Holden Calais 2006 News

Even at a time when fuel economy is top-of-mind with a growing number of Australian drivers there is plenty of space on the roads for Commodores and Falcons with old-fashioned V8 muscle under the bonnet. They burble menacingly at idle. They are the backbone of V8 Supercar racing.Yet V8s in the 21st century are not what they were in the days when they first conquered Mount Panorama and a GTHO Falcon or a Monaro - or even a Valiant V8 - was a dream machine for a generation of Aussie youngsters.Since 1970 the crude oil price has exploded from $20 a barrel to double that amount during the Iran revolution, over $70 during the first Gulf War, broke through the $100 barrier ahead of the Global Financial Crisis and has now settled at just below $100.In Australia, petrol prices have correspondingly risen from about 8c a litre in 1970 to about 50c in 1984 and almost $1.50 today.Despite all this, and despite one attempt at a death sentence by Ford in the 1980s, the V8 has not been wiped from Australian showrooms. Holden and Ford have continued to produce large cars with a V8 alternative and continue to slog it out at Bathurst.But Australian cars, even the ones that now have American V8s imported for local use, are not the only bent-eight blasters on the road.Germans are prolific builders of V8s and produce some of the most powerful engines in the world thanks to AMG-Mercedes, BMW and Audi. English V8s are built by Aston Martin, Land Rover and Jaguar, while the Americans provide V8s in the Chrysler 300C sold here. Even the Japanese luxury brand Lexus has a V8 in its IS F hero and its luxury saloon LS460, as well as the LandCruiser-cloned LX470.Most V8s are powerful enough breathing ordinary air, but there are many forced-induction models with either turbo or supercharging to liberate even more power. Walkinshaw Performance does the job in Australia for Holden, BMW is going down the turbo V8 road for its latest M cars and Benz had a time with a supercharged AMG V8.But V8s are not just about unrestricted power. The push for greater fuel economy has also reached V8 land and so Chrysler and Holden have V8s with multiple displacement technology which shuts down half the cylinders when the car is just cruising to improve fuel economy. Formula One racing engines now do the same thing when they are idling on a grand prix starting grid.Holden's Active Fuel Management (AFM) was introduced on the V8 Commodore and Caprice in 2008 and the red lion brand is committed to the engine - with future technology updates - despite near-record fuel prices."It is incumbent on us to keep it relevant and continue introducing new technology that delivers on our customers' needs," says Holden's Shayna Welsh.Holden has the biggest stake in V8s with more models than any other company selling in Australia. It has a total of 12 models with V8 engines across four nameplates and four body styles, including Commodore SS, SS V, Calais V, Caprice V and the recently introduced Redline range. V8s account for about one quarter of Commodore sedan sales and almost half of Ute sales."We see it as being more than just the V8 engine - it's about the entire car. It's the whole performance package that appeals to people and we want to continue making cars that people are proud to own," Welsh says."The combination of features and technology, great handling and braking and outstanding value is consistent across our V8 model range."Ford fans are also committed to V8s, according to company spokesperson Sinead McAlary, who says a recent Facebook survey was overwhelmingly positive."We asked whether they worry about petrol prices and they say 'No, it's the sound of the V8 we love and we are prepared to pay the price'," she says.Both Ford and Holden also have performance divisions where the V8 was, and still is, king. Ford's is Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) and Holden's is Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).HSV marketing manager Tim Jackson says their sales are "on par" with last year."That's despite the fact that last year we had the limited edition GX-P which is an entry level product for us," he says. "We don't have that model in our range at all this year and you would expect numbers to come off, but we've been able to maintain sales volume."All of HSV's range are powered by a naturally aspirated V8 engine (6200cc 317kW-325kW), while the opposition at FPV has gained the kilowatt advantage with forced induction (supercharged 5000cc 315kW-335kW).Jackson says their LS3 V8 has been "validated" by customers."We're not getting guys screaming at us to go turbocharging. The LS3 is an extraordinary unit. It's a light engine with a good power-to-weight figure. There is not a turbo engine that would do it for us at the right development cost. But I wouldn't rule it (turbo) out or rule it in."Jackson says there have been no repercussions from the rise in petrol prices."Our customers don't have other choices in their repertoire," he says. "A small car doesn't suit them and they're not into an SUV. They're of a certain level where the whole cost of running the car is easy for them to absorb."The top-selling HSV is the ClubSport R8, followed by the Maloo R8, then GTS.However, the greatest HSV in history is debatable, Jackson says.HSV engineering boss Joel Stoddart prefers the all-wheel-drive Coupe4 and sales boss Darren Bowler the SV5000."The Coupe4 is special because of its engineering but I like the W427 because it's the fastest," Jackson says.FPV boss Rod Barrett says they are also experiencing strong sales growth. He says they sold about 500 cars in the first quarter, which is up 32 per cent on the previous year. He also says sales of the F6 have slowed since the launch of the supercharged V8 engine variants late last year, as customers "opt for power". Ford no longer offers a V8 with the demise of the XR8 sedan and ute last year."Our middle name is performance so we have all the V8s," Barrett says. "When we were launching this new supercharged car all the V8s came across here."Barrett says their supercharged engine has changed people's minds about "dinosaur V8s"."The turbocharged F6 was a cult hero car in its day and people thought a V8 was a low-tech dinosaur," he says. "But when we produced a high-tech all-alloy five-litre supercharged V8 built in Australia people started to think that V8s aren't all that bad after all. I'm not seeing the demise of the V8 just yet, but for us, the future is hi-tech."The supercharged 5.0Litre V8 335kW FPV GT continues to be FPV's top-selling vehicle followed closely by the supercharged V8 5.0 litre 315kW GS sedan and GS ute.Barrett believes the current GT is the best FPV car yet with its segment-leading power, light weight and improved fuel economy."However, I think our most iconic car was the 2007 BF Mk II 302kW Cobra in white with blue stripes. That car brought back the passion of '78 with the original Cobra. If you have a look at the second-hand prices, they are still holding up very well" he says.

It means Australia's own has won the only truly national newspaper Car of the Year contest.

With the testing completed, the merits weighed and the votes cast, Holden's billion dollar baby finished on top with seven of the eight CARSguide judges to streak ahead of the finals field. GM Holden's huge gamble of sinking a reputed $1.2 billion into making the quintessential Aussie car into a world player took an enormous amount of courage and plenty of foresight. Whether it pays long-term dividends is another question and one that will not be answered for some time. But the question of whether the meld of design and engineering has produced a car worthy of its hype has been answered far more quickly ... and the answer is yes. The Calais V was initially chosen to represent the VE Commodores in the final judging for a range of compelling reasons: the winning marriage of the 6.0-litre V8 and the silky six-speed automatic; driving dynamics that set a benchmark for Aust- ralian-made cars, and styling that makes it a viable competitor to a range of Euro luxury models at a fraction of the cost. Yet for all it's winning characteristics, there were also arguments against the Calais V - and not surprisingly one of the strongest was the choice of the V8 in an environment of soaring petrol prices. While that is certainly a valid argument, the CARSguide COTY award is to recognise the best car of the year and the Calais V V8 is just that. There are plenty of other forums for social engineering. Others would also argue that recall issues with the VE diminish its validity as a worthy winner. The relevant issues are not design failures: they involve the failure of components from outside suppliers. And that is certainly not an unusual situation with a completely new car. So, it seems that even a billion dollars will not buy you perfection - but it gets you a lot of things to like. While it has its shortcomings, the Calais is a car of some considerable distinction ... and one well worth getting to know. And that is just what the judges found. The more they got to know the Calais the more they liked it. On the track and, more significantly, on the road, the big Holden kept on scoring points. Paul Gover of Melbourne's The Herald Sun, says his initial leanings for a winning car were of a sportier nature. "At first I was going for the Porsche Cayman because it is such a neat car and a wonderful drive," Gover says. "Then I slipped into the Toyota Aurion and realised how much extra work had gone into the car in Australia to move it up and beyond the basic Japanese Camry. But a back-to-back run between the Aurion and the Calais proved almost instantly that Holden has produced the best car of 2006." That sentiment was reflected time after time among the judges."The Calais is simply the best car in the Commodore range," says Brisbane Courier-Mail's Gordon Lomas. Bryan Littley, of Adelaide's The Advertiser, says the Calais V has it all. "(It) delivers faith that the future of Australian auto design is in good hands," he says.  

KEVIN HEPWORTH, The Daily Telegraph, Sydney"It seems that even $1 billion will not buy you perfection - but it does get you a lot of things to like. While it has its shortcomings, the Holden Calais V V8 is a car of some considerable distinction ... and one which is well worth getting to know."PAUL GOVER, The Herald Sun, Melbourne"At first I was going for the Porsche Cayman, because it is such a neat car and a wonderful drive. Then I slipped into the Toyota Aurion and realised how much extra work has gone into the car in Australia to move it up and beyond the basic Japanese Camry. But a back-to-back run between the Aurion and the Calais proved almost instantly that Holden has produced the best car of 2006."JAMES STANFORD, The Herald Sun, Melbourne"The dirt track and bumpy country tarmac roads of the test route really did showcase the big Holden's true road-holding capability; it simply is the best car for Australian conditions."GORDON LOMAS, The Courier-Mail, Brisbane"The Calais is simply the best car in the Commodore range that boasts the type of ammunition needed to fight Euro marques on their terms, but at less than half their price."BRYAN LITTLELY, The Advertiser, Adelaide"Class, comfort and performance ... the Calais V has it all and delivers faith that the future of Australian auto design is in good hands."STUART MARTIN, The Advertiser, Adelaide"Holden has boasted about being world class before, but this time they have done it; great dynamics, a decent ride, good core body strength and a handsome shape add up to an A-grade package."KEITH DIDHAM, The Mercury, Hobart"All those behind the Holden badge; the designers, the engineers and those right down the production line can stand tall. The Calais proves we can do it here. At the end of the day, the winner of Car of the Year is the one that best blends driveability, safety, style and value for money. The Calais feels solid, looks terrific, and offers a rewarding drive. What more do you want?"NEIL DOWLING, The Sunday Times, Perth"Attributes expected of a European car costing twice the price - comfort, high build quality, performance and balanced styling - make the Calais V a perfect winner and an easy decision. That's without needing a hint of patriotism."

Read related storygreg penrose great carscotty It looks as though most people have seen through the smoke & mirrors of the marketing campaign ( all spent on News Ltd execs no doubt) that has won them this award and no doubt many more to come. On a positive, it is good to see the aussie car industry building better quality cars. My personal opinion though, is that the VE Commodore is the Prince Charles of cars - look at it from dead front on and you will see what I mean - Cheers Big Ears.ALan W Holden have done a good job, especially with 2 recalls over there heads. I would like to thank the "experts" for there choice. Do I holden.com.au??Ross No surprise the VE won - the amount of bias toward Holdenalmost not only Carsguide but other motoring magazines in this counrty means that Holdens could fall to pieces while being driven and would still win COTY awards - it is a wonder any other make has ever won any of the COTY awards in Australia.Mr Questions How on earth does a company spend $1b and still end up with a car that looks the same as the last 3 models and still seems to have the worst recall rate of all cars on Australian roads!!! If this company was ASX listed it would be worth about 5cents.Michael Daly I think it's probably a good car but I also think Holden have have spent most of the billion dollars on over saturating the media.Troy I sat in a new Calais and it felt just like the Audi i'd sat in earlier that day, but all for a quarter of the price. So much car for your money! Worthy winnerDot I agree Roger J. This car is awesome and who ever knocks it, has eyes behind there asssasha I don't really think so. It may be a good car and definitely better than the awful plasticky and poorly detailed Toyota Aurion (incidentally the Aurioin is sold as a V6 Camry in other world markets). My concern is that while it has come close to matching the Ford Falcon it has not managed, even with the benefit of $1 billion dollars, to comprehensively overtake the BF-II Falcon. The media will fawn over this car for a few months but they always do. It is embarrassing to watch, actually. For a few months they heap a new locally built car with praises and then a few months later the same car that was "automotiive nirvana' suddenly becomes a dog. The only car this did not apply to was the current Falcon and Territory. If you look at the initial road tests of the Commodore and the Aurion as well as the Mitsubishi 380 and incidentally also the AU Falcon you get heaps of praise and accolades of perfection being heaped on the car. A few weeks pass and all the chinks in the arm our appear. Its almost as if the media is too scared to tell the truth upfront. So anyway I don't think the VE Calais is the automatic winner. I would have chosen the Porsche, the Volvo C30 or the Mazda CX7.Graeme Nice looking car, have GM used the Mitsubishi 380 floor pan to ?B Jordan Biased "motoring" journalists demonstrated by the many, many articles of Holden products which never, never find any faults. I've learned to not to take any notice of their articles anymore until they show some credibility. Are they all driving Holden demos??Buster I am surpised that Calias won COTY after the billion dollar baby has already had a 2nd multi-million dollar recall program! Who needs reliability & safety in a Aussie Family sedan? She'll be right 'eh boys!Mike How much did General Motors pay?Ricki Recalled car! Fuel Guzzler! Too Expensive! Bad Decision (Bribe?)Rich As a current Commodore owner, l cannot understand how a fat oversized V8 car designed for the over 60's won coty. The Omega is the model most of us will look at and test drive. Calais, just not the right model for today. I guess the 1 billion they spent (god knows where) must have been used on buying out votes to kick start this car. Dont have an opinion on the other finalists!!! Just seems like someone was brought out as a lot of others seem to suggest?Sean Ramic i am a deadset holden fan no doubt about it but i dont think a v8 calais should be compared against the cars it was compared against we are talking chalk and cheese trying to compare all these different not even similar model cars against each other  stuk A $billion piece of crap is still a piece of crap! GMH has had electrical problems for years now (I rented an Adventra in 2004 and it had serious problems) and they have done nothingabout fixing them. Mitsu and the Big T would never let that happen! Coomodore = Crap. End of story. But big advertising budgets speak volumes....David King How can you justify this car as the Car of the Year.A gas guzzling V8 that is so far out of the reach of the ordinary Australian it is not funny. In your own words this car has already had 2 recalls to correct faults, how many more will surface from range of vehicles that was rushed into production to stem the flow from the dealerships. I believe that there were more worthy winners in your final lineup then this vehicle which is a insult to all who read your newsletter, maybe it is time that you revisited what the drivers in the real world want from a car in these days off rising fuel prices and the struggle to look after the enviroment. I am not a"greenie" but I do belive that we must look at and develop alternative fuels, we only need to look to what the Eurpeans have done in improving the diesel engines which are so popular over there, a deisel engine even won Le Mons.Angela I don't see how a car that has had 2 recalls due to safety deserves to win Car of the Year. Are you guys being paid by Holden?Kay Watson I knew Holden could do it. Great!!Johnnop68 To those people critizising the decision get a job, then maybe you should then give the car a test drive yourself instead of making ill informed comments. Remember it is now being sold in overseas markets and will be sold in more countries over next couple of years. Nothing else worldwide matches it at the price it is. $60,000 is not much money these days when you read that nowadays it takes people who work less time to buy a new car than less than 20 years ago. The Aurium is a upmarket camry with a v6, its even called camry in other markets. No doubt people will say they have tested a VE when they actually haven't because unfortunately a lot of writers on this are full of it. Remeber exports are crucial to our economy so put your own personal views behind you and give praise where praise is due, This car is helping all of us whether we are a Holden fan or not. If you don't like this go to the country or origin of the car you like and see just how lucky we are as a result of our local product. Also it wasn't the V8 that had a problem it was a outside component called a fuel pump as are the seatbelts. Those parts are not made by Holden, yet the car as a package is getting rave reviews around the world. Those journo's are not so called biased and to the person who said Holdn paid the journo's GROW UP you imbocile, who is paying you to write that crap. Oh I forgot you are either unemployed or on the payroll of another car company. BE PROUD OF AUSTRALIA AND SUPPORT AUSTRALIANS BY PRAISING A JOB WELL DONE BY OUR AUSTRALIAN HOLDEN WORKERS AND DESIGNERS AND EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS EXCELLENT AUSTRALIAN PRODUCT.Bill W. It looks good with attractive lines - but under the skin it's still just old-fashioned American-inspired transport, and too big (as is the Falcon). Its choice as "Car of the Year" is out-dated, short-sighted parochialism at its worst. But it looks good, dammit!Craig I test drove a VE a few weeks ago. Major problems much to the embarrassment of the salesman...aircon couldn't be adjusted, running flat out all the time, radio didn't work as well as the rear left power window switch. This demo car had only travelled 100km. Indicative of GM's quality? I wouldn't buy one.Pang huh?! Calais over a Porsche Cayman?! what are you guys tripping on????!!!Pedro I think it was a great choice, although not my personal choice. It is a full sized, good looking, luxury car with safety, performance and low service costs. I'm absolutely sick of picking up car magazines and newspapers extolling the supposed virtues of Eurocrap cars. It is refreshing and rare to see Australian motoring journalists make objective decisions favouring non Euro vehicles. Propoganda, preconceptions, and a pathetic grasp for some sort of social status are the ONLY reasons people would NOT prefer a Calais to any other sedan under $100K , especially an ugly, overpriced, over rated, Eurocrap box.Roger J Talk about Sour Grapes. Credit where credit is due. For those who doubt the credentials of the VE I suggest you do a little research. The US, China even UK is falling in love with this car. The new Commodore is in the running to win the World car of the Year.Eamon I don't own or regularly drive any of the cars that made it into the final round so if I make a comment about which car should or should not have won, then I'm the one with the bias. The Calais won for a whole set of reasons, judged against criteria that was made public from day one.Double Objectively, It's hard to believe a car like this could possible win the car of the year award - which is not to say it is not a very nice drive. It's the biggest heaviest and thirstiest and it would have to be marked down on quality - we should expect better in 2006 and there were better. You have ignored the rest of the VE range which simply do not cut the mustard. It appears as if you had get the VE up somehow and cherry picked the Calais. I am quite sure had you had compared across the range the Aurion would have forced you to pick it - a tad inconvenient I suspect. I think we will look back at this and groan - a bit of a stitch up guys.Phil P NO....how can a car be judged COTY when it has only been around for 2 months with 3 recalls ????Nathan Smith Why not!!! Fantastic looking car and best around, take one for a test dive and see for yourself. All the Aurion is a Avalon dressed up.Matt All the write ups from all sources have rated the v8 Calais as top notch. Any negative comments in this debate should only come from those who have driven one. I personally believe Holden will be hearing a lot more interest from overseas markets when it is driven by more international media.Mark McDonough Well done Carsguide and Holden. A very worthy winner with a solid and safe driving platform and outstanding looks. As for the pathetic whinning whinges who berate Holden for winning this title, jump back in your environmentally unsound 1979 smog pump Toyota and drive back down to the pub. I am sure there there is a direct correlation between the more someone whinges about a Calais winning and the older, more unsafe their own vehicle is. I guess that also seperates the judges from the d***heads who think they know more than a trained vehicle judge. At least the judges drove the Calais!MS I love Holden and I think whatever they do is brilliant. The VE should have won COTY because it's a new Commodore and that's the most popular car in Australia. It's what we've always done!DA Yes - Any Aussie built car winning is great!Jason sometimes I wonder why I bother to read the local press on cars, too biased, too predictable. Car of the Winner 2006 maybe, but that car is what it's supposed to be at least 5 years ago !! Why are we so excited on it ?? Coz it wasted a billion dollars to build and a few recalls out already ??...amazing...Ian yes, great car, great winner, good to see an aussie car get the rewards it deservesJoe Papez Simply, NO!!!Ben What a surprise...the Holden Commodore won car of the year...how lame. At least Drive.com.au gave the award to a car that doesn't scream "bloody boring."Cameron yes its heaps better than the restAlan Peterson Suzuki Swift move over.John Both the Calais (though I'd be happy with a 6) and the top of the line Aurion look the goods to me. But in this market segment, I feel GMH will still be the number one.mike not really, the calais is a very good car but it is not the best. i bought an Aurion it was way better than my friends calais. the calais returned feul figures of 15litre per 100km in real day usage. aurion is much a better package. anyway, who needs a stupid Calais? Are you going to hoon around the racing tracks?Michael Iu No! Calais is a second rate product, built by a second rate factory. Toyota can put together much better cars both here (in the Aurion / Camry) and more so in Japan (Lexus)...Daryl Saal So the best car in Australia is a 1.9 tonne vehicle, with a 6 litre pushrod 2 valve per cylinder engine that is made in America? tell your testers that it is now the 21 st century not 1954 when the basic design was laid down.jeremy. the holden commodore does not deserve to win.A safe car should win not a car that talks its self up.For example "world class quality" in two weeks the holden has had 2 recalls worldclass quality i think not.The ford territory should win or the toyota camry which is safe reliable not bad looking good value and most of all GOOD QUALITY.rod beveridge it has the looks and congratulations to holden for a great carDARREN PALLOT WHAT A JOKE!!! Are you on th GMH payroll again?? Good Car, but has been recalled TWICE in the first month....WHAT THE? That should be enough to put it down the listRob Do i believe the holden Calais is a worthy winner?. I'm affraid not. A COTY winner should be a base car. The cheapest version of a car should be tested to find out how good it is. More people will be purchasing the base version than a version that is $10-15000 more expensive.Gavin There was never any doubt about your "decision". Holden means a great deal to News Ltd.Mitch the same day the calais V is crowned CARSguide car of the year, my dad finally recieves deliveriery of his V8 Calais V. it is definatly a worthy winner!Glenn Not enough cars were tested. There is no way a hyundai elantra can make the top 10 in any car contest. There are plenty of better cars which didn't even make your list.johnl NO CALAIS DOES NOT DESERVE TO WIN VERY BIASED JUDGES,firstly how can you pick a v8 in todays economic climate when people out there are buying small cars and scooters to save on fuel prices.Also you spend as much as 1 billion dollars you must not have any recalls,you have not mention no safety rating on the car as well.In my mind you judges dont no how to judge the car of year is the FIAT PUNTO out of all the cars chosen it has the best fuel economy the best safety,best looks and performance.I dont understand how the FIAT PUNTO wins germans golden sterring wheel award and autocar magazine best car and we give it a ten.so i guess the PUNTO scores a ten out of ten.I guess all thats left to say NUMERO UNO FIAT.John Ralph How can a V8 be Car of the Year. The mass market consumer is NOT interested in buying the vehicle. Yes it is a good car for what it is, but for the average Australian, so what. It is hardly relevant in todays market. Just because the Journo's have had their thrashing of the vehicle & their fun, that means NOTHING in the eyes of the mass market. So Get real - wake up. The journo's are not going to buy the vehicle themselves, and nor are they representative of the typical consumer. Go get a real job.Frodo Baggins I get sick of Holden fanboys, and their inability to comprehend the existence of non-Holden Commodore automobiles. It's inevitable that some of them will start their one-eyed crowing on this page very soon. It's also inevitable that the Holden Commodore will win every "Car of the Year" Award in Australia (and its already won a couple here in NZ). They have built a great car - not flawless - but definitely the best expression big Aussie sedan yet. However, I think the Focus XR5T was unlucky - and where was the Mazda CX7? - probably the best crossover since the Territory - with more of a sporty emphasis.John-Paul Too heavy, too thirsty. A largely irrelevant car to the majority of Australians (check dwindling sales). HELLO! Do you journos have any concept of global warming??!! Surely the Punto or Japanese hybrids are leading the way in fuel efficiency....doesn't the car industry have some responsibility here?Josh H Absolutely. I own one, and as each day goes by, the more my praise grows for it. Brilliant around the bends, classy and expensive looking interior, and sitting on its 20" wheels no other sub 100k sedan comes close in looks. So what, some external suppliers caused the all new car to have to be recalled? I wouldn't not buy one due to the fact I need to drop into the dealership for a quick change over of a part. Look at any other make, they have recalls too. Well done to everyone involved in the VE development!Wayne Smith CARSguide writes: "... while the Aurion is clinical and precise in the manner of a surgical instrument, it falls a little short on the count of emotion." In other words, the Aurion would have won COTY, if only it, too, had two manufacturing defects worthy of product recalls.richard dont think its good enough its already looking old to my eyes.And whats with the guards there to flared.It looks sily from behind.from side on u can see under the gaurds like the old magnas.There just over done i thinkjack In your face ford ( Found On Rubbish Dumps )Dan Holden Schmolden! This "competition" is rigged. I am sure there are much better cars than you boring average joe Commodore. Sorry, I mean "luxury" Calais. The only reason this fat gumby-looking common car won this thing is because Holden basically PAID money to get their name at the top. The winners of these competitions nowadays all come down to which marque spends the most money on advertising in the newspaper. Holden shouldn't be pleased they have to PAY to get their name there.Bogan Of course notBruce Acutt When are Australians going to wean themselves off gas guzzling cars when 99.99% of the trips are suburban, bumper to bumper. Pick a sensible smaller car to educate car buyers that they dont need big cars.Bruce Reid The average punter must be scrathing his head at the awards for car of the year. No. 1 is for a 6 Litre, V8 guzzler and No. 4 costs almost $150,000 Apparantly, the criteria that was set places no importance on the current global environmental problems or the affordability factor for the average Joe.trackdaze V8 is dumb but ok. V6 commodore is god awfull.Daniel Armstrong Yes it certainly is. Anyone who has actually driven this car will completely agree that this is a fantastic car. It has a huge amount of features, great performance, and for 50 grand or so, it is brilliant.Ro I dont dispute the outcome. But its obvious that a top of the range car will be a winner with all the options. I feel this result is also biased as always. Thats a trademark of Carsguide car reviews.Patrick A worthy winner, well done Holden !frank predictable. Just about every new Falcadore has won car of the yearfrom at least one of the newspaper/mags everytime.PR Theres no way the Commodore should have won. Sure its a fine car, but lacks the refinement of German Euro and Upper Japanese marques.Tony Colman I have just purchased a Calais V8, and it is the best cat I have ever driven. I have driven the Aurion and Audi's. This is the best.Chris Did the Calais win the most recalled car of the year award?Joe Paglia Does the VE need to be a Calais with a 6 litre v8 and 6 spd auto and an almost 60k price tag to be voted as car of the year?what about the Omega and other lower models that will make up around 95% of Holdens volume?are you saying that the rest of the range aren't up to scratch?past winners have been model ranges and not just specific models ie. Ford Territory not just Territory Ghia AWD.SOS Not a chance. I guess you can see where most of the $1b went, straight to all the car journo boffins pockets. COTY is a publicity joke and I am thinking that most of Australia couldn't give two hoots about a silly award that means so little. COTY is won in the showrooms where sales make or break a model. Ask Bitsaremissing how sales are for the 380 since winning a COTY award.jr Besy car for Australian conditions my arse ! It dosent even have a proper spare tyre you clowns.Deadly A overweight six litre V8 dinosaur with a clunky transmission and highly questionable quality car of the year? - are you guys in some parallel universe?Darren Broadbent How can the Car of the Year be the VE Calais. Still car has been released for about 4 months and has had two major recalls, yes one was for the V8 engine. I thought with 1 BILLION dollars invested in the car that these problems would not occur! The Engine is basically the same V6 that was in the VZ I believe the Aurion should of won. New Engine new platform. Sorry guys you got it Wrong!Allan Well i'm glad to see that it was a Aussie made car that made it....Well done judges!!Alan With a dated drivetrain, cheep looking and feeling, poorly screwed together interior and poor aftersales service...no way! It would not surprise that the press will as usual overlook all it's faults and please the plebs by voting it the winner?Glenn Corey For those who have not yet had the privilege to drive one, Holden Calais V V8 is truly a world class car. My decision to order one 3 months ago will be vindicated when I pick up my car this coming Monday. I cannot wait. To know that it is now CARSguide Car of The Year make me feel proud to be an Australian. Well done Holden!Richard If my experience with Holdens isany guide the gloss will soon wear off. I spent more money keeping a Holden on the road in one year than I did keeping a Mazda for 14 years To me it looks like a TS stra (which is a good looking car) but why trumpet about something that has been around for 8 years.sportivo26 This is not a surprise, not because the Holden is really a great car but with all the hoopla and drum beating that this car has been getting the past few months especially in Carsguide articles, what's to expect? I just think though that the criteria for your judging doesn't really reflect the real world especially now of increasing cost of living. I think fuel efficiency, durability, overall safety, reliability and over all value for money should be the determing factor. Cmo'n guys we don't buy cars to race and see how it will turn in a sharp curve, we buy cars to get from point a to b, and get there safely. As with your argument that this car is really built for Australian condition, then how come it comes standard with a space saver tyre and even the aircon is still optional on standard model. Ouch.

Now it's down to the judges to decide which of the 10 finalists will win the award to be announced in a special edition of CARSguide next Friday.Our top 10 has been achieved after an extensive search and culling process covering all cars launched in Australia in the past year.The judging criteria included assessing styling, safety, innovation, value, functionality, build quality and performance.Our motoring experts, motoring editors and senior motoring writers from The Daily Telegraph, Herald-Sun in Melbourne, The Courier-Mail in Brisbane, The Advertiser in Adelaide, The Mercury in Hobart and The Sunday Times in Perth extensively tested the 10 finalists earlier this month. The three-day back-to-back testing, included a full day's driving at Wakefield Park in Goulburn.The finalists were driven in a wide mix of environments and road conditions, including wet, dry, city, freeway, highway and country roads.Fiat Punto EmotionJudge Keith Didham's comment:Fiat returned to the Australian market in August after a 17-year gap. The Punto is one of Europe's biggest sellers, but can that success be replicated here?Fiat reopened the batting Down Under with four variants, with a choice of five-door or three-door manual hatches powered by 1.3 or 1.9-litre turbo diesel or a 1.4-litre petrol motor. Fiat last month added two more smart sequential automatic variants to round out the range to six. Prices range from $19,990 for the Dynamic to $27,990 for the better-equipped Emotion as tested here.The cute Giorgetto Giugiaro styling comes with a strong hint of Maserati about its nose, while the cabin is unmistakably Italian, so the car appeals to the buyer looking for something out of left field from the bevy of small-car clones. The Punto's biggest attractions, however, are its frugal fuel economy, comfortable four-seat cabin and five-star crash rating.The perky diesel feels robust once you get it up and running and riding the torque wave.It's a strong performer, with plenty of grip and good dynamics, but the trade off can be a harsh ride, while the steering sometimes lacks feedback.The Punto is premium priced, but standard kit includes electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, cloth trim, cruise control, a decent CD audio system, remote locking, airconditioning and power windows.Holden Astra CDTiJudge Bryan Littlely's comment:There is a very straightforward reason for the Holden Astra CDTi's inclusion in the CARSguide Car Of The Year Award - and that is its diesel engine.The stylish, imported Astra is the first diesel passenger car to wear the badge of an Australian manufacturer in more than 20 years, a wise move by Holden given the surge in popularity of diesel powered vehicles amid rising fuel prices.But the Astra is an attractive option for much more than its powerplant. It has the styling that would appeal to a wide range of car buyers and, at $29,990 for the six-speed manual, it is very competitive with European brands on price.The Holden Astra offers good ride and handling in a comfortable and practical package that is fun to drive - if not all glitz and glamour - and it certainly proved its worth during the judging.Holden still has some issues to overcome with this car if it is to convert car buyers from petrol to diesel but, overall, it offers a solid package and a good entry point for buyers wanting to make the shift to diesel-powered vehicles.Hyundai Elantra EliteJudge Kevin Hepworth's comment:Once the whipping boy of poor build quality, Hyundai has turned around its reputation to the point where it is now winning quality surveys in major international markets.A fine example of that new attention to detail was the action the company took after criticism of the Elantra's woolly steering at its Australian release. Within days a team of engineers was flown from Korea to recalibrate the cars.While it is still not perfect it is a huge improvement and a credit to Hyundai's determination to improve wherever it can. And while there may still be the odd question mark over styling - the curved crease-line down the car's flanks comes readily to mind - the Hyundai Elantra Elite offers a comprehensive package for its $24,990 sticker price.Not the least of the attractions in the Elite is the included safety pack of electronic stability control and six airbags.The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, coupled to a five-speed manual, puts out a reasonable 105kW and the Elantra offers a good quality ride for a car in its segment.The finalists1: Audi Q7 TDI 4WD, $85,7002: Fiat Punto Emotion diesel $27,9903: Ford Focus XR5 5-cyl turbo hatch, $35,9904: Holden Astra CDTi diesel $29,9905: Holden VE Calais V8 V-series sedan, $58,4906: Hyundai Elantra Elite $24,9907: Mazda3 MPS 4-cylinder turbo hatch, $39,9908: Porsche Cayman S 2-door coupe, $148,5009: Toyota Aurion Presara V6 sedan, $49,99010: VW Passat wagon 4-cylinder turbo, $44,990The winner will be announced next Friday.

After an exhaustive search and culling process through all cars launched in Australia over the past year, our motoring experts have selected their top 10 best cars to become this year's finalists.Utilising input from motoring editors and senior motoring writers from The Daily Telegraph, Melbourne Herald-Sun, Brisbane Courier-Mail, Adelaide Advertiser, Hobart Mercury and Perth Sunday Times, CARSguide has begun the search for Australia's car of the year - the best of the best for 2006.Last week the 10 finalists were tested extensively over three days, including a full day's examination at Wakefield Park at Goulburn, to find a winner.Judged on criteria ranging across styling, safety, innovation, value, functionality, build quality and performance, the finalists were dissected and scored in a variety of situations.With votes being counted, today we introduce the first four finalists as we head to the announcement of 2006 CARSguide Car of the Year on December 1. Three more finalists will be revealed next Friday.AUDI Q7 TDIJudge Neil Dowling's comment:Historically, vehicles like the five-metre-long Audi Q7 rarely make Car of the Year contention. That it made it into the top 10 is an outstanding achievement.Partially, it was down to Audi's remarkably effective trans-continental promo in a fleet of 15 Q7s. The vehicle shrugged at Australia's Outback and showcased its reliability, build-quality and sheer guts.The Q7 diesel boasts high levels of comfort, space, fuel economy, towing capacity, safety, driving dynamics and features. Though not demonstrating new technology, the Q7 package is impressive.Big it may be but the Q7 - particularly in its turbo-diesel version - is spectacularly efficient. Few SUVs come close.HOLDEN VE CALAISJudge Stuart Martin's comment: The most important new car launched this year was never in any doubt of being in the running. Stronger, faster and better by a mile, V8 Calais V has what it takes to rule the local large car roost and take on the Euros.Although the V8 can return good fuel figures, it's a little thirsty when pressed, but the quality of Holden's billion-dollar baby makes up for it.The chassis provides ride compliance with handling composure, with ample room for adults within its more compact-looking shape.Track time allows the big Aussie sedan to show off its new-found balance, with all-new steering and front suspension a worthwhile part of the engineering budget. The VE package is a major step forward for Holden.TOYOTA AURION PRESARAJudge Paul Gover's comment: Australia's No.1 carmaker was always going to get something on to the shortlist. For 2006, there were three obvious contenders: the all-new RAV4 four-wheel drive, the family Camry and the V6 Aurion.Each made a case, but with only 10 spots overall it was the Aurion that was best of the best for brand T. The Aurion is the first realistic showroom rival to the big-six heroes, Falcon and Commodore, and arrived after an extensive local development program.It shares basics with the Camry but has unique styling, a 3.5-litre V6 with six-speed automatic and changes to many minor things, including the seats and steering column.The highlights include 200kW of power and fuel economy of 9.9 litres/100km, numbers that trump the base Ford and Holden on both fronts. Prices start at $34,990 and there are five models, including two Sportivo cars with tuned suspension and a body kit.Toyota will also have a TRD Aurion with a supercharged engine producing around 230kW, even tauter suspension, huge brakes and more aggressive body kit, as previewed at the Sydney motor show.VW PASSAT WAGONJudge Kevin Hepworth's comment: The very idea of a family wagon making it to the top 10 in Car of the Year judging could be bewildering to many who remember them only as semi-industrial load-carriers built off sedan platforms.Well, welcome to the 21st century.VW's Passat wagon is a stylish, refined and extremely enjoyable way to pack up a family of five with luggage.Powered by the velvet-smooth, four-cylinder 2.0-litre FSI turbo, the Passat has all the legs necessary for long-distance travel and enough off-the-line punch to compete well in the city rat-race.It also returns reasonable fuel economy.For $44,990 (plus on-road costs) the Passat comes stacked with safety and comfort inclusions - you have to respect a car that has an umbrella holder (complete with umbrella) built into the driver's door.There is also the added prestige of a European badge.

Holden pruned prices on upmarket versions of the VE by as much as $8400 for the luxury Calais compared with the VZ Commodore, but raised the price of the entry-level Omega by $500 while scaling back the run-out factory discounts on the previous model.While Commodore sales rebounded last month to 5455, the result included 700 old-model VZ station wagons, leaving a market of approximately 4745 VEs. Dealers report strong demand for higher-priced versions, but muted interest in the volume-selling Omega.Operations director for fleet managers Leaseplan, Anthony Rossi, said some of his client fleets had been disappointed with pricing for the Omega, and were waiting for the price to fall."We've had some major customers who have not been very happy with the way the numbers are coming out for VE," he said. "I'm hearing some dealers are wavering a bit. There are signs they are prepared to break ranks on pricing".Automotive industry consultant Tony Robinson of risk management firm Sureplan agreed the fleet industry was lobbying for a lower price on the Omega. "I'm hearing from fleet managers who are very disappointed with VE pricing and are prepared to sit on their hands, at least until they get a look at the (Toyota) Aurion."Mr Robinson said other local makers who had previously tried to dictate prices to fleet buyers had all retreated. "Mitsubishi tried it with the 380, Ford tried it with the AU, even Toyota tried it in the '90s under Bob Miller — but they all stepped back."Mr Rossi said there was "a vibe," among dealers that fleet discounting would start soon.But Holden marketing manager John Elsworth said sales were on target and there were no plans to increase the factory fleet discount on Commodore models. "We're selling about what we thought we would."The build mix from Holden's Elizabeth plant was moving towards more highly specified versions, Mr Elsworth said. "We have a flexible plant and we can align what we build with what dealers order. Right now, that's driving towards the Calais and SS versions and SV6."Retail discounts on upmarket Commodores were already running at up to $4500 on Calais V and SS V models, said the director of car-buying agent Privatefleet, David Lye. "That leaves plenty of margin for dealers, but it's perhaps a little more than you'd expect at this stage in the car's lifecycle."The previous entry-level Commodore Executive and Equipe models had been consistent low-volume sellers with Privatefleet's buyers, but all the agency's Commodore sales last month had been SS, Calais or SV6 models, Mr Lye said.A bright spot for Holden was strong sales for the Commodore-based WM Statesman and Caprice limousines, which returned to dominance of their market segment and reversed the slumping sales of the previous model. And total Commodore sales included a monthly record of 491 high-performance and premium-priced Holden Special Vehicles models.Dealers reported stronger demand for the repriced performance and luxury versions of the VE than for the basic versions and some metropolitan dealers reported difficulty keeping luxury and performance versions in stock."I can't keep a Statesman demonstrator — as soon as I put one on the floor it's sold," one dealer said.Last week's October sales figures showed a rebound in car sales, with 80,000 sales putting the local market on track for 970,000 by year's end. But local makers were largely left out of the action in a recovery confined to light and medium-sized models.Toyota's Melbourne-made Camry was the only local model to benefit from the resurgent medium-car segment. Large locally-made cars failed to share in the prosperity with sales down by 3.4 per cent on the previous October.Ford Falcon monthly sales dropped to under 3000, and for the first time the six-cylinder and V8 powered Falcon was outsold by the new four-cylinder Toyota Camry, which recorded 3046 buyers.Mitsubishi's Adelaide-built 380 sedan remained stable at 944 sales to record a disappointing 14,100 for its first year on sale but Toyota's new Aurion large car had 343 registrations, despite only going on sale last week.

The release of the two new models of the top-selling cars has seen them manage comparable figures to the outgoing models and in Holden's case, even slight improvements in some models.It has been toughest to achieve improvments in automatic gearbox cars.The four-cylinder Camry boasts better economy figures than the six-cylinder Commodore (9.9 litres per 100km compared to the Holden's 10.9 litres per 100km) when comparing base model automatics.However the new, larger and heavier Camry is thirstier than other popular four-cylinder family cars such as the Honda Accord Euro (9.2 litres per 100km), the Hyundai Sonata (8.8), the Mazda6 (8.9) and the Subaru Liberty (9.1).The new Commodore and the current model Falcon are the thirstiest but the figures achieved by the LPG Falcon show that if you really don't want to pay high fuel prices, it is the way to go.That is particularly relevant now as LPG prices in Sydney this week were about one-third of the average price of unleaded petrol. However, you will need to refuel the LPG car more often than its petrol equivalent.Holden released the VE Commodore's fuel consumption figures on Monday while the new Camry figures (8.9L/100km for manuals and 9.9L/100km for autos) were released on Tuesday. Holden's executive engineering director Tony Hyde says: "We finished our testing late last week, the Omega is 10.9 litres per 100km, 0.1 of a litre better than the VZ."It's not all glory and roses but it's still a pretty good story, the V6 with the five-speed auto was 11.4 and is now 11.3, except for the Calais V -- the one usage of that engine where the figure is slightly up," he says.The fuel consumption figures for the base model are equal to the Ford Falcon equivalent, and slightly higher than the Mitsubishi 380 which has a consumption rate of 10.8 litres per 100km.Hyde says the variable-valve V6 and the V8 with manual gearboxes had also experienced a small reduction in thirst."The premium HF V6 with the manual gearbox was 11.4, it's now 11, the V8 manual was 14.6, down to 14.4," he says.He says the addition of a six-speed automatic gearbox might have been expected to reduce fuel thirst but the new transmission -- shared with the Cadillac and the Corvette -- had increased fuel consumption."The one that has gone the other way is the V8 with the six-speed automatic -- logically you'd think it would not -- it's gone from 14 to 14.3," he says. "The six-speed's ratios don't seem to suit the cycle, so we'll be looking for real world figures -- we're confident of getting some pretty good numbers from it."The lead-time for developing a new car means reacting to rising fuel costs in the past 12 months was largely impossible, according to the Holden engineering boss."We can't react inside a year, no way, the engine calibrations and the emissions work that needs to be done," he says.Hyde says fuel economy was now very important. "The biggest issue now is fuel consumption, more so than power outputs."We would improve fuel consumption figures by making the car lighter, but it's not that easy. We can't just leave bits off."He says Holden hopes to trim weight for the next Commodore model, though the lure of a diesel is strong.Holden has been testing its hybrid VX Calais model fitted with a 3-litre in-line turbo-diesel from BMW.This car is a pointer to the future, though GM has no deal with sourcing engines from BMW. The primary problem is the expensive price of the BMW engine.Diesels available include 3-litre V6s from GM-associate Isuzu which are used in European-specced Renault Vel Satis and Espace, the Fiat-Lancia Thesis and Saab 9-5.Even Fiat's 2.4-litre, in-line five-cylinder turbo-diesel is plausible, especially given Holden provides the Fiat Group with a derivative of the Commodore V6 engine.However, more likely is a GM-designed and built mid-capacity turbo-diesel believed to be under development.Fuel savings will be available in September with the release of a 175kW dual-fuel LPG base model. One thing ruled out for Commodore is turbocharging: "no turbos", Hyde says emphatically.Holden powertrain manager Simon Cassin says Holden is looking at methods for creating more efficient engines.That includes the ability to turn off four cylinders on the V8 engine to save fuel, as in the US version, which is also used on the Chrysler 300C V8.He says ethanol fuel was being studied. The maximum ethanol content of fuel regarded as being safe for a Holden engine is 10 per cent.The first road tests of the new Commodore start in Melbourne next week.