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Russell Williamson3 Jan 2007
REVIEW

Holden WM Caprice V8

More distinctive than ever, the Caprice offers a competent and sporty drive in what is still a very large luxury limousine

Road Test

Model: Holden WM Caprice V8
RRP: $69,990
Price as tested: $69,990
Date tested: November 2006
Also consider: Ford LTD, Chrysler 300C (here)

Overall Rating: 4.0/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 4.0/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 4.5/5.0
Safety: 4.0/5.0
Behind the wheel: 4.0/5.0
X-factor: 3.5/5.0

A big car for a big country was often the line alluded to when marketers at the local Holden and Ford HQs referred to the long-wheelbase versions of the Commodore and Falcon. And in the 1970s and 80s when Fairlanes, LTDs, Statesmans and Caprices ruled supreme in the local luxury stakes, size meant status.

But the automotive landscape has changed dramatically since then and with high fuel prices and lower import tariffs meaning that Euro luxury is more affordable, the local cars have suffered. What was needed was a change of image and for Holden that began with the previous generation VZ Commodore-based WL Statesman and Caprice.

This new image was based on a changed product profile that was most evident in the Caprice that had turned from a top-end luxobarge into a driver's car, but still with the luxury and prestige that comes from being big and well specced.

Now, with the arrival of the VE-based WM range, that distinction is even greater with the top-of-the-range V8 Caprice being a car that still offers enormous space and huge list of luxury features with the very confident ability to be driven hard with enthusiasm.

Visually, the car looks every bit a large luxury limousine with the only body bits it shares with the shorter Commodores being the front doors and windscreen. From its long bonnet, down the sharp edged door panels and long sloping rear roofline to the squared off boot, this is an imposing car that still speaks of luxury and status.

And as you step inside, there is more of the same. Like its predecessor, the Caprice is the more sporting of the two LWB cars and this much becomes obvious from the thicker bolstered body hugging and comfortable leather-trimmed seats. In the case of the driver's pew, it features 10-way electric adjustment, which together with the rake and reach adjustable steering column, ensures a good driving position.

Trim highlights too are more of a sporting bent but there is no doubt that this is a luxury car as well. There is little wanting on the equipment list with tri-zone climate control -- separate controls for driver, front passenger and rear passengers -- power windows, mirrors and front seats, cruise control, leather trim, automatic bi-Xenon headlights and windscreen wipers, and a multi-function remote key. The entertainment system consists of a superb MP3 compatible Bose six-stack CD player and DVD player with rear passengers catered for by individual screens mounted in the rear of the front head restraints.

With an extra 94mm in the wheelbase -- that now measures just over 3m -- compared to its Commodore kin, there is an abundance of space up front and particularly in the rear where the heavily sculpted rear seat will easily seat three adults across its width but is more designed for long distance cruising comfort for two.

The engine is largely a carry-over from the SWB VEs. That's not to belittle the 270kW/530Nm 6.0-litre V8 and excellent six-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the highish torque peak that arrives at 4400rpm, the V8 offers a very linear delivery of power and an abundance of grunt from word go. It is also an enormously flexible engine and when faced with a hill or the need to overtake, it simply requires a decent prod of the loud pedal and will quickly drop a ratio or two and power away.

The six-speed auto is reasonably smooth and refined -- with shifts only becoming more noticeable under particularly hard acceleration -- and while it offers a manual function, it is rarely needed, as it is very well mated to the characteristics of the engine and easily finds the right gear for the conditions.

As the more sporting of the two LWB cars, the Caprice's ride is on the firm side thanks to a low-profile 245/45 18-inch wheel/tyre package and firmer dampers but on the smooth freeway, it is still more than comfortable. At higher cruising speeds, the only niggle is that the cabin becomes subject to a bit of road and wind noise.

Head off the highway onto a B or C-road and there is still enough compliance in the suspension to absorb harsh bumps but you do notice road irregularities. On the flip side, however, it offers confident and composed handling.

Despite its large limo visage, this is a car that can be driven enthusiastically with tight and direct steering and handling that belies its size and weight. It actually feels quite lithe when being pushed hard with its sports suspension and low-profile rubber ensuring that it sits fairly flat and controlled on the road with an abundance of grip.

As a big and heavy car -- tipping the scales at just under 1.9 tonnes -- it does rise and fall with the undulations in the road but at all times it feels well controlled and stable with plenty of feedback through the steering and seat base as to what its happening at the road surface.

It is perhaps not quite as sharp as the performance-luxury Calais V, but it always feels solid and predictable.

As a range-topping luxury limo, it may be a little too hard-edged for some buyers -- for whom the softer riding Statesman may be a better option -- but if you really like to drive and you need the lounge-like rear space, you won't find a better value option on the market.

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Written byRussell Williamson
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