Holden Calais V V8 Sportwagon 2013 Review

What we liked:?
>> Improved value equation
>> Velvety power delivery?
>> Cushy ride quality

Not so much:?
>> V8 needs more huff
?>> No rear differentiation from VE?
>> Two-tone leather not to everyone’s taste

Price: $54,990 (MRLP)
?Engine: 6.0-litre eight-cylinder petrol
?Output: 260kW/517Nm?
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
?Wheels / Tyres: 19x8.0 / 245/40
?Fuel / CO2: 11.7L/100km / 278g/km?
Safety: Six airbags / Five-star ANCAP

The luxury flagship of the VF range is the Calais V. The Calais moniker has for almost 20 years (being introduced with the VK range in 1984) represented the very best of what the Commodore range has to offer, and with the new VF series, that tradition is set to continue.

The softer chromed nose and added brightwork around the daylight openings sit in graceful contrast to the rich deep green paintwork and elegant 19-inch alloy wheels on our tester. The new face to the VF range is split between sport and luxury models. The Calais and Calais V share the less aggressive of the two designs with the entry-spec Evoke (Berlina is no longer), albeit with more lavish styling flourishes. Like the utility versions, Sportwagon models are unchanged externally from the A-pillar aft.

Inside the VF Calais V the opulent theme continues with two-tone leather upholstery set in mature surrounds. The cabin’s darker hues are contrasted appropriately throughout and, as you’d expect, the primo model arrives as standard with a high level of standard equipment.

Rivalling pricier Europeans, the VF Commodore’s new ‘Global A’ wiring architecture has allowed a far greater level of equipment. In the Calais V that now means satellite-navigation, an eight-inch colour touch-screen with MyLink six-speaker infotainment system, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights, LED daytime running lights, remote engine start, keyless entry, a reversing camera and front and rear acoustic parking sensors.

Heated front seats, eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, head-up display, 19-inch alloy wheels, BOSE speakers (sedan only), sunroof (sedan only), dual-zone climate control and an advanced self-parking system are also offered as standard fare.

A full suite of electronic, active and passive safety features are also included. Highlights extend to four-way adjustable front head restraints, new Volt-sourced pelvic/thorax airbags (along with standard front and curtain airbags), a UV block-out windscreen, lane departure warning system, forward collision alert, blind-spot alert and lane-keeping advice.

Holden says it’s also placed a stronger emphasis on pedestrian and child occupant safety, including ahead-of-legislation ISOFIX child seat preparation in all three rear seating positions. Aussie-spec top tether anchor points are also retained.

The best news for buyers is that this enviable equipment list arrives at a staggering $9000 less than the outgoing model ($9800 for the V6).

On the road the Calais V is noticeably quieter than before. The ride is plush while still retaining tenacious and predictable levels of grip. Driveline refinement is significantly improved while communication between the throttle and (6L80E) six-speed automatic transmission has also taken a step forward.

The fuel economy savings arguably aren’t as impressive as those of the Evoke but with better aero and a few weight savings here and there, the big 6.0-litre V8 (developing the same 260kW/517Nm in automatic guise and 270kW/530Nm in manual SS variants) has managed to eke out returns of 11.7L/100km combined. This is a useful 0.7L/100km reduction. What that translates to in the real world, we'll wait to see.

For the record, Holden says that Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation – fitted exclusively to automatic variants) will help whittle this figure to as low as 8.5L/100km on the open road. That’s a whole litre better then the outgoing model.

As is the case with the remainder of the VF range, we’re impressed by the electric power steering and improved brake pedal feel.

The level of driveline refinement and reduced noise levels are also very welcome, as is the added on-board tech. Considering the almost-five-figure discount, the Calais V is better value than it’s ever been.

>> First Drive -- VF Commodore SS
>> First Drive -- VF Commodore Evoke
>> First Drive -- VF Commodore Calais V
>> First Drive -- VF Commodore SV6 Ute
>> Along for the ride: In a very small way motoring.com.au played its part in the VF