Opel to replace Commodore ZB with SUV in 2024

The long-gone ZB Holden Commodore will reportedly be reinvented as a mid-size SUV in a bid by parent Stellantis to address its abysmal sales in Europe.

According to Auto Express, the ZB Commodore, better known as the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia in Europe, will ditch its fastback rear styling and wagon silhouette and become a tall high-riding SUV.

Developed alongside the next-generation Peugeot 3008 and 5008 SUVs, the replacement for the last-ever Commodore will be built on Stellantis' eVMP architecture that can support both all-electric and electrified petrol and diesel powertrains.

With combustion-powered vehicle city bans looming, it's tipped the battery-electric versions will soon outsell the plug-in hybrid derivatives.

From launch, the next-gen Opel SUV is set to offer batteries that will range in size from 60kWh to 100kWh, providing a range from 400km to almost 650km.

The cheapest base version will be front-drive and come a 100kW electric motor, while the most powerful dual-motor all-wheel drive derivatives will muster more than 250kW.

There's no details on Stellantis' next-gen plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it's thought it will once again blend a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine with a powerful electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.

The latter will be much larger than the current 13.2kWh battery pack to provide for an all-electric range of comfortably more than 100km.

A family of efficient small mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines will also be offered, but conventional combustion power is off the menu as Opel, like all Euro manufacturers, will be keen to slash its average CO2 footprint.

Back in 2019 it was rumoured the replacement for the ZB Commodore might have been a crossover that bridged the gap between a people-mover and an SUV, with the suggestion it might have offered seven seats and look more akin to a jacked-up wagon.

It's believed those plans have now been scrapped to refocus on introducing something more overtly SUV in the styling department.

Both the Commodore ZB sedan and wagon were axed back in 2019 shortly before General Motors dismantled the entire Holden brand in 2020.

Under Stellantis ownership, Opel will eventually expand into new 20 new global markets in 2022, including Russia, Columbia and Ecuador.

It's not known how the ongoing COVID crisis has affected those plans, but if successful Australia could potentially be next, with the all-new Opel SUV an ideal vehicle to spearhead the brand's return.

That said, the German brand might not be keen to repeat its brief but expensive soiree Down Under. Under GM, Opel dipped a toe in the Australian market back in 2012 before pricing pressures and fierce competition saw it withdraw in August 2013 after just 12 months.