2007 Holden Commodore VE Calais V6 Road Test
May 14, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
Holden’s Calais has always been the ‘bee’s knees’ of the Holden sedan line-up (aside from long wheel base models). The Calais was always jam packed with the latest goodies, along with a silky smooth ride to complement the drive.
The new Calais still lives at the top of the range, but the Calais moniker has been segmented into two guises – the regular Calais and the Calais V. That has yours truly a bit miffed.
The regular Calais I drove felt a bid sedate and blasé in comparison to the loaded Calais V model. Although the interior featured the new Holden LCD screen and Calais branding, it missed out on leather seats, flip-down LCD screen for the rear, heated mirrors and many other features the Calais V calls standard.
Putting my qualms with the model denomination aside, Holden’s new VE Commodore really is a good thing. I was astounded at just how much room is available throughout the cabin. Compared to Ford’s Falcon, there is acres of room available in the rear, even exceeding that of BMW’s 5-series and Mercedes’ E-class. That’s not bad when you consider the respective price differences.
The drive is good when you factor the vehicle’s weight. The steering and brakes aren’t anything to write home about, but the response and 5-speed gearbox are commendable. The gearbox always seems to be in the right gear and ready to respond. Rearward vision is average due to the high boot line, but reverse parking sensors aid parking.
Fuel economy is one of the VE’s downsides. Holden still trails its main competitors – Ford and Toyota – when it comes to fuel use. The high-output V6 motor fitted to the Calais range consumes 11.3-litres/100km. During the test, this figure was achieved with around 70% highway driving and 30% city driving.
Under the hood lies a 195kW, high-output V6 engine which produces 340Nm of torque. The Calais can also be optioned with a 6.0-litre V8 monster which produces a hearty 270kW and 530Nm of torque.
Standard features common to the Calais include: Six way power seat for driver and front passenger; leather wrapped steering wheel; cruise control; rear parking sensors; power mirrors; auto headlights; 6-stack CD-player with 9-speakers; dual zone climate control; power windows and central locking.
Safety features include: Dual stage front airbags; side impact airbags for driver and front passenger; side curtain airbags; active front seat head restraints; ABS brakes with EBD and BA; Electronic Stability Control and engine immobiliser.
The Calais range is available in two guises – as mentioned earlier – the Calais and Calais V. The Calais is priced at $45,490, whilst the Calais V retails for $53,990. The 6.0-litre V8 is available at a $5,000 premium.
So what’s the verdict on the new Commodore? In my opinion, it’s a good thing. Aside from a few build quality issues in the test vehicle, the power on tap, along with the masses of room really make the new Commodore a great option. Fuel consumption is slightly higher than its competitors, but it’s much of a muchness really.
With the new Falcon still around 12-months away (see spy shots at caradvice.com.au), Holden’s new Commodore has the edge. At $45,490, the Calais is good value for money when you consider the features on offer. Don’t take my word for it though; take one for a test drive. You will be surprised at just how roomy the all new Commodore is.
- by Paul Maric
CarAdvice rating (out of 5): 
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Hi all,
I bought a new CALAIS VE V6 two weeks back (full options) for $52,000 as buying a new BMW here is not worth the price and the standard 320i sucks….it looks like cheap crap… from the front without round lights. (I know that the projector lights is the way to go in a new standard BMW).
Although I owned & drove BMW’s for more than 10years (3/5 series, the recent one I had was 330I 2006) and love them as they have the best road handling but I was also surprised when I drove the Calais for the first time. They are almost as good in road handling like my BMW’s but I do agree that the build quality in Holden needs to improve but it is not fair to compare with the BMW quality for which you pay more. All I can say is the more money you pay…you can expect the best but just paying half of it and trying to compare with other expensive brands makes no sense for me. I can say that the Calais is a good car with good handling / HP for the money you pay. No car on this earth is perfect…just be happy with what you have and be proud of it…regardless what you drive.
Good day to all of you……… drive safe…
Spitfire
Good for you Spit Fire im glad your happy!
Calais-V 6lt owner, Love the thing been blessed to not have the little niggles that some have had with the software, But holden still nicely did a update for me :):).
Handling and comfort is what has done if for me, Performance aside i love just driving highways local doesn’t matter to me just happy overall.
Good on u Roudy!
Had a Calais V6 V for about 2 years now. 40,000km.
No European car of the same class comes anywhere near it for value for money. Have a sister with the latest 5 series. Yes it is better, but it cost $100,000 more.
One point I would like to make about marketing. I think there is a place for a “soft riding” non sports suspension, Calais V.
I suggest that the Calais be upgraded to all the V features except the sports suspension. Old farts like me want the luxury with a soft ride, but not hve to go to the Statesman which is too big for me.
Also fuel consumption. Around town does 14.5l/100km mostly in heavy traffic, but out on the open road it is fantastic.
No more than 8 l/100km when cruising along the Moonie Highway.
Cheers
John
that BMW costs Australians their jobs and feeds a family in Munich for a year
You Buy a Mercedes or BMW in the same price range and no matter how much you upgrade it It’s still a Compact German 2 Litre at the end of the day.
I own a vz sv6 2007 it is a beautiful machine drives great on the highway especially in 6th gear, the only problem i have had was the I.R.S you know what it is already “if you love holdens” aparantly they have “re” designed the ve’s rear ebnd to counter this problem, other than that it is great,oh and also i have a vl 88 model and it is fairly well lokked after and it is in good condition all cars or most if they are looked after they will hold together after 20 odd years, if you don’t then you will notice the difference just look at the walkinshaws they are in mint conditon because they have been babied, look at the end of the day all cars have problems and break down and deteriate it can also happen from brand new manufacturing problems, but they are all just have there own sets of problems, and also i am a holden nut but if you close your eyes to other brands and models you can’t improve on what you get, i love the commodores and i know they have some issues like “irs” but if i really want one i put up pr shut up and go try other car. but i agree total with “Unbiased Car Lover” but also with some thing with missle, and if u look at the v8 super cars they all have restrictions on both cars they keep them the same mostly it is like comparing facebook and myspace they are the same !!!!! anyway enjoy guys have a good one.