The EFTM Garage – Holden VF Calais V sedan

EFTM has already sat behind the wheel of the new Holden VF Calais V Sportswagon, so how does the better equipped sedan shape up? This week it’s sitting in the EFTM garage.

Make: Holden

Model: VF

Variant: Calais V, 210Kw 3.6-litre V6 with 6-speed automatic.

Additional Features over base Calais: 19 inch wheels, chrome door handles, projector headlights, sports steering wheel, nine-speaker Bose audio, heated front seats with driver’s seat memory, electric sunroof, and satellite navigation.

Price: $46,990

Wow Factor: Feels special and looks very slick in ‘Phantom Black’. Interior has undergone a significant renovation over the outgoing VE. The standard ‘Heads up Display’ is a real standout and particularly rare in this segment. Price!

Most Impressive: Calais range is heavily loaded with technology. Blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, reverse traffic alert with camera and park assist. MyLink system is one of the best around, with near flawless voice recognition.

Not so impressive: Remains a big heavy car, Calais purists may be turned off by the softer suspension tune. V6 still sounds like a blow dryer ingesting sand.