2018 Holden Commodore Calais review of the new car

It's hard not to compare the new Imported Holden Commodore with the old locally made model that looks like a significantly different vehicle. But to get closer to the new Commodore without this connection, this German-made imported liftback fits nicely into a range of large four-and six-cylinder front-wheel drive passenger cars, trying to combine practical functionality and light performance. [19659002] The Calais model adds even more than that, with aspirations higher than ordinary models, but did the marked differences in the old model mask its ability to keep up with stiff competition?

: Large saloon

Price: $ 40,990

Engine / Trans: 191kW / 350Nm 2.0 liter 4cyl turbo-petrol | 9sp automatic

Fuel claimed: 7.6l / 100km tested: 8.9 / 100km

SUMMARY

I like the calais d & # 39; formerly the new model stands near the top of the tree for the comfort of the creature although it remains aware of the price and leaves a bit of space for the more expensive Calais-V which is completely charge.

In contrast, the Calais is equipped with 18-inch alloys, leather trim, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, 8.0 inches. infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and DAB + radio, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, automatic headlights and windshield wipers and keyless entry and ignition.

Standard Safety Inclusions: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Cross Road Traffic Alert – no adaptive cruise control but ANCAP rating five stars and a much more sophisticated car. If that's not enough, buyers can go upstream from Calais-V starting at $ 51,990 plus road costs and add 20-inch alloys, Bose sound system, ventilated seats with massage function, rear bench heating, steering wheel-mounted shifters, 360-degree camera, color head-up display and adaptive LED headlamps.

What you will need to understand if you come from an old Commodore model, that is there is more than V8 and a gasoline or diesel engine with four-cylinder turbocharged V6 engine and atmospheric is the only motivation of the whole range. This test vehicle is equipped with gasoline turbo and diesel is an additional $ 3,000 option – the V6 is not available at this level.

The four-pot turbo produces 191kW of power and 350Nm of torque coupled to a new- The automatic gearbox only rolls on the front wheels, which promises optimum performance and a reasonable fuel economy of 7.6l / 100km in combined cycle. Homebuyers might consider the longer and more efficient turbo diesel that produces softer 125kW / 400Nm and 5.4l / 100km.

Keeping with tradition the new model was set at Holden's Lang Lang test site and almost a quarter of a million kilometers were timed by testing, tuning and improving the suspension, brakes, maneuverability and direction to better adapt to our roads.

THE INTERIOR | EVALUATION: 3.5 / 5

• Standard Equipment: 18-inch alloys, leather trim, leather steering wheel, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, power windows and mirrors, multi-function on-board computer, air-conditioned two zones -conditioning, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror
• Infotainment: 8.0 inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB + and Bluetooth phone and broadcast audio, USB input, AM / FM radio, CD player, satellite navigation and eight speakers

Overall, the interior design looks good and there is nice technology, but it lacks a bit of adjustment and finishing even the old model manufactured locally. The interior piece is an 8.0-inch wide infotainment system that is an inch larger than the standard grades of the LT model and offers crisp graphics and an easy-to-navigate menu system. It comes with standard satellite navigation, digital radio reception and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. But the rear view camera's power supply is of poor quality and barely readable when it is wet.

Around the cabin, there is plenty of storage, including four cupholders and a deep center pan. recharged, including two USB ports at the back.

A few pieces of black piano and leather paneling and pseudo-leather on the steering wheel, center console and door panels are also juxtaposed and add a little zhoosh that would otherwise

Buttons and most points are not pleasant to touch, especially the elements of the steering wheel, and the seats are slightly uncomfortable.

To fix this problem, Calais-V gets a Calais adjustable bolster support there is no adjustment of the sides, so it's a tight fit even around a thin frame. It's a shame because the driver's seat gets in an excellent down position if necessary, but can be embarrassing to be comfortable on long trips.

Elsewhere things for the driver are good, like a light-colored head-up display It has a good setting range for long and short drivers and a basic dashboard cockpit with 4.2-inch digital screen to display information such as the distance difference between the car and the traffic.

The rear seats are too narrow for three adults to sit down.

Around the back, a boot of 490 liters well sized, smaller than the competition. like the Toyota Camry (493L) and Skoda Octavia (568L) but easy to use thanks to a gaping opening and folding rear seats.

Although cleaner and more modern on the inside this is not the stuffed barge that old Calais was – that bo really sailed.

ON THE ROAD

• Engine: 191kW / 350Nm 2.0 4cyl turbo petrol
• Transmission: Automatic nine-speed, front-wheel drive [19659015] Suspension: MacPherson front leg, independent rear
• Brakes: Front ventilated front brakes and solid rear
• Steering: Power assisted power steering

Holden did a great job developing the local Commodore for Australian conditions and his work on the imported model is no different. More importantly, the suspension is close to the place and it absorbs bad roads and ripples with a lot of relief inside the cabin. The ride is comfortable and consistent while remaining sharp to drive and never seems unstable under normal driving conditions.

The engine, though one of the smallest in the history of the Commodore, has a lot of energy and reacts enthusiastically at the top of the accelerator pedal . It does not make a good sound, but a 0 to 100 km / h claimed time of 7.0 seconds feels just about right and is fast enough to get through traffic and overtaking. But because all that power goes through the front wheels, there's a little torque and steering wheel traction when you're cornering or doing a quick exit and the steering is not as net and connected than the old model. Although there is an all wheel drive system that conceals part of which is not available in this category.

For most purposes, the Calais with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is fun to drive and offers all the power, comfort and comfort that is most often needed, and the vision is good in front and on the sides. GM's nine-speed automatic transmission is also changing the workings, but may be a little indecisive in slow traffic jams. Otherwise, it allowed us to find a fuel consumption of 8.9l / 100km in actual test, just over 7.6l.

If you are planning to market an existing model and you need to tow the new four- The pot is limited to a braked towing capacity of 1,800 kg, compared to the 2,100 kg of the old V6 model.

SECURITY

ANCAP Rating: 5 Stars – The Commodore Holden has reached 35.5 out of 38 points when tested by Euro NCAP in 2017.

Safety features: Dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, two-stage ESC, rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors with rear cross traffic alert, neutral position monitor, assisting with course keeping and front collision warning with autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Warranty: Five Years / Unlimited Mileage

Maintenance: Maintenance intervals are every 12 months or 10,000 km (whichever comes first) with a capped price service covering the first three years or 36,000 kilometers for $ 859 or $ 1,535 over 60,000 km.

RIVALS TO CONSIDER

The Toyota Camry has recently been updated and is equipped with either a four-cylinder engine or an energetic V6, unlike the Calais category. It feels better connected, is a bit more affordable and comes with better security technology, but lacks some of the connectivity offered in the Calais

The Mazda6 GT could not compete until recently with the # 39 introduction of a new four-cylinder turbocharged. engine. It has the same performance as the Commodore, but a bit more expensive, but it is nicer inside, well assembled and benefits from better security technology.

The Octavia Skoda is the only five-door this list enjoys the largest start-up capacity at 568 liters. It also boasts the best embedded infotainment and connectivity system, and the RS 169TSI model at equivalent price is energetic with a sporty focus around the cockpit.

• Toyota Camry SL
• Mazda6 GT
• Skoda Octavia

Testimonials | GENERAL RATING: 3.5 / 5

Being the first online to replace Commodore locally produced product much was never going to be an easy task and comparisons between the old and the new can be sporadic. But adopting the new model and considering it in isolation is well suited to the competition that offers a similar configuration.

Australian development and adjustment that eclipses local work done on one of its competitors are the most compelling for the Commodore. and it pays off in its ability to absorb bumps with great compliance.

The engine is also a performer and eclipses the most in this class to go squarely, but the quality elsewhere is not great. Inside is not equal to most rivals and the interior dimensions feel a little strange in the spots. It also lacks a technology like Adaptive Cruise Control that rivals here all have and simple things like the rear view camera look dated. And while the more expensive Calais-V chokes the car with more kit to repair part of it, it also adds a significant margin.