Holden Statesman Review & Road Test

By Paul Maric | November 16th, 2009

Holden Statesman Review

It’s over $100,000 cheaper than its nearest German competitor.

Model Tested:

2009 Holden WM Statesman; 3.6-litre, six-cylinder, petrol; six-speed automatic; sedan – $63,990*

Fuel economy; interior room; value for money
Transmission; lack of design change

CarAdvice Rating:

I’ll promise you from the outset that this isn’t one of those ‘the fish was this big’ stories. The Holden Statesman truly is huge. It’s any wonder a large portion of Holden’s Statesman and Caprice sales go toward hire cars, even our PM uses them – so they can’t be that bad.

The Holden Statesman is one of those cars that you don’t feel right driving on your own. It’s a massive car that doesn’t feel complete without a horde of passengers and luggage.

While Holden has inserted its new SIDI engine into the V6 Statesman and Caprice line-up, the exterior design remains identical.

Long LED indicator stems, along with a brash front and rear end define the Holden Statesman as an executive’s car. It certainly has presence on the road and looked elegant in the Karma metallic paint job.

Likewise with the exterior, the interior remains unchanged. From the moment you open the driver’s door, it’s obvious the Holden Statesman has been tailored with luxury and prestige in mind.

Lashings of wood grain encrust the interior panels, in addition to silver metallic highlights. Unfortunately the dull black overtones, which appear all too often inside the cabin, tend to bore in a hurry.

Most manufacturers these days are mounting LCD screens higher in the cabin so the driver isn’t forced to look down and take their eyes off the road for longer than necessary. Unfortunately Holden is yet to change this characteristic trait, which is one of the interior’s main shortcomings.

The myriad of buttons alongside the LCD also become confusing at times, at least until the driver is used to their whereabouts. One other confusing aspect is the optional satellite navigation. They say that patience is a virtue and is well and truly necessary when attempting to enter in an address.

Fiddly controls and slow response makes using the satellite navigation a mind numbing task, especially when it believes the street you’re entering doesn’t exist.

Holden has managed to improve the sound system on offer also. When the VE Commodore was first released, it was one of the Statesman’s strongest flaws. Now the sound system offers plenty of bass (without the rattling and distortion that once existed) and precise treble.

Interior room is bound to astonish anyone who hasn’t had the opportunity to sit in the front or rear of a Holden Statesman. Leg room and head room in the front is impressive, even for tall adults. It’s when you make your way to the rear seats that it becomes astonishing. Even for somebody of a tall stature like me can comfortably sink into the seats and stretch out.

Shoulder room allows three adults to sit abreast without feeling like they are sitting on top of each other.

This is one of the main reasons the Holden Statesman and Caprice are so popular amongst hire car companies. Compared to a non-L 7 Series, A8 and S-Class, the Statesman and Caprice offer superior leg room. You need to option the long-wheel-base on either of the aforementioned before they offer similar amounts of leg and head room.

Behind the wheel, the package is let down by a tired six-speed automatic gearbox. Holden’s new 3.6-litre SIDI engine produces 210kW and 350Nm of torque, which is more than sufficient to move the entire package.

The six-speed automatic gearbox offers a lethargic response when an urgent gear shift is beckoned, in addition to minor hunting during inclines and declines.

I found on occasion when power was needed immediately, the gearbox would dawdle and only then grab the right gear, wasting precious seconds.

The engine itself is a pearler offering adequate torque and fantastic mid-range power delivery. If it wasn’t for the gearbox getting in the way of things, it wouldn’t be anywhere as near of a critical assessment.

Sitting at the helm of the Holden Statesman is a leisurely task. Forward and side visibility is good (except for the massive A-pillars), but rearward visibility is limited due to the high boot-line. Rear parking sensors are standard, which helps when reversing.

The suspension is very soft and offers a luxury feel to the ride. It does have substantial body roll which rears its head during sweeping and tight corners. The demographic for this vehicle probably won’t care so much about the latter though.

Steering feel is accurate, while brake pedal feel is abysmal. Pedal travel is far greater than necessary and feedback through the pedal is limited to say the least.

Holden claims a fuel consumption figure of 10.3-L/100km; I was able to better this on test, returning an average fuel consumption of 9.5-L/100km. This was after a 70/30 highway/city split.

Standard features include: Central locking, dual-zone climate control, electric windows, electric mirrors, auto-dimming rear vision mirror, heated wing mirrors, six-disc CD player, leather seats, eight-way power driver’s seat, four-way power passenger seat, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Standard safety features include: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), driver and front seat passenger SRS airbags, driver and front seat passenger side airbags, full length curtain airbags, engine immobiliser and pyrotechnic seatbelt pretensioners.

Starting at $63,990, the Holden Statesman is good value for money if you’re after a vehicle capable of moving passengers in luxury. The engine is let down by a dismal gearbox, but doesn’t do much else wrong.

The Statesman is still $100,000 short of its nearest German competitor (the Audi A8) and it’s hard to imagine any reason why you would consider spending an additional $100,000 for a brand name. The Statesman offers just as much for over half the price.

Ratings:

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Road Test the Rivals:

Holden Statesman 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: Not Tested
CO2 Emissions: 245g/km
Fuel Consumption: 10.3L/100km (ADR)
Fuel Consumption: 9.5L/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
Suspension: Strut (F) / Mutli-link (R)
Tow Capacity: 2100kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 11.4m
Warranty: Three Year / 100,000km
Weight: 1724kg (Tare)
Wheels: Alloy 17 x 8.0-inch

Bent 8 Brigade

Absolutely excellent value for money considering the overpriced Euro competition.

Now let’s hear from the Skoda salesmen

Simon

Isn’t this mutton dressed up as lamb? A VE with leather interior just doesn’t cut it.
A better Aussie option is the GE-6T. Still travel in high comfort but with real performance and save money while your at it.

DE

Simon, I agree the G6E is a better overall car, but it’s direct rival is Calais, not this stretched version.
Unfortunately Ford decided that this market segment wasn’t big enough for two locally made products to substantiate the development costs.

My tip is there could be a US sourced limo size car in the future (2011-2012?). It might even wear the Fairlane name plate.

Simon

If “stretched” and “cheap” were your priorities, sure – great car!
Let’s face it, upmarket taxi’s are about it for this market. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention a few corporate types who think having a Statesman is something to brag about.
“But it’s a Statesman.” – “Oh I get it, is that like “it’s a LEXUS”?”
A rose by any other name…….. yet it’s not as sweet as some seem to think.

Shak

An XT with some chrome and a turbo. Isnt it.

Simon

Exactly, so which is the better base car? Then let’s spec them up and see which is still the better car……..unless of course you are wanting stretched and cheap.

Shak

the thing im trying to say is that we should consider and compare cars from each others classes. Not Astons with Alfa’s. At the moment Ford has the better large car, but Holden rules the full sized value market.
Simon

Fair call. Those that want what a Statesman offers will find a reasonable car for the money.
Without having driven the new model I should reserve more comment. I just hope it feels a world apart from the VE in terms of space, comfort and performance. I must admit I’m surprised they haven’t put a V8 option in. There will be many that want comfort with strong performance.

D

I still find it amazing that the Yankie Police want such a large car- surely the SWB would be good enough for them, just like it is for the Police in Oz.

Road Warrior

The Americans want the LWB so they can fit the custom made back seat and separation screen to the cabin, both of which take up a fair amount of space. Otherwise it would be much more difficult trying to cram a bad guy in the back seat of a SWB car (they don’t like the Charger and Impala for that reason)

Frenchie

They need a big car as they have alot of big guns!

Mr Brooksy

The LWB Commy is a great car, the new 3.6 seems to be the best Holden have had ever, which they really needed as their last few efforts were rubbish.

I just feel completely underwhelmed when looking at the interior! Wow, its more boring than almost every other new car on the road today. Its such a shame Holden ran out of $$ to redesign or at least create different colour plastics to liven the interior up a bit.

But as the article says the Euro’s are much more expensive and Ford killed off the Fairlane years ago so the LWB Commy has the market all to itself. Good move Holden. I wonder how much nicer it would be if the Fairlane was still being produced? Competition leads to improvement.
The Realist

“Standard features include: Central locking, dual-zone climate control, electric windows, electric mirrors, auto-dimming rear vision mirror, heated wing mirrors, six-disc CD player, leather seats, eight-way power driver’s seat, four-way power passenger seat, automatic headlights, automatic windscreen wipers, fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels.”

This is luxury?? $40K cars have these features, and more. It’s hilarious – why does the passenger only get 4 way adjustment, and the driver eight way? What about a high end sound system? Do these even come with auto up and down functions on the power windows? The sat nav system is extremely poor, and the screen cannot be compared to that for say MMI or I-drive.

“The Statesman is still $100,000 short of its nearest German competitor (the Audi A8) and it’s hard to imagine any reason why you would consider spending an additional $100,000 for a brand name. The Statesman offers just as much for over half the price.”

An extra $100K doesn’t just buy you a brand name. Apart from space, the Statesman is no where near the LS460, A8, S-Class and 7 Series in terms of features and quality.

Hondas and Nissans can do more features for less money. Pay a little more and a specced up A4 or 3 series will blow it away features and quality wise.

Reckless1

A4 and 3 series are WAY smaller. Not a direct competitor at all.

The Realist

The only thing going for this car is that it’s big – it is put to shame in every other area by other cars.

Hung Low

Yes a 3 series or A4 can tow better, carry 4 adults in more comfort, have a better ride and comfort for long distance hauling etc!
You need a reality check! Do you think the average Statesman buyer would care that the Euros are built better when they can get a car twice the size and comfort for the same $$$ and vise versa!

Doc

I disagree! I had a rental Statesman last year and the car is beautiful to drive, it has a feeling of solidness and comfort not many other cars can offer. I thought it was incredibly well equipped for the price as well. A much better car than my rattly and gutless BMW 3 series (luckily its on lease) so a Falcon G6E turbo is replacing it in March, but a Statesman would be my second choice if the Ford didnt exist. The Statesman is one of the suprise cars of the year for me, I never thought I could enjoy driving a car that big!

Have you even driven a Statesman??

The Realist

If I still had it my old E38 7 series would still blow this thing away in terms of luxury.

I won’t even compare a Statesman to a current 7 series because frankly it’s an embarrassment.

Captain Nemo

The Realist

Please tell us what automotive masterpiece you drive so all other lesser cars can be compaired to it.

The Realist

Sure:

E60 BMW M5.
Frosty (currently in Thailand)

Realist words are cheap…. Prove what you drive to us because you could be just pulling our legs saying you drive that particular car. I have driven most cars and have been driving a 7 series BMW here in Bangkok driving to Pattaya Chonburi and I will tell you now that it is a overpriced car not worth paying out all that money for in Australia. A Statesman or Caprice is a far better value for those who want a luxury long wheelbase car. When the WP or WO or WN (whatever they decide to call it) Statesman comes out with the VF next year look for exterior and interior changes that will fix any current issues with styling plus a new auto. Personally I do not believe the so called “the realist” has the car he states and maybe a 12 year old badge snob for all we know.
Hyena

No one is yet to answer my question as to why a $30K Australian car can have rear-wheel-drive but not Skodas bought by people who cant afford VWs . Perhaps you could?

Bent 8 Brigade

Ever hear of a Caprice?

The Realist

I’ve driven and been driven in a Caprice, in WA that’s about all you get in terms of Chauffer driven big sedans – and it’s not too much better than the Statesman. I was sitting in the back of one a few weeks ago and was wondering why I couldn’t recline my seat or watch HD television like I can in a true luxury car.

poohbear

‘Realist’ you really should consider a name change

Frenchie

I think Holdens should make the Statesman more sportier/luxury and leave the Caprice as a limo. Give the Statesman a more HSV feel ie stiffer suspenson, rear spoiler.

Reckless1

Makes the Skoda Superb 3.6 AWD seem positively a bargain.

But according to Paul, it’s not a Euro. I thought it was, but maybe I’ve missed a newsflash somewhere

Skoda is smaller

But the Superb is smaller than the std wheelbase Commodore, let alone the LWB. It’s a different class altogether.

Damian

“But the Superb is smaller than the std wheelbase Commodore, let alone the LWB. It’s a different class altogether.”

I find it amusing how ignorant some of you people are. Whilst the Skoda Superb is externally smaller than the Commodore Omega, it’s interior space utilisation is exceptional, which makes the interior almost as spacious as the Statesman.

I have been in both, and whilst the Skoda doesn’t have the width of the Statesman, the legroom is comparable. The interior quality of the Statesman is rubbish, with acres of nasty, ill-fitting plastic. The Skoda feels at least two generations ahead in this department.

Skoda is smaller

I find it amusing how you assume people are ignorant of the truth and you expect them to swallow you salesman like lines.

Been in both, measured the critical sizes. A “sense” of size doesnt give your knees any more real room.

philthy

The Skoda however suffers a common family trait: It looks horrendous.

Paul Maric

Reckless1:

I never said that.

I referred to the Statesman’s German competitors, Skoda is a Czech brand.

Nicholas

I agree with you Realist, that the Statesman doesn’t compare with the big Germans.

There is however a demographic being missed here. Farmers buy Statesmans, in droves. I see them all over South West WA.
And let’s face it, you don’t need a high end sound system when driving on gravel.
If the dust seals work, the long wheelbase makes things comfortable and the car can hold on when the road gets dusty then Holden have done their job.
Statesman is Australia’s last long cruiser and I think this one is going to be just as well accepted in it’s heartland as the last.

Where is that Skoda salesman?

poobear

There’s one flogging Skodas in the post above yours lol
Didn’t take long
The Realist

I agree with you.

But Paul is comparing them to the true luxury cars, and this is when this car’s qualities fail.

Alex

Audi A8 competitor? In size, yes. As for everything else, um, no.
Come on Paul, the Statesman is no competition for the current crop of German and British limousines. The extra money would be completely worth it to buy an Audi or a BMW if you wanted size and price wasn’t an issue. The Statesman has a woeful looking interior (that feels no better than it looks), a blocky looking exterior and just generally a budget feeling. Not to mention resale value.
As far as Im concerned with the Statesman, it’s a case of review it for what it is and you have what is in many ways a very good car. But compare it to the best things Germany has to offer and it just looks stupid. I don’t think it’s really targeting the same sort of people anyway.
As for saying that by buying an Audi limousine over a glorified Commodore is just paying $100,000 for a badge, well I’ll have to put that down to inexperience on your part. I don’t mean offence, but I really think you’ve taken your comparison a bit far Paul.

However, take away comparisons to German limousines and I have to ask, is it really better than the AWD V6 Skoda Superb? We all know the Skoda’s massive on the inside with a much better interior and I should think it would have a better drivetrain. I believe it costs less too, though I might be wrong about that. Even if it doesn’t though, you’d get back the extra outlay at selling time and the badge has no less prestige. In fact I can’t see much case for the Holden.

poohbear

Suggest you read the comparo in a recent mag – can’t remember which one – for a more balanced view, without any anti-Australian bashing, between the HSV Grange and the Euro competitors in which the Grange in no way embarrassed itself.

The Realist

Was it Wheels? I mean, they’d take a Calais V over a BMW 550i even if money was no object…

Deco

Support Australia I say.

The Realist

Australia? I don’t see Holden on the stock exchange do you?

Paul Maric

Alex:

I compared the Statesman to its German competition based on price alone, nothing else.

Unlike yourself, I’ve driven the Statesman, Caprice, A8, S-Class and 7 Series.

I can tell you right now that the Statesman spanks them all based on interior room (unless you option the LWB versions of each respective model).

As for the price difference, tell me what the 7 Series, S-Class or A8 can do that you can’t get the Statesman to do.

I can tell you that aside from better satellite navigation, BMW’s 7 Series has a very average sound system, the A8 in V6 form is as slow as a dog and the S-Class is $140,000 more than the Statesman.

I’d highly recommend that you look at this vehicle in the correct context. It’s an Australian car which is larger, roomier and well equipped for under $70,000.

While it won’t compete to the German competition with respect to their high end features – it doesn’t have to, it’s over $100,000 cheaper.

A Statesman buyer doesn’t give two tugs about radar cruise control, B&O sound systems or auto closing doors.

There’s absolutely no way you can’t consider the Statesman superb value for money and once more, I haven’t bothered comparing the Statesman to the German competition on anything other than price.

Alex

For a start, what do you mean “unlike yourself”? I have driven the Statesman. And the A8 (though not the V6 petrol one). And the 7 Series (740i, 730d and 740d). And the S Class (S320 CDI and S500). I found the Statesman to be a relatively uninspiring drive, though that was before the engine upgrade, but I’m not focussing on drive. Limousines are about quality, luxury, class and comfort. As far as I can see, the Statesman only delivers on the latter.
As for the V6 A8 being as slow as a dog, well I think when you start calling 7.9 seconds to 100 slow as a dog your getting a bit too expectant. How fast is the Statesman? It doesn’t say, but I doubt it’s any faster.
And you kind of did compare it to the A8 on things other than price because you wrote that you can’t imagine why you’d spend the extra $100,000 on anything other than the badge. That sentence brings a whole host of other points into play, such as all the reasons why the Audi costs more.
I just don’t think it was a good angle to bring any of the German limousines into it in the first place, even if you’re only comparing price. As I wrote before, if you look at the Statesman for what it is, it’s a very good car in many ways, but if you start bringing cars it couldn’t possibly compete with into things, it starts to look like a relatively unsophisticated piece of metal.

And you didn’t answer my other question. Is this honestly a better buy than a V6 Superb? I know they’re different size classes, but the Skoda too has massive amounts of space and a huge boot. I just don’t see how the Statesman can come out on top.

Car Fanatic

Alex, if you get the chance, drive a V8 TDI A8, they are absolutely amazing.

The Realist

“As for the price difference, tell me what the 7 Series, S-Class or A8 can do that you can’t get the Statesman to do.”

Here are a few items you can get in the top spec models:

- heated steering wheel
- 16 way front seat adjustment
- auto closing doors
- heating and ventilation functions for front seats
- premium sound system
- reclining rear seats with massaging functions
- lane departure warning system
- pre-collision warning system
- night vision
- quad zone climate control

The poverty pack cars even have:

- xenon headlights
- adaptive headlights
- HD television
- voice activation

I could go on but I think I’ve made my point.

“I can tell you that aside from better satellite navigation, BMW’s 7 Series has a very average sound system, the A8 in V6 form is as slow as a dog and the S-Class is $140,000 more than the Statesman.”

Wrong. The 7 series sound system (especially the BMW High End Audio) blows away the Statesman’s, the A8 performance is perfectly fine for a large car, and the S Class is the pinnacle for non-bespoke luxury cars. I get to travel in these cars all the time, so everytime I get to Perth I know the product I have the ‘pleasure’ of having to travel in (Caprice) is vastly inferior.

“While it won’t compete to the German competition with respect to their high end features – it doesn’t have to, it’s over $100,000 cheaper.”

If you consider it a ‘competitor’ then it most certainly does Paul. Price is only one aspect. What about features? Quality? Sales and service? Badge cache? The Holden fails miserably in these respects.

BTW there is no excuse in the current market for lacking simple features in a $65K car. I can purchase a 320i executive optioned with xenons and professional navigation for that price. Heck, xenons can be had in small cars these days for $30K.

“A Statesman buyer doesn’t give two tugs about radar cruise control, B&O sound systems or auto closing doors.”

Of course they don’t – the buyers of Statesman’s aren’t the same demographic as those in the true luxury car brigade.

Deco

Expensive extras.
Hung Low

Why do you have a little Fetish with Xenons?
They are vastly overrated especially for country driving. The normal halogens put xenons to shame, especially on Hi-beam.
As for the rest of the useless luxuries you posted are not needed and are only there to justify a higher asking price. A Homedics foot massager bolted on the accelerator pedal would be more useful!

Captain Nemo

@ Alex

Who needs to watch comedy on TV to get their daily laughs all i need to do is read comments like yours.

Skoda better than a Statesman pffft
You call the Statesman a glorified Commodore and what the Skoda isn,t just a low- rent Passat??

The Skoda might have almost as much rear legroom but is way narrower better interior??? pffft Skoda’s is cheap & tacky.

Better drivetrain if having less power (191kw vs 210kw) from the same size motor and a clunky DSG is better i’m confused.

Better resale?? Skoda haven’t been around long enough in AU to know what resale will be like but judging by poor sales & fugly looks resale will be rubbish.

Newsflash Alex Skoda is about as prestige as Great wall motors.

In fact i can’t see much case for buying a Skoda in fact nobody is buying Skodas.

Alex

You may call the Superb a low rent Passat, but considering that the Passat is miles ahead of anything Holden make, that really shouldn’t be a problem. You’re wrong anyway.
The Skoda Superb certainly does have a better interior than the Statesman. It’s well designed (though that’s down to personal preference) and it’s made of much higher quality materials than any Holden.
Whether a drivetrain is good or not is not dependent on power and considering the review’s I’ve read for the new Holden engines, they all seem to say that they’re good engines but that they really only bring Holden up to speed with everyone else. On the other hand, the V6 Superb gets excellent reviews.
If DSG is so clunky then why does it get heaped with praise and described as “silky smooth” on this very website? I know it’s not 100% perfect, but it’s one of the best gearboxes in the world and certainly much better than the apparently dismal one in this Statesman, or did you not bother to read the review?
As for resale, well you are right there. Skoda simply haven’t been here long enough to have a reliable resale history, but when you think about it, can resale really get any worse than the Commodore and Statesman? They loose value hilariously quickly. There’s a reason why so many P Platers drive Statesman’s with chrome wheels – it’s because they’re very affordable, even to people working in supermarkets.
Also, I know Skoda’s aren’t prestigious. I never wrote that they were. If you’ll read my original comment again, I wrote that the Superb has no less prestige than a Statesman, not that they were prestigious.

You can laugh at my comments if you want, but that doesn’t make you right. In fact, when it comes to Skodas which are excellent cars (and no I don’t own one and have no intention of owning one), you are very wrong indeed.

Deco

No it doesn\’t have better interior room, can\’t you understnad that. It is a thin car and where the Statesman can comfortably fit three adults, all over 6\’4″ in the back, with room to spare (trust me I know), I\’d hate to see what would happen in the Skoda, you\’d start an all out brawl.

Like I said before the Skodo has exceptional leg room, but its shoulder room simply sucks.

The dismal gear box in the statesman, is this reviewers opinion, but at other automotive establishments, it has recently been favourably compared to Ford\’s ZF, which Caradvice rated as better than the DSG.

Dank

And if you spent an extra $100k on an A8 or a S-Class you would think you get a better quality product….you dont…both have serious problems with reliability.
Jake

The size is only one advantage I see….everything else or more you will get in Maxima for much less and better quality too…and Holden here is a tip ..Xenon headlights would be a good start if you want to compete with others and especially Germans.

Deco

The car is over 3 years old. Give it a break xD!

It compares very well and considering it will probably be updated with the VF commdore next year.

o

the merc S class is over 4 years old and it has xenons

Andrew

The caprice has duel xenons , and i feel that is the Holden that should be perched against this the ‘big boys’ in this segment.

The Realist

Wouldn’t make one iota of difference. A few extras doesn’t translate into bridging the huge gulf between these cars and say a new generation 7 series.

Reality Check

To compare this with a Mercedes-benz S Class is to compare Chalk to Cheese.

A G6ET makes the performance of this Statesman look absolutly pedestrian, not to mention the vastly better dynamics, world class gearbox and so on offerred by the Ford, so unless you need the extra space on offer in this Statesman why anyone would bother is beyound comprehension.

Who wants to be seen in a poor man’s “so called” luxury Limo ?

Frenchie

Where is Ford’s LTD?

How many Merc S class are sold in Australia per year?
Deco

The idea is the extra space you idiot….

THAT’S why people buy it….

Frenchie

I have issue with you comment about the 6speed auto. You say that it hunts to find the right gear and it is slow. I found no problem with it. What are you comparing it to?

Safety Frist

If you compared it to even the 6 speed Aisin box used in Aurion and Mondeo, the GM box is still a touch underwhelming. It is better than their Four and Five speeder units for sure, but still needs a touch more work….. Not bad but not as good as some others…

Shak

One comment that many posters seem to have is that the interior is appaling. Yes the blac interior is miserable, but have any of you sat in the cream coloured interiors. They are wonderful. My parents have a Statesman with cream interior and the SIDI engine. i tested it for them and the only thing we didnt like was the slow response of the gearbox. Other than that they were considering a mid spec 5 series but really liked the room and the stlye of the Statesman.
Jake02

It was reported on other motoring websites that the Caprice was to receive a ‘lounge-pack’ of reclining/fold-out chairs in the rear seat and a longer wheelbase. Has anything actually eventuated from that? It would be a good idea, especially considering the number of Caprices you see as HC-registered cars at Sydney Airport (all lining up just waiting for Macquarie to take even MORE of their money – bastards they are!) !

Oh and “Skoda is smaller”, I’d like to ask if you’ve ever been in a Superb? Remember that packaging is the Europeans’ specialty!

Skoda is smaller

Lets repeat it then;

Skoda is smaller says:
November 16, 2009 at 5:54 pm
“Been in both, measured the critical sizes. A “sense” of size doesnt give your knees any more real room.”

Jake02

Oh whoops, the 40′C is getting to me…

Deco

The Superb does have very good leg room, but its width is by far less than the Statesman and the Statesman also has more leg room and head room.

jon

Its a STRETCHED Commodore and comes with the same poor build quality.

DILLIGAF

Seems the same old Aussie car haters are at it again .What Paul Marics opinion means nothing here,when he likes a Skoda you all pat him on the back but when he says sit up and take notice of the Statsy you all bag his journalistic knowledge as crap.

Oh and I think his opinion has credibility unlike your hatred for the local makers,get a life dude !

The Realist

So you actually think this is competition for an S Class Mercedes?

Byron

Statesman is a good car. The new engine goes well & was much needed. Statesman & Caprice + VE just lack the needed improvements to the interior & exterior, thats all. That is the biggest flaw with them currently. They need a update asap. But i still love em’ regardless of what ppl say. Go HOLDEN!

Deco

Interior maybe, but I beleive the exterior is still very current and beautiful.

XR5

There is a reason……a gigantic reason…….that this car is $100000 cheaper than its euro competitors (not that this car is REALLY in the same class as a Merc or BMW etc) and that huge reaosn is ….QUALITY !!! This GM car is so far behind in QUALITY its not funny. Cheap interior materials and poor fit, finish and ergonomics are a joke in this day and age and to even compare this car to the other quality cars is ridiculous to say the least. The awkward dated exterior does not help either.

Deco

Which could be fixed up if they charged another 20k for it, still undercutting the Germans substantially.

But charging another 20k defeats the purpose.

The Realist

jon’s right – an extra $90K couldn’t make the W200 any better than a regular HSV, so how on earth do you think they could “fix up” the deficiencies with an extra $20K?

The W200 didn’t even have satellite navigation as standard…

jon

True, it wouldn`t matter what they spent on it, they still wouldn`t get it right. Remember the 150k Commodore? sure it went ok but it still couldn`t compete with the Germans in refinement or class. I guess if you start with a cheap car, adding leather won`t make it classier. Really its just mutton dressed up as lamb.

Mazdaman

it is ridiculous to compare a $64000 car and $200 000 ones. they are targeted at totally different markets and incomes.

Hung Low

Exactly, they will not be crossed shopped.
With this money though a 2 year old, very low km Lexus GS430 would not be a bad alternative discounting the smaller size.

Steve-Poyza

I don’t like it’s looks anymore. It dated very quickly and the interior was always boring and cheap. The only thing I still like on the exterior is the long LED indicator stems.
crouchy

I personally think it is silly to compare this car to those north of $150k .. This car should be looked at for what it offers for $57k..

Ofcourse if you had $200k to spend on a car you wouldnt buy 4 of these and if you had $57k, you wouldnt even look at an A8 etc.

Lets be realistic here.. when I bought my Mitsubishi Magna I didnt sit there comparing the features list to that of an Aston Martin…
Ford King

Looks crap!
Jweb

You are not paying 100k extra for a brand name soley.The brand name got to its reputation for its product in the long run,after all.
For 100k you are getting a better built car,higher quality materials,more upmarket exterior and interior,more features,greater durabilty,better resale(excluding A8),better safety,cutting edge technology.

Should i keep going???? I agree the caprice is good value in a relative sense,but saying why would you buy Audi\’s etc for 100k more,purely shows your ignorance,or your blind patriotism to a partially Australian car.

Yes you pay for the brand in some sense,making the cars a little over priced,but the price is determined by the market,and is mostly justified.

Dank

Greater durability….pffft…. you obviously dont work in a service department….the s-class and audi’s just fall apart on Australian roads.
Dont know why you people are even comparing them anyway….
Good value for what you get.

wes

Wank I doubt you work in a service department, I can say that we have never had an Audi or a Merc come in falling apart. One thing I will say is that they aren`t perfectly suited to our roads but thats because our roads are so crap.
The Realist

Good value? So how come an imported Japanese car for $30K less can get Xenons and this “luxury” car can’t?

Captain Nemo

The Realist

You really need to get over the fact that the Statesman doesn’t have xenon headlights. You should be more worried that car companies like Skoda charge $40K+ for an Octavia with only 4star ANCAP rating you can buy an Korean cheapie with 4stars even $25K Korean cars have 5stars these days.

ABMPSV

Spot on!! Who would buy a Statesman in Germany. Holden should try to sell it over there. Let see how good is. Lucky if they would sell 1 in a year!

Car fanatic

They had something that the Commodore was based on, which was poor competition for the Merc’s Bimmers and Audi’s, called it an Opel Omega A and Opel Omega B, both decent cars but far from their competition in the prestige Germans

Will

Good grief. Direct injection…what a marvel. Does it come with free battery and spare wiring loom? What, no diesel yet. How very 2004.

Do yourself a favour and buy a Superb 2ltr TDI DSG., or if you must stay with ULP the 3.6 FSI DSG AWD. They will still bring a smile to your face long after the Holden has turned to dust, or killed you and your family through an electrical malfunction…

Tome

How can people be stupid enough to put together such total rubbish, yet somehow manage to still work out how to post on a public forum??

Skodaman

it’s really quite easy for him to post such biased comments, you see because

WILL IS A SKODA SALESMAN

Every blog seems to be just another oportunity for Will to bag some other brand inoder to try to promote what he sells – very UNETHICAL!

Car Fanatic

or you could Buy a Passat if you think the Skoda doesn’t appeal, just get some logic and buy a VAG product.
Reality Check

Posted by a bored and desperate Skoda salesman trying to make a living when nobody wants to but Skoda vehicles.
Captain Nemo

I suppose you get all excited Will when someone walks into the Skoda dealership then it all turns to despair when you realise they only want use the bog.

Then again looking @ Skodas would give you the runs.

vTec

Doesn’t make sense that statesman/Caprice becomes competitor of Audi A8 or Lexus LS. Then Why should holden sells them to america on chevrolet??
starme

A Nissan Maxima or a Mercedes E class have better features than a classy holden. If there was a class rating on each car the top two Japanese exporters and most europeans would beat holden. A 25k+ Subaru has xenon lights yet a 65k car doesn’t have it, if your looking for xenon lights easy decision. Yet the statesman is just an improved commodore. Or a better way it’s like an upgrade from economy to premium economy on a plane. If you looking to buy a statesman look at a mercedes e-class, that’s the closest i can compare an apple and a extremely pestersized apple. Only extra 30k for an e-class and all the features of a 7-a8 or s class.
Hung Low

It will have a tough time with his own hand always in the way!