Holden Equinox arrives
Holden has launched their new player in the competitive mid-size SUV market, with the Equinox in most dealerships by the time you read this.
Replacing the Captiva in the Holden lineup (although the seven-seat Captiva will continue to be sold until the larger Acadia arrives in 2018), the Equinox is aimed at Mazda’s strong-selling CX-5, Nissan’s X-Trail, the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson.
Local Testing, Local Confidence
To allay concerns of this full-import’s suitability for Australian conditions, Holden says the Equinox underwent extensive local testing prior to release.
“Equinox is a game-changer for Holden and will undoubtedly battle it out at the top of the mid-size SUV segment,” said Holden’s Executive Director – Sales, Michael Filazzola.
“Our customers are demanding more technology and more performance without sacrificing any practicality or value, and with Equinox, Holden is delivering once again.
“We’ve got premium features like a dual-panel panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel and safety alert drivers seat that gives a small vibration to warn drivers of potential hazards. Not to mention Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a rear-view camera as standard across the range.”
Grades and Grunt
Model structure for the Equinox follows a similar format to other Holden 4x4s, with the LS as the entry level, followed by LS+, LT, LTZ and LTZ-V. The LS features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto transmissions.
The LT grade features a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with a 9-speed auto. The same drivetrain is used in the LTZ and LTZ-V, which are the only models in the new range to feature adaptive AWD – optional on the LTZ, standard on the LTZ-V.
Holden says a diesel engine is coming in 2018, but will only be available on the LS+ and higher grades. Whether the diesel will also broaden the AWD offerings is yet to be confirmed. Diesel-engined Equinox pricing will be announced closer to local release.
All model grades are five-seaters and claim an impressive 1798 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, as well as handy tech like a hands-free tailgate, rear-view camera and rear park assist.
Equinox LS - $27,990 manual, $29,990 auto
The Equinox LS 2WD features 17-inch alloys, auto headlights with LED DRLs, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen, multiple USB input and charge points, iPod integration (including Siri Eyes Free), six airbags and two ISOFIX anchor points.
Equinox LS+ - $32,990 auto
Auto only, the Equinox LS+ takes the base model’s features and adds power mirrors and a leather steering wheel, as well as an advanced safety suite that starts with the Holden Eye forward-facing camera system for the AEB, and also includes Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert with head-up warning, Blind Spot Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Safety Alert driver fatigue function, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Auto high beam assist.
When the diesel arrives, it will be offered on this grade.
Equinox LT - $36,990 auto
Starting with the 2.0-litre engine and 9-speed auto upgrade over the LS and LS+, the LT also features HID headlights, 18-inch alloys, front parking sensors, heated front seats, power-folding rear seats, rear cargo release, dual-zone climate control, a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen and sat nav with live traffic updates.
When the diesel arrives, it will be offered on this grade.
Equinox LTZ - $39,990 auto, $44,290 auto AWD
Externally, the LTZ adds 19-inch alloys, LED head and tail lights, roof rails and rain-sensing wipers. Inside, the LTZ adds leather-appointed seats, with a power/memory function on the driver’s seat, plus heated rear seats, a Bose premium sound system and DAB+ digital radio, wireless phone charging and a power tailgate.
Adding Holden’s adaptive AWD to this grade adds $4,300 to the price, while the diesel will be optional on this grade upon arrival.
Equinox LTZ-V - $46,290
The only MY18 Equinox with AWD standard, the LTZ-V builds on the LTZ spec with ventilated front seats, a power function with memory on the front passenger seat, heated leather steering wheel and dual-panel panoramic sunroof.
To launch the new Equinox, Holden are offering a 7-year/175,000km warranty, but full terms and conditions around this have not been revealed, so check with your Holden dealer.
