If the Calais stands for “good” then the Calais V stands for “very good”.
If the “base” Calais is not enough for you, the “V” adds front and rear parking sonar, rain sensing wipers, external mirror puddle lamps, 18-inch alloys, leather trim, single-screen roof-mounted DVD, 230-watt audio system with sub-woofer, priority seat and mirror memory, eight-way electric front seats and a sliding centre armrest.
Holden is clearly aiming for some of the high-end European offerings, and its price-point is a sure tempter to swing Europhiles around to the Australian way of driving.
There’s just a hint of exterior chrome – alone the base of the doors for example - and “V” badging to differential the car from the lesser Calais and to some people it may not be enough. However, the look is understated and very classy.
At launch, engines in the “V” ran to the High-Output 3.6-litre Alloytec V6 developing 195kW @ 6500rpm and 340Nm @ 2600rpm mated to a five-speed automatic or the 6.0-litre V8 with 270kW @ 5700rpm and 530Nm @ 4400rpm on tap hooked up with a six-speed automatic.
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.
