WM Caprice

The Caprice shared the Statesman’s multi-link strut front suspension and mult-link independent rear system, offering sharper handling and better isolation and ride comfort.

Like the Statesman it came in either V6 or V8 guises. However, to differentiate it from the Statesman, the range-topper gained 18-inch alloys, Bi-Xenon headlights, sports luxury suspension and a unique front grille and bumper treatment.

The Caprice also came with real pressed aluminium interior accents, tri-zone climate control, tyre pressure monitoring, premium Bose sound system and dual rear DVD screens in the front headrests. Upholstery is soft-touch leather with a 10-way electric driver’s seat.

From September 2010, Holden discontinued the Statesman nameplate with the introduction of the WM Series II facelift, halving the VE long-wheelbase sedan’s range to just two models.

Taking a downmarket dive was the WM Series II Caprice V6, replacing the outgoing Statesman V6 as the base model, and at a $2000 lower price (a whopping $9500 cheaper than the outgoing Caprice V6 it replaced).

Meanwhile, Holden also slashed $5500 from the price of the V8 Caprice flagship.

Exterior changes were slight, limited to minor alterations to the front and rear sections, different trim, and three new colours – Alto Grey, Mirage Glow (beige) and Sizzle (bright metallic red) – for a total of seven choices.

Inside, both Caprices featured Holden’s new touch-screen centre console, dubbed “iQ System”. Among its attractions were multi-media applications such as mega hard-drive storage, Bluetooth/iPod/MP3 player/USB flash drive connectivity, fancier sat-nav with traffic information, and a rear view camera.