Holden's next Commodore to go the extra yard

GM Holden has committed to introducing 24 new models by 2020, and with the company aiming to populate a third of its range with Opel models, expect the majority of the newcomers to be designed and/or supplied by GM's German brand.

It's odds-on then that the car replacing the current VF Commodore (and its Series II update due around October this year) will be an Opel. Word around the traps is that the new car will be based on the next-generation Insignia, which will share its E2XX platform with the new Malibu just released in America.

That being the case, the post-VFII Commodore will migrate to front-wheel drive, and possibly all-wheel drive for high-performance variants. Yet the rear-seat legroom of this putative successor will not likely match, let alone exceed, the Commodore's current level of accommodation in the back seat, as we have explained previously... unless the Insignia gets the stretched limo treatment for a 'Capriced' variant like Opel's Signum and Senator models of the past.

It leaves hanging the little matter of Holden's investment in model names such as 'Insignia' and 'Malibu' – two vehicles that are essentially the-same-but-different. Since the Malibu is not being offered in right-hand drive form yet – and may not be – there's a chance that the Malibu name will be withdrawn from the Aussie market as a distinct model.

With the next-gen Insignia on the same platform, it wouldn't be logical to offer two disparate models in the same (medium) market segment anyway – although Hyundai does just that. And Toyota has enjoyed more than modest success with the Camry and slightly longer Aurion based on the same wheelbase and the same production line – albeit in different market segments.

So, let's posit that the Malibu will be discontinued in Australia once production of the current model is wound up. The Insignia badge will be promoted heavily – through the current VXR initially – and will take its place as the medium mainstay within Holden's range. A longer version, to be badged Commodore, will be designed by Opel – with some input from Holden – and supplied by a GM factory somewhere in the world other than Australia.

But let's be clear, this is all speculation of the kind that Peter Keley, Holden's Executive Director of Sales, finds objectionable.

Speaking with motoring.com.au during the launch of the Insignia VXR this week, Keley observed that the Australian press was collectively allowing its imagination to run away with it. When asked about waking up and opening the paper to read the latest goings on at Fishermens Bend, he admitted to finding it amazing.

"Yes... yes. It's all about adding one plus one, equals 13, and some speculation at the end of the day will be pretty close to the mark, because if you really understand where General Motors is – and the Australian car market – you can make some logical steps. But some speculation is just like: I've no idea where that came from," he said.

Just for the record, when asked about an Opel design replacing the last homegrown Commodore, Keley replied: "We haven't confirmed that."