If you are in the market for luxury sedan that offers high level of refinement than much improved Holden Calais VE V should definitely make the list. Highly improved build quality with long list of standard inclusions brings this Holden Variant much closer to far more expensive European brands. With a choice of two engines that have recently benefited from inclusion of fuel reduction technology the SIDI or spark ignition direct injection 3.6 litre V6 develops 210kW of power with 350Nm@2900rpm returns respectable 10.1l/100km fuel economy based on Hwy/City combined figures. Followed closely by 6 litre V8 with AFM or active fuel management developing 260kW of Power with massive 517Nm @ 4400rpm. AMF will only be fitted to automatic transmission variants registering slight drop in power figures when compared to Manual versions. Holden Claims at least 1 litre per 100km reduction in fuel consumption for cars fitted with AFM. This technology enables cylinder shutdown from 8 to 4 or vice-versa depending on the driving conditions. Both variants are fitted with active select 6 speed automatic transmission. There are no manual options in this Line Up. Buyers would have to consider an S, SS or HSV model if manual is on the menu. Distinctively different to standard Holden Commodore VE, sporting 18” alloys, duel exhaust pipes, chrome grill and side lining, Projector headlamps with Front fog lamps and revised rear taillights is what makes Calais VE V instantly recognisable on the road when compared to basic model.
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Luxo feel continues inside with the use of fine materials such as high quality perforated leather seats far more superior to what has been fitted in previous models, dashboard plastics that look and feel elegant, 6.5” multifunction display, chrome insert running across the middle of the dashboard with tastefully designed instrument cluster. Standard inclusion list is made up of 11 speaker 6 in-dash CD player with auxiliary input Jack, rear roof mounted DVD entertainment unit, Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted radio and telephone controls, rain sensing wipers, 8/4 electric seat adjustment with memory function for the driver seats, cruise, heated side view mirrors and more. From safety point of view Holden Calais VE V 6 airbags, seat pretensioners, ABS with traction control, EBD with BA, ESC helped to achieve its 5 stars ANCAP rating. In general, this is a vehicle that will happily defend its position against any other car within the same category including far pricier European alternatives. Sure it might not be fitted with night vision, active cruise control and some of the other electronics that would normally be found in more upmarket vehicles but at the expense of affordability. Just image what more could Holden Calais V offer with $200K-$300K price tag. It will sure have the others running for cover. We will take the current version anytime, thank you.
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