star safety rating.
| ANCAP Test Results | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Star rating: | |||
| Test | Points | Out of | % |
| Adult Occupant Protection: | 35.34 | 38 | 93% |
| Child Occupant Protection: | 41.96 | 49 | 85% |
| Pedestrian Protection: | 32.83 | 42 | 78% |
| Safety Assist: | 9.35 | 12 | 77% |
Powertrains
The ZB Commodore was available with multiple engine choices including petrol four-cylinder and diesel variants alongside a six-cylinder petrol option. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations were offered across liftback and wagon body styles.
Models
Holden revised the trim levels and model designations for the ZB Commodore compared to the VF generation, maintaining only the Calais and Calais-V from earlier series—a luxury designation originally introduced with the 1984 VK-series. The pricing structure was adjusted downward overall, although wagon versions commanded a premium. The ZB Commodore's lineup was divided into Luxury (LT, Calais, Calais-V) and Sport (RS, RS-V, VXR) categories, each differentiated by distinct front and rear bumper designs as well as side skirts; notably, the RS-V and VXR trims featured larger exhaust outlets.
Models equipped with either the 2.0L turbocharged petrol or diesel engines were exclusively front-wheel drive. In contrast, all variants powered by the 3.6L petrol V6 employed an all-wheel drive system utilizing GKN's Twinster torque vectoring technology, similar to that found in the Ford Focus RS.
Commodore LT
The LT acted as the entry-level Commodore model, succeeding the Evoke and priced $3,935 less than its predecessor. It was available with a front-wheel drive 2.0L turbo four-cylinder paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission or an optional 2.0L diesel engine mated to an eight-speed automatic.
Standard equipment encompassed 17-inch alloy wheels, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist, a 7-inch MyLink infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Passive Entry and Push Button Start functionality. The LT could be chosen as either a liftback or wagon body style.
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Price (Liftback) | Price (Sportswagon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | I4 | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) | 9-speed automatic | $33,690 | $35,890 |
| Diesel | I4 | 2.0L (1956 cc) | 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS) | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) | 8-speed automatic | $36,690 | $38,690 |
Commodore RS
Serving as the entry-level sports variant, the RS offered an upgraded cabin featuring unique seat designs and a specialized steering wheel alongside advanced safety technologies such as Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Powertrain choices included a front-wheel drive 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder with nine-speed automatic transmission or an all-wheel drive 3.6L V6 available only on liftback models. Standard fitment included 18-inch alloy wheels, with both liftback and wagon configurations offered.
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Price (Liftback) | Price (Sportswagon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | I4 | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) | 9-speed automatic | $37,290 | $39,490 |
| Petrol | V6 | 3.6L (3564 cc) | 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) | 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) | 9-speed automatic | $42,490 | N/A |
Commodore RS–V
Positioned as the mid-tier performance option, the RS–V built upon the RS by adding features such as an upgraded 8-inch MyLink system with satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging capability, Hi Per Strut suspension technology, leather upholstery, exclusive alloy wheels, larger exhaust tips, and the Twinster all-wheel drive system. This model was exclusively paired with the V6 AWD powertrain and available in both liftback and wagon forms.
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Price (Liftback) | Price (Sportswagon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | V6 | 3.6L (3564 cc) | 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) | 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) | 9-speed automatic | $46,990 | $49,190 |
Commodore VXR
Following the discontinuation of the SS badge and V8 engine, the VXR emerged as Holden's premier performance variant. It came equipped with 20" alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, Opel’s IntelliLux Matrix LED headlights, Brembo front brakes, and distinctive VXR and Competitive drive modes designed to boost acceleration. Additional features included a prominent rear spoiler, heated, cooled, and massaging VXR sport seats, along with a 360-degree camera system. Offered exclusively as a liftback paired with the V6 all-wheel-drive powertrain, it incorporated Holden’s FlexRide adaptive suspension, aluminum pedals, and a jet black headliner.
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Pricing (Liftback) | Pricing (Sportswagon) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | V6 | 3.6L (3564 cc) | 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) | 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) | 9 speed | $55,990 | N/A |
Commodore Calais
Positioned as the entry-level luxury trim, the Calais featured standard 18" alloy wheels, leather upholstery with heating functionality, wireless phone charging capability, Blind Spot Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and an 8" MyLink infotainment system. This model was available in both Liftback and Tourer body styles. The Liftback offered either a 2.0L petrol or an optional diesel engine, whereas the Tourer was exclusively powered by the V6 engine.
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Pricing (Liftback) | Pricing (Tourer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | I4 | 2.0L (1998 cc) | 191 kW (256 hp; 260 PS) | 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) | 9-speed | $40,990 | N/A |
| Diesel | I4 | 2.0L (1956 cc) | 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS) | 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) | 8-speed | $43,990 | N/A |
| Petrol | V6 | 3.6L (3564 cc) | 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) | 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) | 9-speed | N/A | $45,990 |
Commodore Calais–V
The Calais–V represented the top-tier luxury offering, boasting 20" alloy wheels and a Twinster all-wheel-drive system. It included a 360-degree camera setup, Opel’s IntelliLux Matrix LED headlights, a sunroof, heated rear seats, front seats with heating and cooling functions, and a driver seat featuring massage capabilities. Available in both liftback and wagon configurations, this variant was powered solely by the V6 engine.
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Power | Torque | Transmission | Pricing (Liftback) | Pricing (Tourer) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | V6 | 3.6L (3564 cc) | 235 kW (315 hp; 320 PS) | 381 N⋅m (281 lb⋅ft) | 9-speed | $51,990 | $53,990 |
Motorsport
The ZB Commodore participated in diverse motorsport arenas as part of its promotional strategy, including competition in the Supercars Championship. However, race versions bore no mechanical relation to the production models; they featured a rear-wheel-drive tubular chassis beneath an outer shell styled after the road-going car.
Supercars Championship
Holden teams campaigned the ZB Commodore within the Supercars Championship, maintaining the same V8 engine utilized in the VF generation. Although a turbocharged V6 was under development for introduction in 2019, this plan was abandoned in April 2018 due to concerns over competitive viability.
The ZB made an immediate impression on the series, compelling Ford to seek enhancements for its aging FGX Falcon platform. Despite this early impact, the ZB failed to secure a championship title; Scott McLaughlin's upgraded DJR Team Penske FGX Falcon claimed victory in 2018 and subsequently dominated with the Mustang GT from 2019 through 2020. The ZB returned to competitive form during the 2021 and 2022 seasons when Shane Van Gisbergen achieved multiple wins as Holden withdrew from both consumer sales and motorsport participation.
Notably, the ZB secured triumphs at Bathurst in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. It amassed a total of 87 victories throughout its tenure and delivered Holden’s final wins at Bathurst alongside their last championship and race successes.
Sales
The new Commodore was launched in February 2018. Notably, the ZB marked the first Commodore manufactured outside of Australia since the model's inception in 1978, which sparked negative reactions from the public.
This model experienced the lowest consumer approval in Holden's history for any Commodore variant. Nevertheless, this occurred alongside a shift in market positioning and competitive dynamics. Within the Medium/Large segment, the ZB surpassed all rivals except for the Toyota Camry, outperforming competitors such as the Mazda6 and Ford Mondeo.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | — | 363 | 516 | 473 | 885 | 946 | 516 | 635 | 672 | 663 | 701 | 6,370 |
Future developments
After deciding to discontinue Australian manufacturing and source the ZB Commodore from Europe, GM sold Opel to Groupe PSA on 1 August 2017. PSA revealed intentions to replace the Opel Insignia platform with PSA architectures by 2021, planning to phase out the existing model as part of a strategy to export PSA-based Opel "Holden" vehicles worldwide starting in 2018.
Holden ended production of the Commodore on October 17, 2018, citing declining sales and an oversupply at dealerships. By late 2019, the Commodore series was discontinued entirely, with the ZB generation recording the lowest sales figures in the brand’s history.