Holden Commodore, the iconic Australian car, continues to evolve even after its discontinuation in its home country more than five years ago. While the last-generation Holden Commodore bid farewell to Australian markets in 2017, its international counterpart, known as the Buick Regal in China, has received a fresh update.
Following the cessation of local production by Holden, the imported ZB Commodore, based on the Opel Insignia platform, took over. Despite facing the axe in Australia in 2019, the Buick Regal in China has persisted, with SAIC-GM, a joint venture of General Motors, introducing yet another facelift to rejuvenate the aging model.
This recent makeover, coming shortly after the previous update, aims to inject new life into the Buick Regal sedan. The redesign includes a revised front fascia, reminiscent of Buick’s latest design trends, and the reintroduction of the sporty GS trim, which harks back to the model’s earlier appearance. SAIC-GM, in a departure from its previous design direction, heralded this update as a return to the Regal’s most aesthetically pleasing form.
Apart from cosmetic enhancements like a new logo design and a rear lip spoiler, the mechanical aspects of the Regal remain unchanged. The sedan continues to offer two engine options – a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder and a turbo 2.0-liter, both paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive configuration. Unlike its Australian counterpart, the Chinese Regal does not include diesel or V6 petrol engine choices.
Holden enthusiasts may find solace in the fact that the GS appearance package, inspired by the latest facelift, is available for owners of the 2024 and early 2025 Regal models. While the ZB Commodore had a presence in the Supercars Championship until 2022, achieving notable successes, its European sibling, the Opel Insignia, is reportedly transitioning to an electric SUV model, though this transformation is yet to materialize.
The continuous evolution of the Buick Regal in China underscores the enduring legacy of the Holden Commodore, showcasing how a beloved automobile can adapt to changing market demands and technological advancements. As automotive enthusiasts await further developments in the evolution of this iconic vehicle, the spirit of the Holden Commodore lives on, resonating with fans across the globe.
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