GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Holden - Calibra - 2-dr hatch

Holden Calibra (Calibra YE)

Calibra YE

Make: Holden

Model: Calibra

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Jul 1995

Holden logo1 Sep 1991

By THE GOAUTO TEAM

The front-wheel drive YE Calibra was to the Holden Vectra what the Toyota Celica has been (at times) to the Toyota Camry – a sporty two-door version of a popular mid-sized family car.

Developed by General Motors’ Opel and Vauxhall in Europe, the stunningly aerodynamic Calibra three-door hatchback shared no exterior body panels with its donor car, the 1988-1995 Opel Vectra.

Interestingly, unlike its predecessor (the 1982-1989 JB-JE Holden Camira) and its successor (the 1997-2002 JR-JS Holden Vectra), Australians never saw this generation Vectra.

So its mundane Vectra-derived cabin, disappointingly sedan-like dynamics and (Holden-sourced) 2.0-litre Family II four-cylinder engines didn’t put off buyers locally.

The latter came in two guises – an 85kW/170Nm single cam for four-speed automatic Calibras, and a 110kW/196Nm twin-cam 16-valve unit for the five-speed manual models.

But despite keen pricing, beautiful styling, good space for four adults and a long features list that included anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, central locking, a sunroof, power steering and electric windows, the Calibra failed to lure sports car buyers, especially as it was released just as the recession was biting hard in Australia.

In mid-’94, the release of a 150kW/280Nm turbocharged all-wheel drive flagship model – featuring a six-speed manual only gearbox, upgraded brakes, a driver’s airbag, leather trim and a body kit – failed to address disappointing sales.

At the same time a standard driver’s airbag, seat belt pretensioners, new-look alloy wheels and minor changes to cabin trim marked the ’94 series Calibra range.

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here