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    Home  /  Holden  /  Calais
    Holden Calais

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    Holden Calais

    Debuting in 1984 with the introduction of the third generation VK Commodore, the Calais represented a slightly more luxurious, yet still sporting version of one of Australia’s most iconic cars.

    Along with the SS model, the Calais marked the debut of various technologies into the Commodore line over the ensuing years, including anti-lock braking (as an option) in 1992. It also offered customers the option of V8 power, right through to the fourth generation of VE and VF Commodores, where it was known as the Calais V in V8 form. 

    The nameplate continues in Holden's switch to the fully imported ZB Commodore in 2018. The range stretches from Calais V at $39,990 up to Calais V at $46,990.

    Holden Calais Reviews

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    Holden Calais Tourer 2019 review

    By N.edahl Stelio - 4 Apr 2019 4.0
    Holden Calais Liftback 2018 review
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    Holden Calais Liftback 2018 review

    By D.an Pugh - 2 Oct 2018 4.0
    Holden Calais Tourer 2018 review
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    Holden Calais Tourer 2018 review

    By A.ndrew Chesterton - 21 Mar 2018 4.0
    Holden Commodore Calais 2018 review: snapshot
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    Holden Commodore Calais 2018 review: snapshot

    By M.alcolm Flynn - 21 Mar 2018 4.0
    Holden Commodore Calais-V 2018 review: snapshot
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    Holden Commodore Calais-V 2018 review: snapshot

    By M.alcolm Flynn - 21 Mar 2018 4.0
    Holden Commodore Tourer 2018 review: snapshot
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    Holden Commodore Tourer 2018 review: snapshot

    By M.alcolm Flynn - 21 Mar 2018 4.0
    Holden Calais V 2017 Review
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    Holden Calais V 2017 Review

    By T.im Robson - 2 Aug 2017 3.5
    Holden Calais V Sportwagon 2015 review
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    Holden Calais V Sportwagon 2015 review

    By P.eter Anderson - 7 Jul 2015 4.0
    Used Holden VF Calais review: 2013-2014
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    Used Holden VF Calais review: 2013-2014

    By G.raham Smith - 15 Apr 2016 3.5
    Holden Commodore Calais V Sportwagon 2013 review
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    Holden Commodore Calais V Sportwagon 2013 review

    By C.hris Riley - 17 Sep 2013 4.0
    Holden Calais VF 2013 Review
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    Holden Calais VF 2013 Review

    By J.oshua Dowling - 24 Jun 2013 4.0
    Holden Calais 2010 review
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    Holden Calais 2010 review

    By P.aul Gover - 14 Oct 2010
    See All Holden Calais Reviews
    View cars for sale

    Holden Calais Models Price and Specs

    The price range for the Holden Calais varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $31,400 and going to $54,230 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

    Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
    2021 Hatchback 2.0L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $31,400 $52,250
    2021 Wagon 3.6L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $35,700 $54,230
    2020 Hatchback 2.0L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $31,400 $52,250
    2020 Wagon 3.6L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $35,700 $54,230
    2019 Hatchback 2.0L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $20,600 $45,320
    2019 Wagon 3.6L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $23,100 $47,080
    2018 Hatchback 2.0L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $17,100 $35,090
    2018 Wagon 3.6L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $19,100 $34,210
    2017 Hatchback 2.0L, Diesel, 8 SP AUTO $17,500 $31,020
    2017 Sedan 3.6L, ULP, 6 SP AUTO $17,700 $60,720
    2017 Wagon 3.6L, PULP, 9 SP AUTO $18,200 $42,900
    See All Holden Calais Pricing and Specs

    Holden Calais Interior

    • The steering is good and the car handles quite nicely. The steering is good and the car handles quite nicely.
    • There is a good amount of leg and head space. There is a good amount of leg and head space.
    • The kids also have lots of space in the rear. The kids also have lots of space in the rear.
    Shown above are interior details for the Holden Calais 2019.

    Holden Calais Wheel Size

    The Holden Calais has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from 245x45 R18 for Hatchback in 2020 with a wheel size that spans from 18x8.5 inches.

    Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
    2020 Hatchback 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches
    2020 Wagon 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches
    2019 Hatchback 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches
    2019 Wagon 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches
    2018 Hatchback 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches
    2018 Wagon 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches
    2017 Hatchback 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches 245x45 R18 18x8.5 inches
    2017 Sedan 245x45 R18 18x8 inches 245x45 R18 18x8 inches
    2017 Wagon 245x45 R18 18x8 inches 245x45 R18 18x8 inches
    2016 Sedan 245x45 R18 18x8 inches 245x45 R18 18x8 inches
    2016 Wagon 245x45 R18 18x8 inches 245x45 R18 18x8 inches
    The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Holden Calais Wheel Sizes

    Holden Calais Dimensions

    The dimensions of the Holden Calais Hatchback, Wagon and Sedan vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

    Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
    2020 Hatchback 1455x1863x4897 mm 105 mm
    2020 Wagon 1525x1863x5004 mm 105 mm
    2019 Hatchback 1455x1863x4897 mm 105 mm
    2019 Wagon 1525x1863x5004 mm 105 mm
    2018 Hatchback 1455x1863x4897 mm 105 mm
    2018 Wagon 1525x1863x5004 mm 105 mm
    2017 Sedan 1476x1899x4900 mm 110 mm
    2017 Wagon 1476x1899x4900 mm 110 mm
    2017 Hatchback 1455x1863x4897 mm 105 mm
    2016 Sedan 1476x1899x4900 mm 110 mm
    2016 Wagon 1476x1899x4900 mm 110 mm
    The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Holden Calais Dimensions

    Holden Calais Fuel Consumption

    The Holden Calais is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by Diesel, PULP and ULP fuel type(s). It has an estimated fuel consumption starting from 5.8L/100km for Hatchback /Diesel for the latest year the model was manufactured.

    Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
    2020 Hatchback 5.8L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
    2020 Hatchback 7.6L/100km 2.0L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2020 Wagon 9.1L/100km 3.6L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2019 Hatchback 5.8L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
    2019 Hatchback 7.6L/100km 2.0L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2019 Wagon 9.1L/100km 3.6L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2018 Hatchback 5.8L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
    2018 Hatchback 7.6L/100km 2.0L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2018 Wagon 9.1L/100km 3.6L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2017 Hatchback 5.8L/100km 2.0L Diesel 8 SP AUTO
    2017 Hatchback 7.6L/100km 2.0L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2017 Sedan 9.5L/100km 3.6L ULP 6 SP AUTO
    2017 Sedan 14.6L/100km 6.2L PULP 6 SP AUTO
    2017 Wagon 9.1L/100km 3.6L PULP 9 SP AUTO
    2017 Wagon 9.8L/100km 3.6L ULP 6 SP AUTO
    2016 Sedan 9.5L/100km 3.6L ULP 6 SP AUTO
    2016 Sedan 14.6L/100km 6.2L PULP 6 SP AUTO
    2016 Wagon 9.8L/100km 3.6L ULP 6 SP AUTO
    2016 Wagon 14.6L/100km 6.2L PULP 6 SP AUTO
    * Combined fuel consumption See All Holden Calais Pricing and Specs for 2020

    Holden Calais Q&As

    Check out real-world situations relating to the Holden Calais here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

    • How much is a used 2006 Holden Calais worth?

      The prices of second-hand cars have sky-rocketed recently due to a lack of supply. People are simply not selling their old cars at the usual rate (as trade-ins and private sales) so the laws of supply and demand apply. That is; more demand plus less supply equals higher prices. This phenomenon has been most strongly felt in the case of locally-made Holdens and Fords, perhaps because of nostalgia and the `they don’t make ‘em any more’ factor. Either way, it’s true that the second-hand Holden Calais that cost $6000 this time last year can be worth almost double that now.

      With just 120,000km showing, your car is a relatively low-mileage example and the fact that it’s a V8 is good news. Beyond that, however, you haven’t given me much to go on. For a start, 2006 was a change-over year for Holden models; the VZ left showrooms and the new VE model entered. The difference between a VZ and VE in price is significant, particularly in V8 form. I’d also need to know whether your car is a Calais V. All those things have a bearing on value.

      For the record, though, a VE Calais sedan in good condition with similar kilometres to yours would probably be advertised for around the $14,000 mark or even more. And that’s almost twice what it was worth just a year ago.

      Show more
    • Why is water coming into the passenger side of my 2006 Holden Calais?

      The prime suspect for this is a blocked vent that normally funnels condensation from the air-conditioning system to the outside of the car. If this vent becomes blocked or split, the condensation can enter the cabin. Other possibilities include a damaged heater matrix which can leak coolant into the cabin or a sunroof with blocked drainage channels that can also leak into the vehicle.

      Show more
    • Holden Calais 2010: Is the engine worth replacing?

      The bad news, Andrea, is that your car is probably worth between $8000 and $11,000 and maybe even less as a trade-in. Certainly that figure will be less if you don’t fix the engine problem, so that’s your starting point for working out the mathematics of your situation.

      The one thing you haven’t told me is whether the car is a V8 or a six-cylinder car. If it’s a V8, I reckon you’d be spot on the money with a lifter, rocker or valve-spring problem as these engines were notorious for these components wearing out in roughly the mileage you’ve noted (sometimes less). The good news is that it’s not a terribly involved or costly (relatively) fix.

      If, however, the car is a V6, then you might be in a bit deeper. These engines were even more notorious for stretching their timing chains and that can lead to all sorts of engine noises as well as a check-engine light illuminating on the dashboard. This is a bigger, more expensive fix, too, and since a V6 Calais will be worth less in the first place, it might be better to simply replace the whole engine. There’s also the very strong possibility that the cost of repairs will simply not stack up against the value of the car.

      Show more
    • Holden Calais 2008: Does the timing belt need to be replaced?

      I think there’s a bit of confusion sneaking in here. Your Calais doesn’t have a timing belt, its engine is fitted with a timing chain instead. However, if it’s a V6 engine, then there’s every chance the timing chain does need to be replaced.

      This seems counter to conventional wisdom where a timing chain should last the entire life of the car. But in the case of the particular V6 we’re talking about, the chain was definitely a weak point and lots of Calais and Commodores have needed replacement chains. That was particularly true if the engine received less routine maintenance than the handbook stipulated.

      The first sign can be a rattle when the engine is started; sometimes you’ll get a check-engine light on the dashboard because the chain has stretched sufficiently to allow the camshafts and the crankshaft to become out of phase with each other. Either way, it’s new-chain time and you can expect to pay something like $2000 to have the job done, possibly more.

      Most workshops will be able to carry out this work and, when it comes to finding a local garage, word of mouth from friends and family is usually a good way to proceed.

      Show more
    See All Holden Calais Q&As
    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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    Holden Calais Towing Capacity

    The Holden Calais has maximum towing capacity of 2100kg for the latest model available.

    Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
    2020 Hatchback 1800kg 2100kg
    2020 Wagon 2100kg 2100kg
    2019 Hatchback 1800kg 2100kg
    2019 Wagon 2100kg 2100kg
    2018 Hatchback 1800kg 2100kg
    2018 Wagon 2100kg 2100kg
    2017 Hatchback 1800kg 2100kg
    2017 Sedan 2100kg 2100kg
    2017 Wagon 2100kg 2100kg
    2016 Sedan 2100kg 2100kg
    2016 Wagon 2100kg 2100kg
    See All Towing Capacity for Holden Calais

    Holden Calais Boot Space

    The Holden Calais SUV has a boot space size of 793 Litres.
    Holden Calais Boot space
    Shown above are boot space details for the Holden Calais 2019.

    Holden Calais News

    Holden car manufacturing draws to a close

    Holden car manufacturing draws to a close

    By J.ustin Hilliard - 20 Oct 2017
    Last Limited Edition Commodore helps Holden raise $807,000 for charity

    Last Limited Edition Commodore helps Holden raise $807,000 for charity

    By J.ustin Hilliard - 16 Oct 2017
    Holden to put last limited-edition Commodores up for auction

    Holden to put last limited-edition Commodores up for auction

    By J.ustin Hilliard - 26 Sep 2017
    Onslaught of global Holden products by 2020

    Onslaught of global Holden products by 2020

    By J.oshua Dowling - 9 Oct 2015
    Holden to close in 2017 | comment

    Holden to close in 2017 | comment

    By J.oshua Dowling - 11 Dec 2013
    Holden decision could come by Christmas

    Holden decision could come by Christmas

    By J.oshua Dowling - 10 Dec 2013
    New Holden Commodore unveiled

    New Holden Commodore unveiled

    By J.oshua Dowling - 10 Feb 2013
    V8 cars are special

    V8 cars are special

    By M.ark Hinchliffe - 14 Jul 2011
    Pimp my MP

    Pimp my MP

    By K.elvin Bissett - 15 Dec 2009
    See All Holden Calais News