The 2019 Holden Acadia has begun local testing ahead of its Australian launch later this year.
The seven-seat Acadia will join the smaller Trax, Equinox and Trailblazer in Holden’s SUV line-up.
Holden’s Director of Sales, Peter Keley, commented: “With Acadia undergoing more local testing and its launch on the horizon, Holden is better equipped than ever to satisfy Australia’s demand for SUVs with our range of high-tech, world-class products.”
“The real-world test program we’re running on Acadia ensures it not only drives well on Australian roads, it also fine-tunes technology features such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Auto Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning to work with our unique road markings and signs.”
Known as the Captured Test Fleet (CTF) program and consisting of 16 vehicles, the Acadia is being tested on everyday Australian roads by Holden employees and their families who vary across different demographics.
CTF drivers are required to put the car through its paces in the rigours of daily life and report back any issues that may occur. This could include driving along tram tracks or gravel roads, testing the radio and navigation system as well as putting the traffic sign recognition through its paces in busy areas.
The ability of the Acadia to withstand grubby-fingered children and all the joys they bring, such as spilling food and drink on the seats is also being assessed.
Holden’s Regional Quality Manager, Steve Corcoran, added, “The CTF program includes people from various backgrounds with various car usage characteristics, all working together to make sure Acadia performs to the highest standards on the road and in broader quality areas.”
“The aim of the program is to find real-world problems before our customers do so that they and their families have absolute peace of mind that their Acadia is built and tuned to perform in every way.”
The 16 Australian Acadia test vehicles are also joined by a US fleet of 14 vehicles undertaking similar testing. It is estimated the test fleet will clock up close to 1.5 million kilometres.
This latest testing follows two years of local engineering input in both Australia and the US. The Acadia will have its suspension and steering calibrated for local conditions and tastes.
Final specifications and pricing are still to be confirmed, however, the Acadia will be powered by a 3.6-litre petrol engine with the option of front and all-wheel drive.
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