Holden Calais V 2006 Review

What we liked
>> Complete safety and equipment list
>> Styling differentiation
>> Outstanding ride/handling balance

Remember when the very first Commodore SL/E crossed the ‘line’ to became a luxury car and sports sedan? The new Calais V is set to do it all again.

Simply, the Calais V is the super luxury version of Holden’s VE sporties aimed at an owner who values a designer suit over jeans and baseball cap. Holden has delivered a remarkable blend of flagship luxury and sports sedan feel for an entry price of just $53,490 -- $400 less than the previous VZ Calais.

It is pitched at someone considering a top-shelf European who wants to save anything upwards of $50,000. Whether in reality buyers will eschew $100K-plus prestige models for a Holden is another matter. The Calais V might, however, make those looking at ‘poverty pack’ Euro sports-sedan take a second or third look.

There’s very little to call the Calais V on… At least after a brief drive. The High Output V6 engine is the only chink that leaves the door open to the inherently better inline sixes from BMW, Ford and previous generation Lexus. All will struggle to match the Calais V with L98 V8 power at any price.

Over the already luxurious Calais and its appearance upgrades, the Calais V brings zoned front and rear park assist, rain sensing wipers, outside mirror-mounted puddle lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seat trim with semi-contoured sports seats, single screen mounted DVD, 230W audio system with sub-woofer, priority seat and mirror memory, eight-way power seat adjustment of both front seat, sliding centre armrest, sports profile steering wheel and extra chrome detailing outside.

Before you decide it’s the VE for you, you need to understand what the Calais V isn’t. It’s not the luxury, soft-riding barge that top Holdens used to be.

It has the sporty suspension and too much rubber for the ride to be described as luxurious -- comfortable and firm, yes, but not luxurious. If old-style luxury is what you are after, go back to Berlina and save a packet.

It also has (almost) every electronic gizmo and safety feature Holden offers. Even if they are as simple to use, there is plenty of familiarisation needed for the technically challenged. Holden has introduced a computer-style help function that will take you through the various menus. The twin screens (centre dash and instrument panel which soon become second nature), overhead console and clever expanding door pockets remind you that you are at the top of the VE range.

The dash returns to almost Omega sobriety compared to the extra zing of the Berlina and SS V cabins but there is an alternative two-tone design that presents the dash top and trim in contrasting colours. When the only dash highlight is a silver tinsel (Ed: real alloy) strip, we reckon there is room for a more traditional cabin option with the previous model’s pleated seats and extra highlights in wood or piano black.

You have to admire the new one’s clinical efficiency but it’s not a welcoming environment that will make you feel extra special.

That sets the scene for how it performs on the road. The High Output engine with the five-speed auto does the job but there is nothing in terms of aural quality and the way it delivers its performance that makes you want to get too involved. At least in the SV6, the six-speed manual allows you the challenge of getting the best out of it.

If you are looking for a BMW-rivalling driving experience here, there is too much about the V6 drivetrain to remind you that it’s still a Holden. The L98 V8 is a different proposition altogether but it’s the V6 under scrutiny here. It’s a real shame when this car has the same outstanding ride/handling and balance as the SV6 with styling and cabin to challenge the best.

Although the BF Fairmont Ghia is not differentiated as well as the Calais with its special tail lights, wild alloys, dual exhausts and more distinctive front, Ford’s six-speed auto and lusty inline six is a superior powertrain.

The equation is exactly as it is at Omega level – the VE’s boasts 21st century wizardry in safety, electronics, body structure and styling but in V6 form is still not 100 per cent on getting the basics absolutely right.

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