Despite having a hefty 260kW of power and 517Nm of torque this excitingly powerful V8 slips seamlessly into 4 cylinder mode under light load conditions courtesy of the AFM system. When loping along the freeway or highway at a constant speed the AFM system takes just 20 milliseconds to activate and suddenly you're saving fuel dollars and Co₂ emissions without even realising. Plant the foot or come to a rise and within another 20 milliseconds you're back on all 8. Holden quote a combined 12.2 litres/100km for this powerhouse and we went very close to achieving it, but our enthusiasm for 8 cylinders somehow got the better of us!

Holden is paying attention to safety too and the Calais has an impressive 5 star ANCAP rating. Airbags all round and Electronic Stability Control, ABS, Electronic Brake force Distribution, Electronic Brake Assist and Traction Control, make for a very safe family car.

We headed out of the city to a country football match and to find a variety of different driving surfaces and a few hills to climb. For a large vehicle (1.8tonnes and 4.9m long) it really impressed and the 6spd Active Select Auto Transmission was hard to fault delivering all those Newton metres with apparent ease.

As for our favourite narrow and undulating sealed roads and steep ascents the Calais just breezed through them with that delightful V8 growl ringing in our ears. The independent rear suspension with linear control handled the rough edges and the corrugations on lesser gravel roads with real aplomb. Even with the power on the Calais steered neutrally and sailed over heavy corrugations as if it were on the highway.

Creature comforts are all there with leather seats (8 way electric adjustment for the driver), a multi function 6.5"LCD screen, Cruise control, dual zone air conditioning, Bluetooth, rain sensing wipers and auto headlights. Our test car was fitted with optional Sat Nav ($1,990) and an electric sun roof ($1,990). There's ample storage space, save for the small centre console and glove box. The huge boot includes a great luggage net for securing your load, a handy idea for groceries and the like.

In the entertainment department MP3 compatible 6CD Blaupunkt audio system and rear seat overhead DVD player with seat mounted screens and headsets are all designed to entertain your passengers on a long haul trip.

The Calais Gen IV V8 gives you powerful pleasure without the need for a shred of guilt. The V Series RRP is $61,990 plus on roads.

Vehicle provided by GM Holden