SPY PICS: New Euro Holden models almost ready

As Holden moves nearer to the end of its local production in 2017, the move to replace its family-size Commodore with an imported European-sourced replacement now seems almost certain.

These spy pics, supplied by an eagle-eyed reader, show not only the current Insignia without camouflage, in right-hand drive format and with Holden badges for the first time, but also Holden's Opel-sourced Cascada convertible and Astra hatch.

Holden will release the Cascada, Insignia OPC, Astra OPC and Astra GTC from June. The models will represent something of a premium offering for GMH, before eventually forming what Holden says will be "up to 30 per cent of the range".

It's anticipated that the remainder of the line-up, as now, will comprise Korean-sourced models such as the Barina Spark (a new version of which will arrive in early 2016), Barina, Cruze, Trax, Malibu and Captiva, Thai-made models like the Colorado ute and Colorado 7 SUV and perhaps a "V8 sports car" such as the next Chevrolet Camaro from the US.

An all-new luxury SUV – also sourced from the Opel portfolio – will also follow in the next few years, likely topping Holden's existing SUV line-up that includes the Trax, Colorado 7 and Captiva, which will be replaced in a year or so.

It's further anticipated that the Corsa light hatch, initially in sport OPC trim, will join the Holden fold in time, as will a number of light commercial offerings. These could include the return of the Barina/Corsa-based Combo light van and Movano medium van.

GM Holden has confirmed it will introduce flagship versions of Opel’s Astra and Insignia – and the new Opel Cascada convertible – to its showrooms toward the middle of the year. The announcement will see four Holden-badged Opel variants in all, in what will essentially be a relaunch of the Opel range that was discontinued here in August 2013.

The Cascada drop-top will be a belated replacement for the previous-generation Astra convertible (or Twin Top) in Holden's range, and is expected to arrive with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine developing 147kW and 280Nm.

The same engine will also power the three-door Astra GTC, though with a detuned output of 125kW and 280Nm. The variant leaves room for the Golf R-challenging Astra OPC, whose 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder makes 206kW and 400Nm.

The former is offered with the choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions while the latter is available purely with the DIY gearbox. Formerly, the pair were priced from $34,990 and $42,990 before on-road costs. An all-new Astra is due by 2017.

For sporty sedan fans, the Malibu-sized Insignia will offer a Melbourne-made 2.8-litre turbocharged V6 mated to a six-speed automatic and running all-wheel drive. Previously priced from $59,990, the Insignia won't come cheap but is expected to offer a blend of performance, luxury and handling not currently available in Holden's range.

motoring.com.au also understands that beyond those models detailed above, GM has Australian Design Rule certification for at least one more Opel-sourced model, which could be the Astra-based Zafira people-mover or Trax-based Mokka small SUV.

Watch this space.