Holden Berlina 2006 Review

Not so much
>> Engine harshness when revved
>> Basic four-speed auto
>> Entry level inner doors

Forget the current badges for a moment… Think of the VE Berlina as the previous model Acclaim with some new Berlina features. Next substitute the VE Calais’ badge with that of the VZ Berlina…  Only with those mental gymnastics do the driving experience, exterior and cabin treatment of the VE Berlina start to make sense.

Where the previous VZ Berlina looked and felt more like a cheaper Calais, the new one is an Omega with extra sparkle. At $3900 cheaper than the previous model (priced from $39,990), you won’t find us complaining.

Incidentally, the new pricing slips it straight into the gap between rivals BF Futura ($39,175) and Fairmont ($43,195) which makes a direct comparison impossible. It’s a whopping $5500 cheaper than the VE Calais though and (as you’d perhaps expect) only $100 more than the previous VZ Acclaim. As a value-for-money proposition with an extra measure of Berlina prestige, it’s a winner before you even twist the key.

Appearance is closer to the Omega (for more information click

The cabin is where Holden has expended some effort. A full width streak of pale woodgrain across the dash and bright silver accents on the console and steering wheel make it more appealing than the top-shelf Calais V cabin to some. Even if it does look like a tree hanging onto life in the fissure of a rock, it is the first and only sign of anything organic in the entire VE Commodore cabin line-up.

You have to wonder about the origins of Holden thinking that equates staring at a dash with looking at a stack of sound or computer equipment (which of course you don’t once it’s installed).

The ‘architectural’ seat trim is an incremental and worthwhile upgrade but only until you notice the Omega level door trims which lose the integrated grab handle armrests of higher grades. There are compensations including extra cluster displays, six-inch multi-function screen, side impact airbags, rear park assist, Bluetooth connectivity, six-stacker CD and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Most importantly, it’s the entry level for a proper dual zone climate control.

It’s a well-considered blend of what’s important. It makes a big difference on the road, if not in capabilities. The Berlina is a much nicer and more uplifting place than the somewhat grim Omega.

Which is why it’s a shame that the Omega’s base Alloytec engine and four-speed automatic are still here. The Berlina invites you to expect more.

A neighbourhood show and tell will immediately expose the old-fashioned PRNDL handle, a limitation that becomes apparent as soon as the Berlina wants to run away even at low speeds. Even if the base 180kW engine stays, there should at least be the option of the five-speed auto with its manual sequential shift. It’s small comfort that you can option up to a V8/six-speed auto combination.

Because of the four-speed auto, the driver has to push the engine harder to cover the gaps in ratios which then exposes its old taxi-like roar. It’s tolerable in the Omega but not in the Berlina and leaves rival Ford models with a huge advantage. It’s only saving grace is the potential for reasonable fuel economy. 

As for ride and handling, the balance is just as good as the Omega benchmark except the bigger wheels and their assymetrical tread-pattern tyres offer enough extra grip to make it feel a tad floaty. Holden sensibly offers Sports suspension as a $645 option which is a no-brainer for push-on drivers. A full-size spare which costs $100 at Omega level is a $250 option on Berlina.

And that’s the new Acclaim, err, sorry Berlina -- a value-packed blend of structural integrity, extra safety, handling balance and ride comfort that makes the Honda Accord Euro, Subaru Liberty and its ilk look a touch over priced.

It will also force Ford to revamp its BF Futura sooner rather than later.

To view more Berlina pic click