Potent Package

The Age

Saturday October 28, 2006

Cameron McGavin

ROAD TEST: The new WM Statesman is a vital part of Holden's long-range plans. Cameron McGavin reports.

NO, YOU'RE not seeing things. That was a new Holden Statesman you saw drive past the other day, even though you're probably only now getting used to the sight of VE Commodores on the roads.

The WM Statesman/Caprice arriving so close to the launch of the VE Commodore is no accident, and reflects its new-found significance in Holden's game plan. Export markets such as the Middle East, China and South Korea last year allowed Holden to move more than seven times as many long-wheelbase models as sold in Australia, and the company is keen to continue the trend.

The Statesman's popularity overseas will do no harm to its chances at home. Apart from being on sale much earlier than is typical, the prospects of bigger volumes have allowed Holden to invest more in differentiating the WM from the VE.

Evidence of this comes in the WM's swish new body, which shares only the front doors with the VE. Longer rear doors have allowed Holden to overcome some styling shortcomings that had become part of Australian LWB sedan lore - such as the awkward gap between the rear door and wheel arch.

The result appears harmonious and resolved, and details such as the LED repeater lamps add to the classy feel. Inside, the changes are less significant but do the job. The basic architecture is familiar VE, meaning great space, comfort and adjustability, and nice design - but the A-pillars create a sizeable front blind spot. A unique dash pad, instruments, trim and exclusive materials lend a classier ambience.

The WM's back seat is excellent. Those longer doors make for easier access, there's plenty of stretching space, and the seat comfort is hard to fault.

Among all this newness is the reassuring familiarity of the two-pronged Statesman/Caprice line-up. Our test car was the bottom-rung Statesman V6, which is well specified for its $58,990 price. There's climate-control air-conditioning, six-stack CD sound system, cruise, trip computer, power front seats, auto lights/wipers and front/rear parking sensors; safety - six airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control and other electronic trickery - is similarly extensive.

Also familiar are the WM's Commodore-derived mechanicals. Our test car was powered by the 195 kW High Output Alloytec V6/five-speed auto combo also used in the Calais V, which lacks the visceral edge of its V8 siblings but is impressively smooth, gutsy and thrifty, if not the quietest of V6s going.

On the road the Statesman lives up to its role as the cosseter of the WM line-up. The suspension tune is softer than the sports-styled Caprice and the way it soaks up everything from small surface irregularities to big potholes and lumpy tarmac is impressive.

Good noise suppression further bolsters its ability.

The comfy ride isn't at the expense of handling. The Statesman is a touch more ponderous than the firmer-sprung Caprice - and, for that matter, the smaller VE - but that's only a factor when you're really pushing. For the most part it just does exactly what you want, with the same lovely steering, ample grip, surprising agility and peerless predictability that are now VE trademarks.

If you were to be unkind you could say the WM is still just a stretched, gift-wrapped Commodore. But that would be missing the point because not only is the gift wrapping much nicer than before, so is what's underneath.

NUTS 'N' BOLTS - HOLDEN STATESMAN V6

HOW MUCH?

$58,990 (auto only) plus options and on-road costs.

INSURANCE

Premium $687

(RACV wholly owned, driver 40-plus, rating one, medium-risk suburb, $450 excess).

WARRANTY

3 years/100,000 km.

ENGINE

3.6-litre, double overhead cam, 24-valve V6. 195 kW at 6500 rpm and 340 Nm at 2600 rpm.

TRANSMISSION

Five-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive.

STEERING

Rack and pinion, 2.6 turns lock to lock. Turning circle 11.7 m.

BRAKES

Ventilated discs (f); ventilated discs (r), ABS with EBD and BA.

SUSPENSION

Independent by front and rear.

WHEELS/TYRES

Alloy, 17 x 7.0-inch Tyres Bridgestone Turanza ER300, 225/55. Full-sized spare.

HOW BIG?

Length: 5160 mm

Width: 1899 mm

Height: 1480 mm

Wheelbase: 3009 mm

HOW HEAVY?

1805 kg.

HOW THIRSTY?

11.7 L/100 km unleaded.

Fuel tank 73 litres.

EQUIPMENT

Six airbags; stability/traction control; climate-control air-conditioning; cruise control; power-adjustable front seats; leather trim; front and rear parking sensors; six-stack CD player; immobiliser and alarm.

FOR

Abundant space and comfort, polished road manners, ample performance, good economy for a big six, lots of toys, strong safety.

AGAINST

V6 not the most refined, same Commodore blind spots.

SCORE ****

COMPETITORS

Chrysler 300C V6 ***1/2

Ford Fairlane ***1/2

RATINGS

*****

Dream wheels

****

Recommended

***

On the ball

**

Just transport

*

Very ordinary

© 2006 The Age

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