The Star: December 06, 2018

52 Thursday December 6 2018
Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
The Star
US-built Acadia released by Holden NZ
HOLDEN New Zealand has
launched its much-anticipated
seven-seat sport utility vehicle –
the Acadia
It is the first time Holden has
offered a GMC-based product in
its line-up.
Acadia boasts all the American
presence you’d expect from a
large SUV but, importantly, it has
had Holden input from early on.
While Acadia is unashamedly
American in its design, its
performance and driving
persona has that signature
Holden feel thanks to local
engineering input. Using
lessons learned from recent
Commodore and Colorado
programmes, Holden engineers
have focused on delivering the
direct steering and composed
ride that resonates with Kiwis.
Acadia is driven by a
powerful 3.6-litre V6 engine
and nine-speed automatic
transmission. It drives through
the front wheels with all-wheel
drive on demand.
Standard across the range is
a traction select system, which
allows the driver to alter chassis
and powertrain attributes to suit
a variety of driving conditions.
Front-drive models offer normal
(2x4), snow, sport and trailer/
tow modes, while AWD models
offer 2x4 (AWD disconnect), 4x4,
sport, off-road and trailer/tow
modes.
Additional chassis and
driving dynamics features
include MacPherson strut
front suspension, five-link rear
suspension, rack-mounted
electric power steering system
and four-wheel disc brakes.
The media launch for Acadia
was held on a variety of twisty
roads north of Auckland. Initial
driving impressions were that
Motoring
Ross Kiddie
of an involving driving presence
with strong engine
performance. There is a large
car feel with comfortable in-cabin
dynamics.
From the driving seat it
steers directly and there is
little body movement over the
suspension. The Acadia is quiet
in its movement and refinement
throughout the vehicle is hugely
noticeable. It is built on the same
production line as Cadillac in
Tennessee, consequently, build
quality is high.
A genuine seven-seater,
the Acadia is configured for
maximum comfort and flexibility.
The rear two rows of seats can be
folded flat for maximum cargo
capacity if required, while the
centre row is adjustable front to
rear so the ideal leg room can be
achieved for varying passenger
groups.
In a first for Holden, the new
Acadia features intelligent speed
assist with traffic sign recognition,
HOLDEN ACADIA: Large seven-seat sport
utility vehicle sourced from Tennessee,
all carefully calibrated to local
conditions by Holden engineers.
Other tech features include active
trailer assist and the inclusion
of bicycles in the pedestrian
detection system.
“The level of technology across
the range is compelling,” says
Marc Ebolo, managing director of
Holden New Zealand.
“Whether we are talking safety,
convenience or infotainment,
Acadia has the most complete
technology package Holden has
ever offered.”
The Acadia arrives here in
three specifications ranging from
$49,990 to $71,990.