YOU have to cast your mind back to late 1978, when the Opel-derived VB Commodore SL/E broke cover, to recall another time when a Holden sedan so comprehensively blitzed its imported rivals on so many fronts. Remember how sophisticated it looked against the XC Fairmont GXL and CM Chrysler Regal SE of the day? The difference today is that the VE Calais V Series sedan is accomplished enough to actually be exported, be priced on a more even footing to its European, Japanese and American competition, and still come up trumps. Of course, a V8 engine is out of step with today’s environmental concerns, and quality control questions remain, but if it is a world-class Australian sports/luxury sedan that you want, look no further than the VE Commodore with all the bells and whistles.