Holden Calais V V6 2007 Review

Road Test

While Holden's Calais V does not represent the critical VE model in regard to volume-based sales success, (year-to-date figures for mid-December indicating the model representing just seven per cent of the total VE uptake) it carries with it a strong expectation of  quality, asking standard Calais buyers to part with an extra $8000 to up-spec to the V badge.

The car is available in two engine variants: 6.0-litre, 270kW V8 and 3.6-litre, 195kW V6. The subject here is the V6-powered offering, which is proving to be the popular pick in the marketplace outselling V8 two to one.

This is a handsome car. It foregoes the hunkered stance of its more sport-oriented brethren, instead displaying an understated, plush style.

The theme is continued behind the wheel. Leather finish is neat, although not in the BMW or Mercedes-Benz realm of quality. There are eight-way electronically adjustable front seats, offering all but the most fastidious of fidgeters sufficient versatility.

It's a big car and while interior space is near identical to the outgoing VZ, it's intelligently used, dealing with five occupants with ease and offering room for long trips fully-laden.

That said outward vision is not a strong-point. The A pillar is thick and the C pillar obscures an area just about the size of a motorcyclist and rider. It's something an owner would become accustomed to and compensate for, but it's a long way from perfect.

Another gripe along these lines is that rear seat passengers sit low, making vision limited for smaller folk. Kids simply can't see out freely and that makes for a bored child. Not good on a long family trip.

The fix here is the roof-mounted DVD set-up. With this comes a dual set of wireless headphones, allowing freedom of speech among the grown-ups and happy, muted offspring. It works well and is more than a gimmick.

There's more than enough power available from the 195kW donk, but the agricultural engine note that defined the 3.8-litre offering of the previous Commodore lineage hangs over the new powerplant. It pulls well off the bottom and for 90 per cent of applications, the engine is responsive and delivers strong, linear power. It's a shame it still gets a little wheezy and feels strained in the upper reaches or the rev range.

One of the car's real highlights is to be found in the area of steering. This is by far the best Holden has delivered. Real precision, good weighting and road feel is as good as it gets. Top marks here.

The five-speed automatic transmission offers nicely spaced and sensible ratios, but tends to 'hunt' through the cogs and is very sensitive to throttle position changes. It could be a lot better and tends to let down the rest of the package a touch.

The Calais V is not cheap as locally built cars go but the range of standard features is extensive. For those looking to step up from the average family sedan, but still enjoy the best of local hardware, it offers strong appeal.