Holden has announced detailed pricing and specification info for their new mid-size SUV entrant and replacement for the Captiva. The Equinox is due to arrive in showrooms this December with prices starting from a very attractive $27,990 before on-road costs, but has to make up ground fast against some heavy hitting rivals.
This is a totally new model for the local Holden range, plucked from the well-received Chevrolet product of the same name. When it makes its official market debut, the Aussie Equinox will come in five grades to serve buyers with as wide a net to entice buyers of as many budgets brackets as possible, and away from the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and current chart-topper, the Mazda CX-5.
A four-cylinder petrol-only engine range defines the new Equinox at launch (until the 1.6-litre turbodiesel arrives some time in 2018), starting with a turbocharged 1.5-litre ECOTEC with 127kW and 275Nm powering the lower two tiers (LS, LS+) while a gutsier 2.0-litre ECOTEC with 188kW and 353Nm supplies thrust to the remaining three variants (LT, LTZ, LTZ-V). The former will have the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed auto whereas the latter motor is mated exclusively to a 9-speed automatic.
In terms of standard kit, even the entry-level Equinox in LS spec packs a mean value punch, offering 17-inch alloys, rearview camera, automatic headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a 7-inch Holden MyLink infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even Active Noise Cancellation to isolate the cabin from exterior sonic disturbances (automatic-only).
Stepping up to the LS+ ($32,990) adds the coveted active safety suite, branded as Holden Eye, to include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic alert, and Forward Collision Warning. It’s an impressively complete package, but the + also brings along a leather steering wheel, power folding mirrors, and automatic high beam assist.
Bumping up to the LT ($36,990) obviously means some added performance thanks to the larger engine. Added luxuries and cosmetic flourishes are also included, such as 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and HID headlights.
For sheer comfort, though, the LTZ ($39,990) packs in leather seat upholstery and trim, a Bose premium speaker system, full LED headlights and taillights, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar and memory function, wireless phone charging, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free power tailgate, 19-inch alloys, and an optional AWD system ($4,300).
The LTZ-V, though, represents the the most amount of kit and sprinkles that Holden could splatter the Equinox with. Over the already well-specified LTZ, the “-V” crams a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, heated leather steering wheel, power-adjustable passenger seat with lumbar and memory function, ventilated front seats, and standard Adaptive AWD for $46,290.
All grades of the Equinox will come with the solid Summit White exterior colour at no extra cost, though access to Glory Re, Blue Steel (make that face!), Son of a Gun Grey, Nitrate Silver, Pepperdust, and Tuxedo Black will cost an additional $550.
Upon launch, Holden will be offering the Equinox with their 7-year/175,000km warranty. On paper, the Equinox has all the makings of a strong contender in an abnormally competitive segment, but only time will determine its long-term success. Either way, it certainly won’t be for a lack of trying.
- Equinox LS (Manual) - $27,990
- Equinox LS (Automatic) - $29,990
- Equinox LS + (Automatic) - $32,990
- Equinox LT (Automatic) - $36,990
- Equinox LTZ (Automatic) - $39,990
- Equinox LTZ-V (Automatic) - $46,290
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