Another Holden today – the Calais Tourer or sportwagon – a 3.6-litre V6 all-wheel-drive wagon built in Germany – with car like features this is a polished performer in a dwindling large car segment – the polish comes from Holden’s local engineers setting it up for our conditions and as I’ve said countless times, their input is immediately noticeable in the way it drives. Smooth, fleet footed with a supple ride that just eats up our country roads. For those buyers that don’t like upright SUV’s this quality wagon offers a real alternative – nice looking, sleek in profile and well stacked with features. The drive-train: 3.6-litre V6 engine, nine-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive makes it a very accomplished and eager performer – the ride height 20mm higher than the sedan and a practical dimension. Despite this feature designed for country touring the Calais Tourer disappointingly only gets a space saver spare. Apart from that the features are extensive – full leather seats heated in the front, welcome wireless charging, an 8-inch colour touchscreen, satellite navigation, an electric tailgate, digital radio and 18-inch alloys. Safety gear includes autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision alert, blind spot alert, a rear view camera, parking assistance and front and rear sensors. Such is the eager performance it comes at a cost to fuel economy and I only managed 12.8L/100. All up though, Holden’s Calais sportwagen is a very competent open road tourer.

I’m David Berthon

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