Holden Calais V-Series Review & Road Test
October 5, 2009 by Matt Brogan
The VE range has grown better with age
Model Tested:
- 2009 Holden VE Calais V-Series; 3.6-litre, SIDI six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan – $56,790*
Options:
- Fitted: Metallic Paint $500 (Karma); Full-Size Alloy Spare Wheel $350
- Not Fitted: Sports Suspension & LSD $690; Electric Sunroof $1990
New SIDI engine; improved fuel economy; cabin & cargo space; quieter ride
Slow transmission; aging looks; ‘A’ pillar visibility; pricing; brake pedal feel
CarAdvice Rating: 
Aging isn’t always kind. I mean it ate the Pharaohs, wiped out the dinosaurs and annihilated Elvis. Hell it’s even giving Joan Rivers a run for her money.
But in contrast Holden’s VE Commodore range seems only to grow better with age, like a fine wine or mouldy cheese.
Unlike its culinary counterparts, the ‘billion dollar baby’ hasn’t improved just by sitting on some dusty basement shelf. In fact it’s taken quite a bit of cash and a lot of R&D time to bring about this vehicular coming-of-age story with the crucial changes in Commodore found not in a new bumper bar or subtle sheet metal revision, but right at the very heart of the beast, ticking angrily beneath the bonnet like a mad Swiss watch deprived of its Ritalin.
But just why is this new engine so good? And what does it mean to you as a driver? Well in testing this week’s top-shelf sedan, the Calais V-Series, it would seem the answer lies in four little letters: SIDI – or Spark Ignition Direct Injection.
Quite a mouthful isn’t it? But in terms you and I can understand this engineering wizardry means little more than moving the fuel injector nozzle from the cylinder’s inlet port to the combustion chamber and adding a high-pressure fuel rail.
It’s no easy feat, but the result is a more effective ‘bang’ creating more power and better fuel economy, two points that make the locally engineered V6 an engine Holden’s Melbourne operations team can be particularly proud of.
Holden now offers two SIDI V6 engines in the VE Commodore range, a 3.0- and 3.6-litre, that are portioned out according to model grade. The larger displacement unit can also be found in V6 powered Statesman and Caprice models.
The Calais V-Series also scores the larger of the pair and in terms of mumbo figures at the flywheel have grown 15kw and 10Nm to a new total of 210kW of power and 350Nm of torque from the model’s previous multi-point offering.
Far from being a case of don’t ask, don’t tell, the new SIDI V6 has a distinct aural character and evidently refined feel under acceleration that even the most sensory deprived driver is bound to notice.
Acceleration is noticeably stronger, and more linear, with Calais V-Series, and in fact the entire VE range, now mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
As far as transmissions and Commodores go just about any improvement is a good one, and although the inclusion of a standard six-speed box isn’t bad thing, those shopping the competition will find it lacks the finesse of Falcon’s snazzy Sachs ZF.
Punting around town the transmission is pretty smooth and reasonably decisive, but when it comes to a stretch of winding road or a few hills, the box goes on the hunt like inbred British nobility after a fox.
On the plus side fuel economy has improved with ADR tests scoring the Calais V-Series a combined average figure of 10.1L/100km, an 11 per cent improvement over the previous model – and for once this figure is pretty close to the mark – our week at the wheel seeing a return of just 10.4L/100km.
CO2 emissions have also sharpened to just 241 grams per kilometre, bettering the old engine’s output by some 29 grams, or, again, 11 per cent. The government combined GVG (Green Vehicle Guide) score is now 3.5 from a possible 5.
Budget shoppers will also appreciate that the new SIDI engines run comfortably on 91RON unleaded – a fact no other direct injection engine on the Australian market can claim – and are also E10 friendly.
And that’s about where the changes end. Inside the feature list is pretty much where Holden left it with the Calais V-Series offering cruise control, powered front driver’s seat (with memory), power mirrors and windows, remote central locking, six CD tuner with steering wheel mounted remote controls, rear DVD screen with Bluetooth wireless headphones, auto headlamps and wipers, satellite navigation, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery.
Ride and handling too is much the same with a softer ride, more suited to the Calais V-Series’s high-end purpose, proving pliant and especially quiet (67dB @ 100km/h). The drawback here is that the car tends bang and crash around over larger bumps with five adults on board.
Should a stiffer, more sporty drive be your thing Calais V-Series can be optioned with lowered suspension and a Limited Slip Differential.
The brake pedal on this particular car had quite a long travel and very spongy feel, a point noted by more than one member of the CarAdvice team, though this could be chalked up to a case of press-car-itis. The four wheel disc brakes are otherwise very strong and are backed by ABS with EBA and EBD.
Other standard safety equipment includes ESC with Traction Control plus dual front, side and curtain airbags, while outside the Calais V-Series picks up stylish 18-inch alloy wheels, boot-lip spoiler, chrome rimmed front fog lamps and subtle SIDI badging on the quarters and boot lid to round out the list.
Badges aside, you’d be hard pressed to spot the difference between this and any Calais dating back to 2005 – and therein lies the problem – for as good as the car has become, the struggle to be noticed — coupled to pricing that pushes the boundaries of rivals at Ford, Toyota, Nissan and Honda — may well be the undoing of some well deserved sales.
But if you’re the type that likes your sedans big, your power keen and your fuel bills frugal, then you could certainly do a lot worse than test drive this one.
Ratings:
CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:
Road Test the Rivals:
- Ford Falcon G6E (from $49,490*)
- Honda Accord V6-L (from $49,990*)
- Nissan Maxima Ti (from $46,990*)
- Toyota Aurion Presara (from $49,990*)
Specifications:
- Engine: 3456cc DOHC six-cylinder (24 valve)
- Power: 210kW @ 6400rpm
- Torque: 350Nm @ 2900rpm
- Induction: Direct injection
- Transmission: Six-speed automatic
- Driven Wheels: Rear
- Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
- Top Speed: Not Tested
- 0-100km/h: 7.25 seconds (As Tested)
- CO2 Emissions: 241g/km
- GVG Score: 3.5/5.0 (Combined)
- Fuel Consumption: 10.1L/100km(ADR)
- Fuel Consumption: 10.4L/100km (As Tested)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 73L
- Fuel Type: 91RON Unleaded
- ANCAP Rating: Five-Star
- Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
- Safety: ESC with Traction Control
- Spare Wheel: Space Saver Steel Rim
- Suspension: Strut (F) / Mutli-link (R)
- Cargo Capacity: 496L
- Tow Capacity: 2100kg (Braked)
- Turning Circle: 11.4m
- Warranty: Three Year / 100,000km
- Weight: 1768kg (Tare)
- Wheels: Alloy 18 x 8.0-inch
Print it: 
I can’t find anything not to like about this car.
Love our home-grown stuff.
Nice work, Holden.
The fat, front, vision obscuring pillars perhaps?
The Holden badge perhaps? OK so now I’m being fussy.
I hope they refine the box but apart from that – good work Holden.
I now wait to see if Ford will make their ZF standard in response.
Ok Toyota – the next move is yours.
I have found that the A-pillars in a Aurion are just as thick as the VE and depending upon you’re seating position etc can be just as obstructive.. [as are the Toyotas rearward blind-spots]
However; is it really that hard to move your head/neck slightly to look past the A-pillar?
Soounds rather retorical but I will elaborate.
The problem is not that you cannot move your head. The problem is HAVING to move your head. It is so noticeable because in most cars you simply don’t need to do it.
When driving my Mus VE SS i like the \’blind spot\’ makes me more aware at round abouts as oppossed to my VZ Lumina i get a bit lazy sometimes . . .
The engine is a welcome update but if Holden want the public to fall in love with the Commodore again they need to give the exterior a minor freshen up(Front lights,front bar, rear tail lights etc) and a major interior update.
I personally know of at least a half a dozen people that were ready to buy the updated 2010 Commodore but when they seen that it looked identical to a 2006 model they went elsewhere.
So the dodos at Wheels said in 2006 that this car was better than a 550i, and marginally behind an E500? Do they have any idea at all?
A 550i! haha, morons. As if.
If you had driven a 550i, you would agree, the V8 ruins the 5 series, the steering is a lot more pondorous and balance is upset with the heavy V8 over the wheels. I would certainly rank a calais as a better drivers car over a 550i.
The Director I reported to three years ago owned one mate – and it was magnificent. Blew away any rep mobile. Just don’t get active steering…
The Calais is definitely a better steer than the 550i. Drive them back-to-back and you’ll see…
I don’t think even I would be brave enough to say something like that!
I remember Sally Dominguez saying that the Commodore had an Audi quality interior, hahaha it made me laugh at the time and still does. I suppose its hard for the bogans to pick the difference. I mean just ask them and they will tell you ours cars are as good as the Euro`s, obviously they have never been in one.
Makes me chuckle too.
Most Australian motoring “journalists” aren’t too much better – you’re considered a “badge snob” if you pick an M3 over a W200 or a 135i over an F6 etc.
I’d take a Falcon in a heartbeat over this. A G6E has a gruntier motor, better transmission, is just as fuel efficient, handles better and looks better.
Doesn’t the G6E require a 95 ron diet?
nope, ours runs 91 and has been returning a constant 10L/100km
On premium it is even better
The G6E has the same motor as the base model ;) so nothing special under the bonnet.
I would take the Calais V Sportwagon over all of them, except that Holden dosnt put the bloody chrome window trim on the wagons, so it ends up looking like an Omega, arrrghh!
Holden does do a few strange things like this with the VE Sport wagon, i was under the impression it was buyhing a sedan with a wagon end on it so tp speak but there are a few subtle things that you cant have on one, but you can on the other. . .
At this price you could get a G6E turbo, just dont rev it past 3000rpm and theres a marginal difference in fuel consumption.
You’re joking right? A tarted up BF can’t really compare to a black Calais V on 20″ wheels in the looks department.
Car looks great and sings like a bird and with this kind of fuel economy I would buy one. Can’t wait for the exterior update early next year
The car is not identical to the 06 build.
New Wheels
New Colours
New badges (and locations)
Removal of the awesome flip door pockets in the front.
Removal of the slip consol bin cover.
The last two on the lost are negatives.
Even so, customers won’t be able to notice these changes.
Most customers won’t be able to notice the differences between the old Camry or the updated/facelifted one either.. or the old and the new Golf; yet they will still sell well as wil the VE-2 .. so what’s your point?
Becasue if your going to buy a car you research these tyoes of things … and if i loved my car and they new one got a different drive train it wouldnt stop me form upgrading.
While deleting content from the car as Andrew pointed out, its a shame they didn’t delete that awful hand brake handle design and put in a proper one, beside the seat.
I have mixed feelings about the hanf brake, i enjoy how its ‘hidden’ but jumping out of my VZ into the VE i always have to look for the button to release it becasue its on top and not the end.
That is being picky. Most models do have the same wheels.(Most say the wheels that were replaced look worse than the originals anyway)
I’m an Aussie can fan living in Wellington NZ. My driving experience goes back to the early 70’s where I have driven most types of cars, but mostly Japaneese or Aussie metal. During this time amonst other things I have had the pleasure and memories of owning cars like an XW 302 Fairmont Sedan, XA Fairmont Coupe with a 351 transplant, Commodore VH Vacationer, VN Berliner, XF Fairmont, and a VT SS and currently drive a 2008 SS-V. I’ve checked out the latest offerings from Ford and Holden. And in my view both cars are GREAT. Wake Up Aussie’s you’ve never had it so good! The new Holden 6 cylinder motors are an improvement on the previous model. The updates on bothe cars when they arrive will be even better still. Dont winge about what you dont have and just enjoy the moment.
I reckon. The quality of our local brands are very good compared to the quality of Chevvies and Fords in the US.
Agree, but that doesn’t say much in the ‘grand world’ of things…
It does when the USA is the most competitive market in the world and you have several car enthusiasts on American Auto websites similar to CA saying nothing but positive comments about the VE and are desperate for it to make a return to the USA.
Not to mention the rave reviews it has been getting after several comparisons that it has taken part in against a number of more fancied rivals from Europe Japan and the USA..
In a number of cases it was “fighting above its weight” but managed to hold its own quite well which has surprised and gained some respect from a number of international Journos.
Looks old inside and out..especially inside. The fuel economy is no better than any other large car so how bad was it before ? A Falcon 6 speed auto will better this and the ZF trans is still miles ahead of the one in this car. I think everyone was expecting much better fuel economy from this engine and now they are wondering what the fuss was about. Why didnt they fix the interior while they had the chance? I guess money is really tight and will be for a lobg time with GM in Gov control and having to pay back the billions they owe the U.S. Gov. Overall i would say this is a very very average update and in alot of areas it still isnt as good as its competition……..a theme common to all the current GM offerings in every car segment in this country.
Fix the interior? Look at the photos in this review, the interior is fine. Its good even. The only people whinging about it a Ford fanboys who wouldn’t consider it anyway. The dash flows and combined with the centre console, has a subtlety missing in most cars, and reminds me of a lower specc’d E class interior; compared to the bulges and abrasiveness of the FG centre stack, which practically has a keyboard under the screen.
Sure, the A pillar could be thinner, and the handbrake could be… well… what could they do with the handbrake? It has to fit in with the design of the transmission tunnel… The stereo can be fixed by manually turning up the amplifier for the sub-woofer in the boot however, BIG difference. I wish they didn’t take the suede extendable door pockets out though, they were awesome.
You are entitled to your opinion, but it is still the number 1 selling car in it’s segment even though it’s direct competitor went through a massive facelift not so long ago. Added to this is the fact that most months, its the number one selling car in the country.
Not a bad car. Car needs update. Engine should be better on for nearly $57,000 I would buy a BMW 320d or Audi A4. Audi is cheaper and BMW cost $1300 more. Holden is longer, width very close but fuel economy European is 50% better and BMW holds value very well.
And once you option the BMW up to Calias levels of equipment, what would the price tag be?
You don’t need to option up quality. But it’s hard to get rid of the stench of VB and McDonalds.
So because you drink and eat MAccas your a bogan. Wow that means that most people in Europe and Asia ans Australia ans most of the world are bogans.
Whilst it isn’t the best beer available – I actually prefer Beez Neez or James Squires; There’s a lot of beers in the world that are worse than VB.
Well of course a 2.0 diesel in a compact executive is going to be more economical than a 3.6 petrol V6 in a large family/executive sedan. I don’t see how to can compare a 320d to a Calais just because the pricing is similar.
Article quotes that the entire VE range uses the 6spd trans – Dual fuel cars are still 4spd. (Ford & Holden have no excuse for still using 4spds on LPG powered cars)
Article also quotes it looks the same as a Calais dating back to 2005 – VE was released in 2006.
Personally, I would be put off due to Holden failing to fix the flat battery problem in the VE range. They have been aware of it for 3 years, but are only getting serious about it now due to the media coverage.
They state that the whole SIDI range gets six-speed as standard and not the whole range.
It’s a great update and I am glad they have given the drivetrain updates preference over the cosmetic updates. There are spy shots of the VF already on the net so we know more is coming. They are on the right path with this car.
It’s finally confirmed, the Commodore is going back to the states as a Chevrolet Caprice:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/fo.....car-84762/
Thats really good to here. a few questions though. the front is off our statesman if im correct and the rest is off the Omega. I like the idea of the Americans finally getting a worthy replacement for the Ancient crown Victoria, but i highly doubt the obama will allow a car that is made overseas top take priority over a car made on home soil. It takes jobs away from americans and doesnt have an overall benefit for their econommy. And btw who actually confirmed this???
Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, John Elsworth and Jim Campbell, general manager for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.
It is based on the long wheelbase Statesman platform and will be built at Elizabeth.
but the side profile looks very similar to the omega and the interior is definetley omega, are you sure its really been confirmed because normally when we start an export program, K Rudd and kim something go down to Vic and make a big deal out of it and as yet i havent seen it on the news?
Take a closer look at the rear 1/4.. it has the extra curved window like the WM statesman does.
As For something not being “official” until KKK Rudd Makes a big deal about it.. you’ve got to realise that at the time the various State and Federal Govt ministers made announcements about Holden exporting the VE to the USA as Pontiac G8s – Holden had already sent at least 4-5 shiploads of them overseas. [some of which even had Holden badges on them]
If GM had a car in the USA that was as good as the VE with the same level of equipment and performance etc They would most likely use that instead
However; the Fact that people like Bob Lutz has been pushing for the VE indicates that they don’t – the closest would most likely be the Cadillac but I don’t think it meets the Police Departments requirements etc as well as the VE does
.. and whilst Obama mightn’t like the fact that they will be importing a car form overseas – given GMs current financial situation and the cost of tooling up to build the VE in the USA they really don’t have any alternative
Initially it may be only for the Police but I suspect that will change particularly when they realise how many potential sales there will be with car enthusiasts
yeah they just updated the GM Inside news site and it says the coppers were given prototypes and they loved the look, versatility, and the space of the statey and said they would prefer the commodore for Highway patrol.
Its an omega spec statesmen.
Have a look at the specs;The Caprice PPV is based on GM’s global rear-drive family of vehicles that also underpins the Chevy Camaro. It uses the longest wheelbase of the architecture – 118.5 inches (3,010 mm)
G6ET w/ aftermarket LSD anyday, anytime
Go ahead. Ive noticed that neither Holden nor Ford try and target the others customers as they know that a Holden or Ford fanboy will never cross shop if they are loyal supporters. They are targeting the euro shoppers and the jap boys, and it doesnt seem to be working. Im a loyal Holden man for over twenty years now, but i didnt buy the new commodore because their is better metal out there. I may have even considered the ford, but when i saw the styling hadnt changed at all i was left cold, so i mgrated to the japanese camp who offer much better value for money and frugality along with reasonalby large cars and decent power.
for that price, you could buy a 3.6r premium liberty sedan, with a 3.6l boxer engine and AWD, and still have some change!,would be a much better quality option, simalar in size and space now. With more features and much much better resale!!
and it would be safer in a crash and crash avoidance!! With simalar fuel consumption 10.3l/100km, better sounding boxer engine note!!, si drive and paddles for gearbox..
Yes you could have your Liberty or Outback. Along with higher fuel consumption, ugly looks, cheap interior and Subaru’s famous overpriced servicing. Oh and I’m not sure if you have driven a new one, but they are way smaller than the Commodore and are from a completely different market segment.
you obviously have not sat in a NEW generation liberty at all!!
leg space in the back is as good if not better than commodore now,
and they are only slightly narrower now!!
high fuel consumption???? 10.3l/100km compared to 10.1 l/100km yeah BIG difference NOT!!!! interior quality is miles ahead of calais interior!! as is build quality!!
yes servicing may be a little higher but the liberty will be much more reliable long term!!! and is better put together (less rattles, things falling off!!)
OSU811
I have driven a Liberty and its way smaller than the VE Calais it produces less power from the same size motor also only has a 5speed auto. And how on earth can you say a Liberty is safer? Both cars are 5 stars NCAP
Hmmm, perhaps, maybe, yes and no.
If you are prepared to live with ugly and sacrifice space and service costs/intervals.
Apart from all that – nice car.
This is about the VE Calais NOT Maserati
I had a NEW GENERATION Liberty to drive to PI for the V8 Supercar round a few weeks ago. Yes it drives ok but is so ugly. Fuel economy there and back (a round trip of 140kms) was worse than my VE wagon. The VE on a run like that returns 8.4/100. The Liberty was 9.6, albeit with just under 2′000kms on the clock. The new CVT auto is average at best, the car is WAY SMALLER and is ugly. We parked at Siberia and a lot of current Subaru owners came and had a look. Every single one commented that it was ugly and felt that their current Liberties and Outbacks would keep their value. Most hated the new interior. Yes the car is bigger than the old one. Yes the new 6 cyl engine goes ok. Yes it is quieter than the old car. But is it a big step forward? No. I happily returned it to my mate (its his Subaru company car) and just as happily am driving my VE wagon again. Would I buy a Liberty? No!
you obviously dont even know what you presumably drove!!!
considering only the 2.5l gets the cvt box, the 3.6 you said you drove!!
has a new 5speed auto box!!
I’m sure that it drives really well and its relatively alright value, but look at it. Its worse in real-life (mainly because you have time to actually look at it and take it in). And the interior. Talk about cheap! The plastics on the dash look fine, BUT they are HARD. No give or take when pressing them and only soft-touch on the doors. I thought Subaru were going cheap on the Forester/Impreza to make way for the Liberty but boy was I wrong! My old MY00 Liberty wagon was a much better car, and is (in my opinion) the best Liberty ever made.
Besides, a much better competitor for this Calais V V6 is the Skoda Superb V6 4×4. Liberty goes up against Accord Euro and Mazda6.
Devil666……the interior a cheap and nasty and looks old…….a fact that everyone (except you apparantley) agrees on. It is nowhere near as modern as an FG Falcon and it uses cheap plastic. It would look good ten years ago but its now well overdue for a redesign. The handbrake is a disaster…….and who the hell put the power window switches on the console? Must be the same guy who put the boot release in the glovebox!! Do GM still do that like other model Commodes? This half baked new model shows how tight the money is within GM.
I agree with Devil666.
DOHC
Holden use the same plastic suppliers as Ford so that must mean you think Falcon’s interior is cheap too. As for the boot release it’s a lot safer in the glovebox if someone breaks into your car they can’t get acess to valuables in the boot. And if you want to look at a stupld boot release look back at the EL/EF falcon it was so close to the ignition and so senitive you opened the boot when you put the key in to start it.
Theres an emergency boot release when you fold, the rear ski port hatch.
Not safer at all.
SC
Yeah but is more time consuming than just pushing a button on the dash or floor something a car thief doesn’t have.
The ford boot release in all late model falcon’s is disengaged once above approx 5km/h and also 5 minutes after the ignition is turned off
..and I am sure every Commodore owner locks their glovebox every time they leave the car Captain Nemo…
I prefer the setup for opening the boot in our 6. The bood lid has a handle and the boot unlocks when the doors are unlocked allowing you to open the boot just like a car door. Many European cars use this method, including the Opel, oops, I mean Holden Astra. Due to the 6 having deadlocks, smashing a window and trying to unlock the door from the inside to unlock the boot won’t work either. Not to mention you can only fold the rear seats down from the boot. It is about as secure as you can get for a sedan boot!
So do I. VE is 3 years old and is still holding up well.
Ask many people, the FG looks no where as good as a VE.
FG = redesigned BA
VE = work of art
We all read about the Fords better looks (subjective), more modern interior, superior engine (well VE up to MY10 was “average”) and so on. But I like to point out that what is the VE outsells the Falcon month in, month out and most months is the countries number 1 selling car. Now with the new engines and a facelift due some time in 2010, it will probably sell even better. The Aussie public are voting with their wallets and they are voting Commodore.
Holden don’t care if it is private or fleet sales. A sale is a sale. And yes I happily drive a VE.
I agree Max. On another blog I said that the VE has outsold the falcon and aurion combined for most of the last 3 years. That was with an ashmatic V6 in the omega and a 4 speed auto from 30 years ago. What chance do ford and toyota have now in the sales stakes against the new offerings in VE when they could not beat the past woeful combo? None!
I agree, the VE looks great compared to the BF sorry FG Falcon.
DOHC, I drive a VE Wagon and agree that the Falcon interior is more modern looking than the VE. But the FG is close on 2 years newer than the VE so it should be more up to date.
Cant GM afford a descent auto to put in Commodores? As always GM’s driveline refinement lags way behind Ford and Toyota. Every Commodore has a trans that hunts up and down, jerks or thumps into gears………maybe its the naturally un-balanced V6? Drive an FG Falcon 6 speed, or even a BA, and its really really way ahead of GM. Maybe the auto trans is the reason that fuel economy improvement is so small even with direct injection. That, and the fact that a V6 engine has inferior mixture distribution compared to a great straight 6 like Falcon or BMW. A V6 is also not as smooth and refined as a straight 6.
AWD, I drive a VE and don’t have the problems you mention. Neither did my previous one. Nor do the 17 we have in our fleet.
I once had a clunky transmission in a BA workcar. I often think it depends on what day the car is made.
Descent autos are designed for going downhill and ascent autos are designed for going uphill.
I thought Hyundai was the only one that used Ascent gear boxes though??
I’m dying here! No seriously – good to see it’s not only Matt Brogan spitting out the one-liners. What with Ritalin and inbred British nobility and all ;o)
Max.read the comments in this article about the auto…….its the same in every Commodore we have in our 7 car fleet. Its as common as VE’s breaking down all over the country now due to electrical faults……i saw 2 today in the local carpark with the bonnets up……..Gm reliability …….lol
AWD, I can only speak from experiance of having two VE’s and running a private fleet of 17. From memory, my company has had somewhere in the region of 25 VE’s and we have never had any major problems. Just silly things like stereo’s locking up and refusing to eject CD’s blown headlight and tailight globes, just simple things that happen on any car. We have not had a single flat battery, no trans problems or anything like that. We have however had brake hose problems on our Falcons, ball joint issues on Territory’s and 2 Territory’s that have had rust issues. We have also had Aurions with auto-trans issues, both of which have had the auto’s replaced, one has had it done twice. But with the VE’s nothing. I also have one of my suppliers that runs a fleet of 62 cars, split between BF/FG and VE’s. We discussed this a couple of weeks ago when the battery issue came up. He has had no issues with VE’s appart from 2 that came from the first couple of months production.
I’m not sure about your comment with Cars all over the country breaking down with flat battery’s. From what I have read on the issue, they seem to be isolated cases that are hard to trace, not en-mass breakdowns as you seem to want people to beleive. Certainly not safety and car depreciating problems like ball joint failures and brake hose problems or rust issues. My Territory’s will be almost worthless when I trade them in as everybody is aware of the issues. Even the dealers privately admit that they are hard to move.
Your absolutely right. SO stop lying AWD and get over your prejudice.
GM still flogging the old snake oil to the unsuspecting. A Superb 2L TDI DSG is a far more desirable vehicle at so many levels…do yourself a favour, buy a Superb.
They build those things in the Czech rupublic from VW parts – seems that they are screwed together nicely but dynamically please, the car wouldn’t hold a candle to the Calais or G6 Falcon for that matter.
Why have you tested them?
Personaly I’d prefer the AWD Skoda anytime.
As for the dynamics of the FWD, in the age of mostly suburban, and speed restricted roads, thats a small price to pay, for better built, better looking, and better feeling vehicle that comes with a diesel engined option!!
So I agree with Will!!
If you’re comparing Apples with Oranges [like you usually do] why stop at an AWD Skoda – why not go for an 8×8 Tatra..?
Wheelnut says: “If you’re comparing Apples with Oranges [like you usually do] why stop at an AWD Skoda – why not go for an 8×8 Tatra..?”
Thats a bit of dum statement don’t you think?!
no1) It wasn’t me who compared them first!!
no2) AWD Skoda and Holden calais are large vehicles in roughly the same price range, while tatra 8×8 is an offroad truck with 4 sets of semi axles!!
no3) Skoda Superb has been compared to Calais in most of the Skoda superb reviews that I have read in Australia!! Which makes this comparisson valid, even if the calais comes in less flavours and is woefully built!!
You are not going to like this then Wheelnut. CA are just about to release a ‘large sedan’ comparison and guess what! There is a Skoda Superb AND a Holden Calais V in the comparison. Looks like Apples and Oranges can be compared to each other. Unfortunately there is no 8×8 Tatra in the comparison. TVFPIC.
Commodore has aged very well for what it is. It’s about time for the update inside & out. It’s on it’s last legs, but Calais V interior isn’t all bad, but still needs an upgrade. Of course, it looks dated compared to FG, cause FG is 1 1/2 yrs newer. I still can’t resist looking everytime i see a Sportwagon. They look so sexy. Engines aside, a facelift inside & out is all that is needed. Interesting comment about the battery problem. What i’ve read from, it’s just random customers experiencing it & Holden had stated that the NRMA who runs the Holden Helpline thing, have only experienced a small increase on the battery problem. Another thing, if you take out Sportwagon sales, Commodore Sedan alone still outsells Falcon Sedan. Proof that people still rather a Commodore over a Falcon. can’t wait for the facelift. Go HOLDEN!
I would much prefer the RWD Calais over the FWD Skoda
I would prefer an AWD SKODA to a woefully built RWD Calais!
Have you seen Skoda sales figures for last month? Everyone seems to agree with you…………
Does anyone know if you can run the V8 AFM on gas,
that much power on gas would be great the non AFM work well on gas.
Cheers
I dont think Holden have been able to make it compatible for the AFM engines yet. ive heard from a mate down at Fishermans bend that the Gas AFM engine may come about in about a year.
Nor should you run the previous Alloytech hi-output V6 on LPG either. They use a plastic intake manifold that can fail if the LPG engine backfires. The Omega/Berlina V6 used a cast aluminium intake manifold to avoid the problem. As to the comments above regarding the LPG Falcons and Commodores using 4 speed auto’s when having factory option LPG, there is some specific reason why its done. We enquired when buying the cars and was given a valid reason why but I can’t remember what. Maybe another one of the CA readers can?
I believe it is to do with the decrease in power/torque confusing the logic of the newer autos and creating erratic shift patterns.
I believe this problem does not occur with teh newer liquid gas injection systems as the poer loss is not as great.
I could be wrong?
Thats correct,
I was told the same by Ford too when I asked if they could fit the 6 speeder to an LPG vehicle.
Apparently they tried but had a lot of trouble tuning the 6 speed into it.
But anyway, hold out till the start of next year when the long awaited Injected LPG system lands in the E-Gas.
Improved economy and power not to mention the claimed 12% better Co2 emissions
Short answer Joe…..No.
Just the normal Gmh Hype. I saw the TV ads claiming 900km from one tank, How do you achieve that when at best the 3.0 litre achieves 9.3 ltr per 100 klms and the car has a 73 litre tank. The 3.6 uses more than 10 ltr per 100klm. I have been driving a Kluger for 12 mths and have been achieving an average of 11.2 ltr per 100km 3.5lt motor driving all four wheels 201kw 5 star safety rating 9 airbags etc 7seats and on the road for less than a Calais. The great thing about a Commodore is that with such a poor resale value you can pick up a very average family car for an extremly cheap price once they are a year or two old. Great work GMH Australia’s answer to the VW. Peoples car
You can’t compare any European to this.
I look at my mothers C180 Mercedes that is five years old.It will hold it’s value but I wouldn’t be caught dead in it except on Family Outing Day or when going to the Airport.These are some things wrong with it.The engine is a 1.8 Litre Four or about the same size as an AH Series Astra.Unless the Adults are really small and skinny you are going to struggle to get three in the back seats and the money actually goes back to Germany at the expense of Australian Jobs.