So I have had three VE Holdens (Calais, Clubsport R8 and Calais V) and got used to the standard integrated bluetooth. Since it's the ONLY thing on any VE that beats the R36, I investigated some options.

The VW options are simply far too expensive. I mean really, what are we talking about here? The ability to make and take calls while driving, hands free right?

So I thought about it. Why not just use an ear peice and sit the phone in the centre console? Not very tidy. Don't want wires etc...

In the end, I went for a ClicOn mounting system (no holes necessary) to hold the phone and a Bluetooth ear peice. Specifically, the BlueAnt Z9i.

The ear peice is exceptionally comfortable and very clear. Handles the voice dialing better than the handset does! I gave up on using the voice dialing on my handset long ago but tried when I got the ear peice. Hasn't gotten a single one wrong yet! Very impressed by that.

The ClicOn system, while not cheap for what it is (essentially a few peices of clever and well made plastic) is great! Looks the part, easy to install, does the job it's meant to and leaves no holes anywhere if I want to remove it later on. It's got a swivel mount for lining up the phone precisely where you want it. There were three mounting options. over the centre of the two centre aircon vents, next to the shifter on the left side (too intrusive on the passenger) or the one I went with, on the left side of the aircon/volume controls. When not on a call, I use the ear hook on the BlueAnt Z9i to hook it over the right side of the phone holder - secure enough, doesn't rattle and easy to grab and wear when I make or receive a call. Also private when others are in the car - bluetooth is through the speakers so private conversations are out! When I leave the car, unless I want to take it with me I put the Z9i in the ash tray (I've never smoked) with the retractable usb cigarette phone charger.

So it's not integrated? So what? The whole lot cost me around $200 delivered to my door and 5 minutes to setup. Plus I can take the ear peice with me which is handy for work since all my work calls are done over my mobile. Hands free in the office without being on speaker phone! LOVE IT!

Anyhow, here's some pictures of the setup in the car if anyone's interested.

Cheers!

Sorry about the blur in the pics, but with the flash on there was too much reflection.