NZ Car of the Year contender:
Holden Acadia
It’s big, bold, brash and unashamedly American, and the Holden Acadia is one of those vehicles that performs better than initial perception.
It may have swapped its Buick badge for a Holden lion, but the Tennessee-built seven-seater manages to tick all the boxes that make it an extremely effective multi-people mover that works well in New Zealand.
Holden claims 8.9L/100km, but it’s not difficult to rack up larger numbers, especially with the lure of its performance.
With 231kW from its 3.6L V6 through a nine-speed gearbox and 0-100km/h in a tested 7.0s, it’s never short of speed, with a trace of front wheelspin easily tempered by the part-time AWD.
Inside, spec levels are loaded like a cheese and coleslaw chilli dog, with heated/cooled seats, traffic sign recognition, cordless phone charging, and clever access to the third row via a second row seat that tilts forward even with a child’s booster seat attached. Throw in a big boot, even with the third row raised, and there isn’t much the Acadia isn’t good at.
Marc Warr, national marketing manager, Holden New Zealand, says: “Acadia epitomises the transition to this new strategy and is proving to be a sales success, so we’re doubly thrilled with recognition that it is a finalist in the AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year.
“With an Acadia, you don’t just turn up — you arrive. It’s an aspirational vehicle which makes a bold and confident statement, is supremely comfortable and offers untold convenience and familyorientated safety.”
He says numerous standout features are associated with the all-new Acadia. “I love the strong styling, interior spaciousness and comfort as well as the powerful and responsive V6 engine.
“Thanks to the work done by the team at Holden Australia, you can feel Acadia has been tuned for our roads as soon as you get behind the wheel. It is a real driver’s SUV, delivering dynamic steering and unheralded suspension performance.”
Warr says the Acadia is an SUV drivers can rely on. “Myriad active and passive safety features mean you can settle in and enjoy an outstanding and responsive driving experience, arriving in comfort and style.
And the price point is compelling. Acadia starts at just $49,900, with all models in the range coming with a free, threeyear scheduled servicing package.