Holden Commodore (ZB)

Development for the ZB Commodore started in 2012, with Holden helping Opel design and develop the next generation Insignia, catering it to Australian conditions.

Once the car was ready, prototypes were sent to Australia for testing. Holden completed over 100,000 km of testing, with engineers bracing the cars to withstand local roads and make it feel similar to previous Commodore generations.[6]

Akin to its VF Commodore predecessor, the ZB achieved five stars in the ANCAP safety ratings. Originally, the ZB ANCAP rating was awarded based on the Euro NCAP test of a 1.6 litre model which is not sold in Australia.[7] ANCAP conducted an audit test on specification of Australia V6 and confirmed its rating.[8]

ANCAP Test Results
Star rating:
Test[N 1]	Points	Out of	%
Adult Occupant Protection:	35.34	38	93%
Child Occupant Protection:	41.96	49	85%
Pedestrian Protection:	32.83	42	78%
Safety Assist:	9.35	12	77%

The ZB Commodore is available with a range of engines including a four-cylinder petrol, four cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol engine. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available across the liftback and wagon body styles.

Compared to the VF Commodore, Holden rearranged the specification levels and model nameplates, with only the Calais (and Calais-V) surviving into the ZB series, this name having originated in the VK-series of 1984 as a luxury focused model. Various price cuts were made and wagon variants are more expensive.

Commodore LT

Commodore LT Sportwagon

The LT is the new entry level Commodore, replacing the previous generation's Evoke model, which is also $3,935 cheaper than the predecessor's drive away price. It features a front wheel drive 2.0L Turbo four cylinder engine with a nine speed automatic, or an optional 2.0L diesel, with an eight speed automatic.

It comes with 17" alloy wheels, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist, a 7" MyLink system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and Passive Entry & Push Button Start as standard. The model is available as liftback or wagon.

Commodore RS (V6)

Commodore RS The RS is a visually sportier improvement over the LT model, with an upgraded interior featuring different seats and steering wheel. It also possesses more safety features, including Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The RS has two drivetrain choices, a front wheel drive 2.0L Turbo four cylinder engine with a nine speed Automatic, or an All Wheel Drive 3.6L V6 (available as an exclusive option with the liftback body style). It comes with 18" alloy wheels. The model is available as liftback or wagon.

Commodore RS–V The RS–V is similar to the RS Model but includes more features such as an upgraded 8" MyLink system incorporating satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, Hi Per Strut Suspension and an Adaptive AWD system. Only the V6 AWD powertrain is offered in liftback and wagon forms.

Commodore VXR The VXR is Holden's new flagship model following Holden's decision to rest the well known SS nameplate along with the V8 Engine configuration. The VXR nameplate was originally used for the British Vauxhall VXR. It features 20" alloy wheels, sportier lavishings and leather seats with a massage function. Safety features include a 360 degree camera and Continuous Damping Control Suspension. It is only available in liftback with the V6 powertrain.

Commodore Calais

Holden Commodore Calais Tourer

Retaining the previous generation's familiar name, the Calais is the base premium model. Standard equipment includes 18" alloy wheels, leather seating with a heating function, wireless phone charging, Blind Spot Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an 8" MyLink system. Available as a Liftback or Tourer, the former receives the 2.0L petrol four cylinder engine, or an optional diesel engine, while the wagon is exclusively fitted with the V6 powertrain.

Commodore Calais–V

Commodore Calais V

Carrying over the previous generation "V" flair, the Calais–V is the flagship premium model. Standard offerings include 20" alloy wheels, an Adaptive AWD system, a 360 degree camera, and massaging driver seat. It is available in either a liftback or wagon bodystyle, with the V6 powertrain being the only on offer.

Supercars Holden Commodore ZB driven by Shane van Gisbergen at the 2021 Mount Panorama 500

For marketing purposes, the ZB Commodore was raced in various motorsport disciplines, including Supercars. However, the race cars generally had no physical or mechanical relationship with the production model, other than similar looks, as an exterior shell is built was resemble the road going cars, with a rear wheel drive tube frame chassis underneath.