Used Holden Statesman review: 2006-2008

For much of their existence the Statesman and its Caprice big brother played second fiddle to the all powerful Ford Fairlane and LTD, but with the demise of the Ford duo they reigned alone in the market.

As much as Holden tried it seemed there was nothing they could do to dent the dominance of the big Fords, even though they followed the same proven formula for building a big car off a regular passenger car platform.

The formula was simple enough; you simply stretched the wheelbase to create a massive back seat, enlarged the boot, tuned the ride for comfort, and added some bling to give it prestige appeal.

MODEL WATCH

Like all previous models in the Statesman and Caprice line the WM was based on the mainstream passenger car model of the day. In the case of the WM that was the VE Commodore.

The trick with the bigger models was to distinguish them from their lesser siblings so buyers felt like they were buying something special.

That was achieved mostly by extending the wheelbase of the VE by 94 mm and the overall length by 266 mm, which was used to increase the rear cabin space and the boot.

The profile was smoothed and refined to achieve a visual balance with the new, longer body, and there was extra chrome trim and badges applied to give it the sophisticated presence buyers in the class demand.

The final result was an elegant sedan that clearly stood apart from the run-of-the-mill Holdens from which it was derived.

Holden offered two models in the WM range, the Statesman and the range-topping Caprice, essentially differentiated by their trim and features list.

Both could be specified with either the 3.6-litre high output Alloytec V6, putting out 195 kW at 6500 revs and 340 Nm at 2600 revs, or the 6.0-litre V8 boasting 270 kW at 5700 revs and 530 Nm at 4400 revs.

The V6 came with a five-speed auto with shift paddles for manual shifting, while the V8 came with a six-speed auto that also featured tap-up/tap-down paddle shifting.

Underneath the chassis was in essence the same as the VE, with multi- link independent suspension front and rear, front mounted steering rack, and large disc brakes. It was an awesome package that handled with the aplomb of a much smaller car.

Inside the Statesman had woodgrain highlights, power front seats, front and rear park assist, rain-sensing wipers, powerful 11-speaker CD sound, MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Caprice badges also calls into play aluminium accents, deep bolstered sports seats, leather and suede trim, Bose premium sound, and Tri-zone air.

IN THE SHOP

Overall the WM is proving a sturdy, reliable car, but it is subject to the same woes that can befall the humble VE Commodore.

Watch for a slump in acceleration when it seems the six-speed auto transmission isn't quite sure what is going on. When it happens it's usually at low speed when you want to accelerate again after lifting off the gas pedal.

Cars Guide has received few complaints about the WM; owners appear content with their choice of car.

Look for a service record, and inspect for possible crash damage.

IN A CRASH

Befitting its status at the top of the Holden tree the WM had a comprehensive array of safety gear.

It began with a solid body structure designed to absorb the energy of a crash, and included steering column ride-down mechanism and breakaway pedals, then added a host of airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, electronic brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

ANCAP gave it five out of a possible five stars.

UNDER THE PUMP

Carsguide reader Kevin Alsop is resigned to the fact that the V8 WM Caprice is a big heavy car and is content with the 12.4-12.6 L/100 km from it.

Holden's claim was that the V6 would average 11.7 L/100 km and the V8 14.4 L/100 km.

OWNER'S SAY

Kevin Alsop reckons his 2008 WM Caprice is the best, and he should know, it's the sixth Statesman/Caprice he's owned. While he's clearly enamoured with the big Holden it's not like he's one-eyed about it, his other car is a Falcon XR6 Turbo ute, which he says is a hoot to drive.

As for the Caprice he loves its armchair-like comfort and the easy-flowing performance of the 6.0-litre V8, particularly on long trips, where the big boot is also appreciated. To date, having done a little over 25,000 km, there have been no issues whatsoever with it.

LOOK FOR

• Elegant looks
• Spacious cabin
• Large boot
• Large size
• Can be thirsty
• Comfortable ride

THE BOTTOM LINE

Big buy for those wanting to make a big statement.