HOLDEN Statesman Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The Holden Statesman was the less-expensive version of the Caprice but offered a similar comfort level and performance since they shared the same engines and platform.

A long wheelbase had its advantages on long journeys, offering more comfort for passengers' rear seats. That is why Holden decided to introduce the Statesman, a longer version of the well-known Commodore sedan. The 2006 model was the largest rear-wheel-drive sedan offered by GM.

With its chromed rim around the pentagonal-shaped grille and swept, angular headlights, the Statesman looked imposing everywhere. Some lines might have resembled some of the Opel design, but the overall look was far from there. Compared to the rest of the vehicle, the long rear doors and short deck made the car look more dynamic.

The base version was not so luxurious as its Caprice sibling. It didn't even feature the Bose sound system, and the occupants had to deal with the more affordable Blaupunkt stereo. It was meant for comfortable journeys with its large seats for the front passengers and the rear profiled bench. It was made rather for personal use than for state officials. After all, businessmen have families too.

The main difference between the Caprice and the Statesman was the options. But the common ingredient was the engine bay. Both were offered with either a V6 or a V8 engine. The latter was an old design, without cylinder deactivation, two valves per cylinder, and pushrod distribution. The V6 was more fuel-efficient and paired with a modern automatic gearbox.

Holden introduced a new generation of the Statesman in 1999 based on the same platform as the Commodore WH and revised it in 2003.

The GM's Australian arm had a different approach on the market with its mid-size sedans lineup, the Commodore, the Statesman, and the Caprice. All three vehicles were based on the same platform as the second generation of the European Opel/Vauxhall Omega, but with different wheelbases and options. The Statesman was right in the middle, featuring a longer wheelbase than the Commodore and fewer options than the Caprice.

The 1999 Statesman featured rounded headlights and a wide taillights design, with a red bar spread across the trunk lid. Four years later, Holden decided to drop the biodesign-inspired shapes and installed a pair of headlights carried over from the Commodore YV Calais with sharp lines. It dropped the red strip that united the quarter panels over the trunk in the rear and left the taillights only on the corners.

Inside, the Statesman offered a similar comfort level as the Caprice, especially for the rear seats. Holden installed velour seats for the base trim level, but the customers could choose leather instead. Unlike the Caprice, which featured a Bose sound system, the Statesman clients were stuck to a Blaupunkt sound system with a ridiculous remote controller on the front passenger side. It was known that the Statesman was designed for the Australian officials.

Holden installed a choice of two engines under the Statesman's hood, and both were paired to a standard 4-speed automatic transmission. The full version featured a 5.7-liter Chevrolet engine.