The 2016 Chevrolet Malibu has the internet in a flurry as of recent. Our friends down under are also clamoring over the redesigned vehicle, and a new report speculates our new Malibu may become their 2018 Holden Commodore.
The report comes from News AUÂ and suggests the profile and looks of the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu fall very much in line with the murmurings of what to expect from the upcoming 2018 Holden Commodore. Even though the Commodore name is sticking around, the car is expected to move from a rear-wheel drive design, to a front-wheel architecture, most likely compliments of the next-generation Opel Insignia.
The Chevrolet Malibu comes in one segment smaller than the Commodore’s current configuration, and as we reported yesterday, Holden will not be receiving the Chinese-spec Chevrolet Malibu. Instead, the brand will enjoy this global Malibu, where it will most likely be built in South Korea for easy export.
That being said, the 2018 Holden Commodore is still much under wraps. It’s almost certain the car will come from Opel, with key input being provided by Holden. Secretly, we’re hoping the Buick Avenir goes global as not only a rear-wheel Buick flagship sedan, but an Opel too, where it would finally end up with a Holden badge.
Comments
Next generation Commodore will be based on the next Opel Insignia
I don’t understand why they wouldn’t use the Impala (or Lacrosse) as the basis for the next generation Commodore. Holden already sells the Malibu, and the Insignia is the same size. I don’t see the next generation Insignia/Regal growing much as it will still have to fit into Buick’s lineup below the Lacrosse
Correction Holden stocks the Malibu, but no one is actually buying it. Its been a complete and utter disaster sales wise.
Whatever they replace Commodore with, Holden will not want that name associated with it.
The chances of GM holding market share in Australia are not good. Opel will help, but really this is one of the most competitive markets for new cars in the world. Without a local player in the Commodore, they will suffer.
Malibu and Insignia are very similar in design now. This is so GM can mix and match autos for certsin markets without a huge breach in design language.
This can be seen with Astra and Cruze, too.
A midsize impala!
It looks like a nice car but why doesn’t Holden make the Opel Insignia the new Commodore? There only seem to be two models in Australia which are the Insignia Select and the Insignia OPC. The Select is a 4 Cylinder and the OPC is a 6 Cylinder. They should make the Select the new Evoke and then the OPC as the SV6 then maybe try to get a V8 in the engine bay for the SS.