In Holden’s big push for the next 5 years, in addition to the announcement that a new SUV will join the Aussie line-up in the form of the Acadia, the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will too arrive on our shores to replace the ageing Captiva.
The American-built Equinox is a medium SUV that General Motors only recently pulled the covers off and sold in most markets (over 110 of them) under the Chevrolet brand. Obviously, that badge will be shoved to make way for Holden’s red lion emblem.
The all-new Equinox will feature Chevrolet’s most current exterior and interior design cues as well as an fully turbocharged range of engine choices. Either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre blown four-pots will power the SUV along with a 1.6-litre turbodiesel, all mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Though in terms of capacity, these engines don’t seem to quite be a match the heft its tasked with moving, even the base 1.5-litre petrol is turbocharged to a solid 127kW and 275Nm while the 1.6-litre diesel outputs a respectable 101kW and 320Nm. The range-topping 2.0-litre petrol, though, offers 188kW and 353Nm.
Far from being a cut and shut generation step, the 2018 Equinox (which is expected to go on sale as early as the first half of 2017) is built upon an entirely new platform - GM’s D2 series - and shares virtually none of the mechanical components of its predecessor while shedding 180kg.
When it does arrive, it will only be sold as a five seater compared to the soon-to-be-discontinued Captiva to which the Equinox smaller overall. Supposedly, Holden wants those wishing to transport more than 5 occupants will have to look toward the larger Acadia.
The Equinox is also expected to arrive with a string of advanced safety and connectivity features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera that provide the driver with all-round visibility via the updated central infotainment system display.
To conserve fuel, the all-new Equinox’s four-wheel drive system - which should come as standard on every variant - is also capable of decoupling drive to the rear axle when grip is plentiful and/or when operating under a certain load threshold.
We’ll have more information on the Equinox a local launch approaches.
For more on Holden vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
