VE Commodore Calais

The Calais remains the premium luxury offering in the Commodore range for those who do not need, or want, the extra wheelbase offered in the Statesman range.

Holden has kept the car’s sports suspension, a carry over from the previous model, which does not detract from the car’s sure-footed ride and handling.

The ride is still cocooning and occupants would be largely unaware they were travelling in a car with similar suspension settings to some of the sporty Commodores.

Visually, the Calais is differentiated from lesser Commodores by its projector headlights, chrome grille header with mesh grille insert, 17-inch five-spoke alloys, larger tail-lights with clear smoked outer lens, dual round chrome exhausts, chrome ringed foglights, chrome door surrounds and body coloured door handles and mirrors.

Inside, the entry Calais gets fabric/leather seats (full leather is optional on the Calais but standard on the Calais V), dual front, side and curtain airbags, six-way power driver’s seat, colour information display for audio, heating and stereo, dual-zone climate control, height and reach adjustable leather steering wheel, white-faced instruments, six-way electric front seats, foglights, sliding front centre armrest, electric windows/mirrors, dual exhausts and chrome door handles.

It is now no secret that Holden used the BMW 5 Series for the Calais’ ride control and chassis dynamics and it shows. There is a new-found precision in the way the Calais rides, handles and stops.

Like the SV6, the Calais’s standard engine at launch was the High Output Alloytec V6. The 3.6-litre engine, developing 195kW @ 6500rpm and 340Nm @ 2600rpm and mated to a standard five-speed automatic (or six-speed automatic on the V8).

In September 2009 the VE range was updated, with the 3.6-litre engine receiving direct-injection.

In addition to the new engine, Holden also improved noise and vibration levels through the use of low rolling-resistance tyres for models fitted with 16 and 17-inch wheels. Suspension revisions designed to increase high-speed stability, lane-change performance and on-centre steering precision also made it into the upgrade.

A new dual exhaust system reduced noise, along with extra acoustic deadening between the cabin and the engine compartment.