The next-generation 2018 Holden Commodore hatch and wagon have been spied completely undisguised, in their overseas Opel Insignia form, during a photo and video shoot.

- shares





Despite the German plates on these vehicles, this promotional shoot actually took place in California. Aside from some tape hiding various badges around the vehicle, both the hatch and wagon show the final form of the production vehicle, which will go on sale in Europe next year. While the renderings we published in October were pretty close to the money, they don't quite capture the smooth surfacing and generous proportions of the next-gen Insignia/Commodore. Both vehicles seen here are OPC-Line models, and are tricked out with a sports body kit, Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels, and low profile 245/35 rubber.

A more aggressively styled range-topping sports model, to be sold as the OPC in Europe and the VXR in the UK, wasn't on show at this photo session. Also not present was the Insignia Country Tourer, a psuedo-off-roading variant with raised suspension and wheel arch protectors. As myriad spy photos have suggested so far, the new Insignia/Commodore hatch will feature a swoopy roof line, while the hatch aperture is partially hidden thanks to the lack of rear windscreen wipers. We do get to see hatch's fake C-pillar window for the first time, though. The wagon dumps the current Insignia's clamshell tailgate, and also features a more steeply angled rear windscreen for a sportier look.

Although the vehicles seen here are badged as the Opel Insignia, visually there should be little difference between the Opel model and the versions that will be sold down under as the next-generation Holden Commodore. The car will also be sold in North America as the Buick Regal. As revealed to CarAdvice during our hands-on drive and briefing session, mainstream models in the new front-wheel drive Commodore range will be powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The range-topping Commodore gains all-wheel drive and a naturally aspirated 3.6-litre V6. For the first time in the nameplate's history, the new Commodore will be fully imported. The next-generation Commodore is expected to go on sale some time after Holden shutters its local manufacturing operations late in 2017.