The Calais name replaced SL/E as Holden's Commodore flagship in the VK series that arrested the previous VH model's worrying sales slide.
The extra side window behind the rear doors attempted to add the impression of space, while the new plastic bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, dash, seat trim and higher equipment levels helped to revive buyer interest.
The new fuel-injected 106kW 3.3-litre six-cylinder engine became the new base motor, while the 4.2-litre V8 disappeared.
New standard features: Cruise control, electronic dash, rear headrests, a heavy-duty radiator and power mirrors Engine options: 126kW 5.0-litre V8.
