Talking further on Holden’s new large 7-seat SUV the Acadia – With 3.6-litre petrol V6 and nine speed automatic the Holden Acadia comes in three grades, LT, LTZ and LTZ-V, each in front or all wheel-drive – from $42,990, 53,990 and 63,000 drive-away respectively with all-wheel drive adding $4,000 to each.

An introductory $1,000 gift card drops the entry LT to a very sharp $41,990 drive-away. I’d been driving the big-selling Toyota Kluger before this week’s launch of the Holden Acadia and the Toyota feels old by comparison and a generation behind. All Holden Acadia models come with autonomous emergency braking, a rear view camera, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, forward crash alert and speed sign recognition. A tow bar and seven pin plug are fitted as standard, all three seat rows have air-con outlets while the second and third row seats are elevated for better vision. Cabin room and storage a real highlight.
The second row seat is also a slider so you can gain a lot of legroom. There’s a stack of power outlets and ample USB ports, built in navigation and a handy slide out storage bin under the centre console while the higher grade LTZ gains wireless phone charging, leather trim and powered front seats. Annoyances – the idle stop/start is disappointingly not switchable while I’d like manual shift paddles. This aside the new Holden Acadia is a value packed large SUV that’s extremely competent –now with Holden’s new five-year/Unlimited kilometre warranty and fixed price servicing every

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