2018 Holden Equinox: GM reveals new global SUV in Chevrolet form – UPDATE
General Motors has revealed what will become the 2018 Holden Equinox, due here next year. Exact timing is still to be confirmed, although it is expected that a late-2017 debut is on the cards.
Unveiled in the US today as the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox, the new SUV will replace the ageing Captiva and retire the name.
Spied multiple times in Europe over the past few months, the new Equinox will be sold in North America, Europe and Australia, with launches in other markets also likely.
The new SUV rides on a 2725mm wheelbase, making it - as expected - a more compact footprint than the 2857mm wheelbase of the outgoing model.
Importantly for Australia, however, the new model's wheelbase is longer than the current Holden Captiva, which measures in at 2707mm (for both the retired Captiva 5 and the overall larger Captiva 7, now named simply Captiva).
The new Equinox is also longer overall, measuring 4652mm, against the current Captiva's 4637mm total length.
Despite its greater length, however - and like the Ford Edge that will replace the seven-seat Territory around the same time - the new Equinox is a five-seat offering exclusively. The Captiva, by comparison, can be had in both five- and seven-seat forms.
On the styling front, the new Equinox shares much with the Cruze sedan that will come to Australia early next year, with the familiar dual-port and chrome-trimmed Chevrolet grille dominating the face.
The new model also features a sharp chrome trim along the glasshouse, above wave-like character lines through the door panels. At the rear is a slender take on the popular forward-swept C-pillar design that has featured on many SUVs over the past couple of decades.
Australian specifications are still to be confirmed, but engines in the American market will include 127kW 1.5- and 188kW 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines, along with a 101kW 1.6-litre diesel. All are of an aluminium design with direct injection.
The 2.0-litre unit will be matched to GM's new nine-speed automatic transmission developed together with Ford, while the 1.5 and 1.6 engines will be partnered with a six-speed auto.
Front- and all-wheel-drive configurations will be available, depending on the model and engine/transmission choice.
Suspension is by a MacPherson strut design at the front, matched to four-link independent suspension at the rear.
The Equinox's kerb weight starts at 1509kg (1.5L/FWD), although AWD and 1.6/2.0 model weights are still to be confirmed.
Rear storage space is listed at 846 litres with the back seats up, and 1798 litres when laid flat.
Australia
Holden's statement:
"Holden confirms the all-new Equinox SUV will join its line-up in 2017. This world-class SUV is the next step in Holden's commitment to launching 24 new vehicles by 2020," the company said.
"Alongside the new Trax, Trailblazer and upcoming Acadia, Equinox means Holden will have four new SUVs within two years as the company continues its transformation and building for a bright and sustainable long-term future."
Holden confirmed earlier this month that the big Acadia will be here in 2018.
Chevrolet Equinox details
Overview
Models: | 2018 Chevrolet Equinox |
Body style / driveline: | five-passenger, four-door SUV, front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive |
EPA vehicle class: | compact SUV |
Powertrains
Engine / Type: | 1.5L turbo DOHC DI | 2.0L turbo DOHC DI | 1.6L turbo-diesel |
Block material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
Fuel delivery: | direct injection | direct injection | direct injection |
Power | 127kW (GM-estimated) | 188kW (GM-estimated) | 101kW (GM-estimated) |
Torque | 275Nm (GM-estimated) | 353Nm (GM-estimated) | 320Nm (GM-estimated) |
GM-est. fuel economy (MPG): | 31 hwy | 28 hwy | 40 hwy |
Transmission: | Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic | Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed automatic | Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic |
Chassis / Suspension
Suspension (front): | MacPherson strut with side-loaded modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar |
Suspension (rear): | 4 Link Independent Rear Suspension |
Steering type: | Dual Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering |
Turning circle (ft / m): | 37.4 / 11.4 (17-inch wheels) |
Brakes & Wheels
Brake type: | four-wheel disc with ABS and ESC; Duralife rotors and low-drag calipers (US) |
Wheel size and type: | 17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum |
Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase | 2725mm |
Overall length | 4652mm |
Overall width | 1843mm |
Overall height | 1661mm |
Track | front: 1580mm rear: 1581mm |
Interior Dimensions
Seating capacity: | 2 / 3 |
Headroom (mm): | Front - 1015 (w/o SR), 970 (w/ Sunroof) Rear - 977 (w/o SR), 936 (w/ Sunroof) |
Legroom (mm): | 1040 (front) 1008 (rear) |
Shoulder room (mm): | 1452 (front) 51410 (rear) |
Hip room (mm): | 1314 (rear) |
Weights & Capacities
Base curb weight (kg): | 1509 (1.5L w/ FWD) |
Fuel capacity (L): | 55 (FWD) TBD (AWD) 58 (1.6L diesel) |
Max cargo room (L): | 846 (behind rear seat) 1798 (rear seat folded) |
Max trailering (kg): | 1585 (2.0L turbo) |
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