Can you say, road trip? The thought of making a cross country trip generates excitement in some, but dismay in others. You like to imagine that your trip through the outback will be a pleasant one, but you wonder if you and your family will grow tired as the seats wear thin or as outside temperatures make even your car’s interior uncomfortable.
- Holden CapriceHugo90 / Car Photos / CC BY
A better way may be to simply seek out a car rental, choosing a sedan such as the five passenger Holden Caprice to get you where you are going in comfort and in style. Australia is a big continent and is best explored in a vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions. Such a vehicle is the Holden Caprice.
Holden Caprice
There are actually two Caprice models. One is a standard sedan and the other is a performance sedan. The first choice may be the best choice if you are looking to maximize fuel economy. The second choice, the Caprice V-Series, can enable you to enjoy the country’s maximum 130 km/h speed limits as you head to Darwin.
Both sedans are rear-wheel-drive with the standard Caprice powered by a 3.6-liter direct injection engine, with vapor injection optional. This engine is rated at 210kW at 6,700 rpm and 350Nm of torque at 2,800 rpm. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with active select.
The performance leader in the Holden fleet is its Caprice V-Series. This sedan is powered by a 6.0-liter V-8 engine, a motor developed for the Chevrolet Corvette. This engine makes 260kW at 5,600 rpm and a whopping 517Nm at 4,400 rpm. It, too is paired with a six-speed automatic with active select. Use those paddle shifters to extend your driving pleasure!
Handling and Safety
Every Holden Caprice sedan is equipped with stability control, traction control, electronic brake-force distribution and an anti-lock brake system. The handling characteristics of the V-Series are enhanced by a limited-slip differential, an engineering advantage that ensures that torque is evenly distributed between both rear wheels.
Each sedan is equipped with six airbags. The Holden Caprice has also achieved the coveted 5-star ANCAP rating, the highest crash test rating possible.
Exterior Highlights
The Holden Caprice rides on 18-inch alloy wheels that are set within radial tires. Front fog lamps are standard as are LED fender vent indicators. Heated power side mirrors with puddle lamps are also found across the Caprice line.
Projector beam headlamps are standard on the base sedan. Choose the V-Series and your car is outfitted with Bi-Xenon headlamps.
Interior Highlights
There is no compromise for Caprice occupants as this sedan holds five in comfort. Leather appointed seating is standard with Nappa leather used in the V-Series. Driver comfort, always a concern on trips taking you hundreds if not thousands of kilometers, is enhanced with an 8-way electric driver’s seat with lumbar support. Other driver benefits include cruise control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with an adjustable steering column, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen commands, and a navigation system with a rear view camera.
The Caprice’s audio controls are easily accessed by means of steering wheel mounted buttons. Each model comes equipped with an audio system that comes with Bluetooth audio streaming, a CD player, USB port, iPod integration and CD ripping capabilities. Choose the V-Series and you get a rear DVD player with dual LCD screens. Climate control, power windows, vanity mirrors, cup holders, and a center console storage compartment are also included.
Summing Up
With your choice of sedans, your decisions on a Holden Caprice rental may lie entirely with what you want from it underneath the hood. Both models offer ample get up and go, and the amenities you need to make your trip a memorable one. You also get 535L of cargo room, giving you perhaps the best combination of power, cabin comfort and storage abilities of any large sedan in Australia.
Gemma Hobbs has extensive experience as a travel consultant. She enjoys sharing her insights on various blogs. Learn more at Expedia.com.au
