Driving Holden’s large 7-seat SUV the Acadia – more specifically, the 3.6-litre V6 nine-speed automatic flagship Acadia LTZ-V AWD – this U.S. built seven-seater is big and bold and it’s making its presence felt in the large SUV segment.  On first impression its presents well, a very roomy comfortable leather clad interior across the first 2 rows of seats, a little tight in the rear but mainly for kids anyway and like most seven-seater’s the third row limits luggage space in the rear – with that seat and the second row folded the luggage space is cavernous.  The front seats electric, heated and cooled. Nothing has been left off the safety, comfort and convenient equipment, even a split pane panoramic roof is standard. A disappointment is that best access to the third row is via the street side, a throw back to its left-hand-drive origins and it didn’t get converted to our market. This aside, the Holden Acadia LTZ-V is a sweet driver – the 3.6-litre V6 with nine-speed automatic just eats up the road with ease with smooth effortless gear changes – the ride controlled but absorbent with good comfort levels. Another example of Holden’s local proving ground providing great suspension tune.  Trailer sway control is a welcome addition if you tow while braked towing capacity is 2,000 kilos braked. A tow bar and seven pin plug standard equipment. Only driving gripe, the stop/start function is disappointingly not switchable. The Holden Acadia is large yes, but surprisingly nimble with some excellent active driving aids. With a five–star crash safety rating, five year/unlimited kilometre warranty and service costs over five years of $1,500 this is a very competitive package.

I’m David Berthon

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