The Statesman is history

The introduction of the long wheelbase Series II WM Holden models last September saw the rationalisation of the name plates and the model range shrank from four to two variants.

The Statesman nameplate has now been consigned to history and the Caprice nameplate remains for the Series II WM range with two versions, the Caprice with a 3.6l SIDI V6 engine and the new sports-luxury model Caprice-V which receives the 6.2l V8 AFM engine that is compatible with E85 fuel.

Holden New Zealand managing director Simon Carr says the change in strategy for the long wheelbase models reflected customer feedback after intensive market surveys.

“Market research told us that the Caprice nameplate with its sports luxury character appealed to a far broader customer base,” he said. 

It was an irony that the freshly revamped Series II Caprice V6 test vehicle arrived at Adrenalin Publishing in a fetching shade of Heron white but it is no doubt that when the car is sold off the press fleet it may very well end up becoming a Corporate Cab.

But that’s no bad reflection on the Caprice because it remains one of the few mass market large sedans that offer fleet and family buyers the same amount of legroom, luggage space and comfortable amenity as the large prestige European brands but at a far more palatable price.

For example a long wheelbase BMW 750i has a list price of $269,900 while the cheapest long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S350 retails from $216,900. In comparison a V6 Holden Caprice at $71,690 and a V8 Caprice-V at $85,490 seem comparatively affordable. Yes both the Benz and BMW have a great deal more whizz bang technology but the Holden is pretty capable and well equipped for the price tag.

With the demise of the long wheelbase Ford Fairlane and LTD long wheelbase cars from the Australasian fleet market, one would have expected Holden to lead this part of market by default, but that has not seen them rest on their laurels.

The new WM series II Caprice benefits from the technological upgrades to the drive train and the interior that has been applied across the Commodore range. A newly designed dashboard which contains the new Holden iQ touch sensitive infotainment centre.

The iQ system in the Caprice offers Bluetooth connectivity for cellular phones and music streaming, as well as full satellite navigation, a reversing camera and a USB connection which enables MP3 music to be stored on a hard drive within the system.

Within the cabin the Onyx leather upholstery is complemented by high quality plastics in the interior though much of the switchgear is a mirror image of that found in the new Series II VE Commodore. However the chrome accented bezels around the odometer and rev counter are a nice touch, the leather covered steering wheel has a nice feel to it and the 8-way electrically adjustable drivers seat will cater for drivers of all shapes and sizes and memorise up to 3 different settings.

We found that the reversing camera was one of the Caprices most useful features as it is coupled with the front and rear reversing sensors which make manoeuvring this five metre long vehicle a great deal easier in confined spaces.

Thanks to the suspension which is tuned for responsive and sporty handling as well as a comfortable ride the Caprice V6 never feels like an overly big car, in fact it handles much like the Commodore and Calais models thanks to the firmer spring rate and reduced front ride height of the Series II models over it predecessor.

As a long distance touring car for fleet and family users the Caprice V6 cannot be underestimated for its spaciousness. There is 535 litres of very useable space in the boot, while rear passengers enjoy 1098mm of leg room as opposed to the 1071 for the driver and front passenger.

One caveat though, the boot aperture is not as wide as the Statesman/Caprice models of old, so care will be needed when loading up objects that are larger than a full sized Samsonite suitcase, but golf bags will slip in through the aperture quite easily.

Overall the Caprice offers a worthy long wheelbase alternative to the expensive Europeans and we would think it would be competitive in terms of whole of life costs.

Specifications:

Body type Four-door sedan  
Drive Rear-wheel-drive 
Engine Type Direct injection V6   
Engine Capacity 3564cc
Max power 210kW @ 6400 rpm
Max torque 350Nm @ 2900 rpm
Fuel Consumption 9.9l/100km
C02 emission 226g/km
0 to 100kph N/a
Front suspension Coil Springs
Rear suspension Independent multi link
Roof Rack N/a
ABS Brakes Yes
Air Bags 8
ESP Yes
Air Conditioning Dual climate
Lap/diagonal belts 5
Satellite Navigation Yes
Electric seats Yes
Burglar Alarm Yes 
Panic Button Yes
Boot release Yes
Cargo Cover No
Boot Capacity 535
Wheel type 18-inch Alloy
Spare Tyre Full size

Through Life Cost Report
36 Months 45000km
Price   $71,690
WOF    $90.00
Registration      $826.00
Servicing to 45k:     $951.25
Total Tyre cost:   $2,242.00
Residual (33%) $27,242.20 
Indicative final figure $48,557.05

The Through Life Cost Model is used for illustrative and indicative purposes only. FleetWorks and Adrenalin Publishing Limited accept no responsibility or liability should any costs indicated in the Through Life Cost Model change from those published. All residual values are based on an average of values achieved through Turners Auctions Limited sales for the previous 3 months from issue date.