Driving Holden’s new 7-seat Acadia this week in the Yarra Valley in light rain once again showed up the benefits derived from Holden’s impressive Lang Lang vehicle proving ground.

Thankfully kept by its American GM parent this facility has allowed a talented team of local suspension engineers to fine tune a large American-built SUV to our conditions. I drove a range of Holden Acadia’s this week, no lightweight at around 2 tonne it sits flat through corners even when pushed hard and provides a silky ride with one up or with a load of passengers. Three front-drive and three all-wheel-drive models LT, LTZ and LTZ-V – all powered by the most powerful petrol engine in its class – a 3.6-litre V6 driving through a very silky nine-speed auto. All models this week were consistent in quality and fit and finish and were very quiet on road. Economy runs from a listed 8.9L/100 in front drive to 9.3L/100 in all wheel drive. Holden have priced the entry front-drive LT Acadia from $42,990 drive-away but are offering a $1,000 gift card for a limited time – this is some $7,000 below the drive-away entry price of the big-selling Toyota Kluger making it exceptional value . I’m driving a Kluger at the moment and frankly it feels dated against this all new Acadia. Towing capacity is 2,000 kgs and all models come fitted with a heavy duty tow bar hidden behind the rear bumper. Holden have equipped this new large SUV with a host of features designed to capture your attention – a model they desperately need to succeed. I’m David Berthon

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