Holden’s next-generation Commodore range arrived in New Zealand showrooms in March this year with much fanfare and attention for a number of reasons.
There was furore across the Tasman about the Australia-built Commodores beng replaced by Opel’s rebadged Insignia, with an outcry over the 3-litre V6 base models instead having a new 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder.
And let’s not get into the fact that it was no longer rear-wheel-drive. But smart Kiwis knew there was more to the new Commodore than the badge, as it brought European sophistication and styling plus advanced technology.
So it should come as no surprise that the Commodore was voted as a finalist for AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year 2018.
Holden New Zealand nominated the Calais-V tourer for judging by the AA Driven NZ Car of the Year 2018 panel this week over two days at Pukekohe Park Raceway, including on track exercises and a road circuit.
The Calais-V tourer has the new 3.6-litre V6 engine now develops 235kW at 6800rpm — an increase of 25kW over VF II models — while peak torque is 381Nm (up by 31Nm) at 5200rpm. The V6 engine features direct injection and fuel-saving AFM cylinder de-activation.
The Calais-V tourer is paired with a nine speed automatic transmission plus AWD with 18in alloys and practical features such as a power tailgate and self parking.
The safety features are also impressive, including adaptive cruise control and 360 degree camera.
The Calais-V tourer is priced from $65,990.