Used Holden VF Calais review: 2013-2014

Holden's days are numbered but you can still cruise in comfort in its prestige model

New

The Premier was once the prestige model in Holden range. Taking on that role more recently was the Calais, the model to buy if you wanted a little more comfort and refinement in your driving life.

The end is in sight for the Commodore and its variants such as the Calais and Holden has tinkered around the fringes to keep it relatively fresh before the plug is pulled.

The VF launched in 2013, an update of the VE, could be picked by a close look at its front and rear styling.

As with the predecessor, there were two versions, the regular Calais and the Calais V with the lot. Further choices were a sedan or wagon, propelled by V6 or V8 engines.

Inside, the Calais was spacious and comfortable with ample room for rear passengers. The likes of soft leather, suede and chrome highlights gave it a warm and fuzzy feeling.

On the road the Calais was smooth, quiet and well balanced

VF models featured self-parking and rear-view camera, the latter a worthy addition, the former something of a gimmick.

There was also a switchable head-up display, projecting speed and other key info on the windscreen in front of the driver.

The 3.6-litre V6, carried over from the VE, had plenty of torque for smooth driveability and brisk acceleration when needed. The downside was fuel consumption, which at a claimed average of 9.0L/100km wasn't great.

For a bit of fun there was the 6.0-litre V8, which enabled smooth cruising or, thanks to its 260kW, thunder away from the lights as the mood struck.

Both engines were well matched to six-speed automatic transmissions.

On the road the Calais was smooth, quiet and well balanced and handled with assurance. It was well-suited to long-distance cruising.

Now

With the earliest examples now three years old and on average with less than 100,000km on the clock, the VF Calais is in its prime. It's a good time to buy one preloved.

Owners are generally happy with their choice of cars; most praise the performance, ride and handling, and refinement. Most like the big car feel and driveability and accept the less than ideal fuel consumption that comes with the Calais.

Engines are generally trouble free but buyers of the V6 should be aware of the problem that struck down the VE, that is, stretched cam timing chains that caused rough running and stalling. It's too early to state whether the problem still affects this engine but it's worth keeping in mind as it's not a cheap exercise to replace the chain.

There are also reports of issues with the head-up display, so check that it works. It's not a major deal and many drivers find it's a distraction and turn it off.

Regular servicing is the key to keeping the VF in good shape so check for a good maintenance record.