New Holden Models Prove That The Company Is Ready To Be Boring

8 years, 1 month ago - 23 September 2016, Carbuzz

We have known for a while now that Holden would soon cease production in Australia. This meant that lovable models like the Maloo and Commodore would eventually be replaced with rebadged versions of other GM vehicles.

So what can we look forward to from the once proud Holden brand? The latest new model reveal from Holden is the Acadia, which is just a rebadged SUV from GMC. The Acadia will be sold in Australia by 2018 and won't come with any mechanical changes over the US version.

The Acadia isn't the only rebadged model that Holden will be getting. Joining the Acadia will be the Barina (a rebadged Chevy Sonic), the Trailblazer, the Astra, and the Trax. Only the Trailblazer seems to be any different from rebadged models that you can buy in the US or Europe. The Trailblazer will act as Holden's replacement for the Colorado 7 and pack that model's 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine. When speaking to Drive, Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Mark Bernhard said that, "This level of launch activity hasn't happened at this company for nearly 15 years and signals our intent loud and clear." This news really bums us out.

Despite never living in Australia we fell in love with V8 RWD cars from Holden like the Maloo, Monaro, and Commodore. The Chevy SS (a rebadged Commodore) is one of our favorite sedans. Unfortunately, it's clear that the Holden brand is moving away from enthusiast cars to become just another rebadged version of Chevrolet. What a sad day for Holden.