Why buy Holden Calais?

The Calais was a spacious and comfortable large car with a well-appointed interior, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. It was well-equipped even in base models, featuring standard amenities like air conditioning and cruise control. The vehicle provided good value for money, competitively priced in the Australian market and appealing to families and fleet buyers alike.

Holden Calais range and updates

The last Holden Calais range (2018-2020) featured two body styles: the Calais Liftback, a sporty sedan with a 2.0L turbocharged engine starting, and the Calais Tourer, a practical wagon available with a 2.0L turbo or 3.6L V6. The models underwent minor updates, primarily enhancing infotainment systems and safety features during their production run.

Holden Calais tech and features

Tech:

• Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, satellite navigation, voice control, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims offered a premium Bose sound system.
• Driver assistance: Features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) were available depending on the trim level.
• Safety: 7 airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and traction control were standard across the range.
• Convenience: Keyless entry and start, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, a sunroof, and a head-up display were offered on various trims.

Features:

• Engine options: A 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering 230 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque was standard. A 3.6L V6 with 304 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque was available in higher trims.
• Transmission: Both engines were paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
• Wheels: 18-inch alloy wheels were standard, with 19-inch options available on higher trims.
• Interior: Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting were offered on various trims.

Range examples:

• Calais: The base model offered all the essential features and technology mentioned above.
• Calais V: Added sporty styling elements like a rear spoiler and upgraded wheels.
• Calais V Sport: Featured the 3.6L V6 engine and more performance-oriented suspension tuning.
• Calais Tourer: The wagon version of the Calais, offering additional cargo space and versatility.

Additional notes:

• The final Holden Calais received positive reviews for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and user-friendly technology.
• However, some critics found the handling slightly lackluster compared to European rivals.
• As previously mentioned, Holden ceased production in 2020, so warranty support and parts availability for the Calais may be limited.

Holden Calais running costs and value

While Holden ceased production in 2020, used Calais models offer varying running costs and value depending on the specific year, mileage, and condition. Fuel economy figures also differ by engine option. Generally, expect:

• Fuel consumption: The 2.0L turbo found in most recent models averages around 7-8 L/100km, while the 3.6L V6 can reach 9-10 L/100km. Consider higher costs for older, larger engines.
• Servicing: Regular maintenance costs vary based on service intervals and mechanic rates. Budget around $200-$300 per standard service, potentially more for major repairs.
• Value: Used Calais models have seen significant price increases due to limited supply. Depending on condition, expect to pay more than the original MSRP for well-maintained late-model versions. Early models may offer better value but could come with higher running costs.

Overall

The Holden Calais, from its spacious and well-appointed interior to its tech-savvy features and safety offerings, presented a compelling choice for buyers seeking a comfortable and value-driven large car. The 2018-2020 range, including the sporty Calais Liftback and practical Calais Tourer, boasted minor updates that enhanced infotainment and safety features. While the vehicle's positive attributes included a robust tech package, diverse engine options, and various trims, potential buyers should be mindful of limited warranty support and parts availability following Holden's cessation of production in 2020.